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Easy Black Forest Cheesecake

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A quick and easy Black Forest cheesecake featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cocoa-infused filling, and a fresh cherry topping. Perfect for any occasion, this indulgent dessert balances rich chocolate and tart cherries with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (180g) chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  2. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a rack.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder; mix until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, just until incorporated.
  4. Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes until mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door slightly open for 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes until cherries release juice and sugar dissolves. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 2 more minutes until thickened. Cool to room temperature.
  7. Spoon cherry topping over chilled cheesecake. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Slice with a hot knife and serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream for a smooth filling. Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Baking in a water bath can help reduce cracking. Let cheesecake cool gradually in the oven before chilling. Use a hot knife for clean slices. Frozen cherries should be thawed and drained well before cooking to avoid excess liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, cherry cheesecake, chocolate crust, quick dessert, no-fuss cheesecake

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/easy-black-forest-cheesecake-recipe-5-steps-for-perfect-indulgence/