Description
Rich chocolate and cherry layers merge in this Black Forest Cheesecake Symphony, creating a delectable German-inspired dessert. Smooth cream cheese, intense cocoa, and kirsch-soaked cherries dance together, delivering a luxurious experience with each sublime bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200 g) chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 8 ounces (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (350 g) cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 6 ounces (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh cherries
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Craft a robust foundation by combining chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan. Briefly toast the crust in a preheated oven at 325F (165C) for 10 minutes to enhance its structural integrity.
- Create a luxurious filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is thoroughly integrated before adding the next.
- Gently fold in sour cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract, maintaining a silky consistency without overmixing. The goal is a uniform, glossy mixture that promises decadent texture.
- Transfer the filling into the prepared crust, positioning the springform pan within a larger water bath. This technique prevents unsightly surface cracks and promotes even baking.
- Roast the cheesecake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, watching for subtle jiggling at the center and firm edges as indicators of perfect doneness. Allow the cheesecake to gradually cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar.
- Develop a luscious cherry compote by simmering fresh cherries with sugar, thickening with cornstarch until the mixture reaches a jam-like consistency. Cool completely to preserve vibrant flavor.
- Craft a glossy ganache by gently heating cream and pouring over premium dark chocolate. Stir until achieving a seamless, reflective finish.
- Layer the cooled cherry compote across the cheesecake’s surface, then cascade the ganache in an elegant drizzle. Ensure even distribution for a visually stunning presentation.
- Refrigerate the assembled masterpiece for minimum 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set. Before serving, embellish with delicate whipped cream, fresh cherries, or ethereal chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Prevent Cheesecake Cracking by creating a gentle, humid baking environment with the water bath technique, ensuring smooth and crack-free surface.
- Customize Texture by adjusting mixing speed – low and slow prevents air bubbles that can cause uneven baking and potential surface imperfections.
- Enhance Flavor Depth by using high-quality dark chocolate and fresh cherries, which intensify the Black Forest profile and create more complex taste layers.
- Make Gluten-Free by substituting chocolate cookie crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the rich texture without compromising dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 235 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg