Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreo or graham crackers)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Black Forest Layer:
- 1 ½ cups pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup dark chocolate shavings or chips
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish)
- Additional chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to compact it.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Prepare the Black Forest Layer:
- In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the cherry mixture and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let the cherry mixture cool completely.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the cooled cherry mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the cherries.
5. Add the Topping:
- Pipe or spread whipped cream over the cherry layer.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and additional chocolate shavings.
6. Serve:
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake, tart cherries, and rich chocolate!
- This Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight is a showstopper dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration! 🍒🍫