Decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting a decadent dark chocolate cherry cheesecake promises pure culinary magic for dessert enthusiasts.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with rich cocoa notes and sweet cherry essence.

Complex flavors dance across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Delicate cherries add beautiful crimson swirls throughout the creamy landscape.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe truly memorable and irresistible.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the intense, velvety texture and sophisticated taste profile.

We invite you to create this show-stopping dessert that guarantees delighted smiles around the table.

Reasons to Love Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Indulge in Decadence: Dark chocolate and cherries create a luxurious flavor combination that transforms an ordinary dessert into a gourmet experience.
• Conquer Complex Baking: This recipe guides you through professional-level cheesecake techniques with clear, manageable steps perfect for home bakers wanting to expand their skills.
• Wow Special Occasions: Elegant and impressive, this cheesecake delivers restaurant-quality presentation that makes gatherings memorable, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or dinner party.
• Master Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert in advance, allowing you to reduce stress during event planning while ensuring a stunning final result that chills and sets perfectly.

Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich, chocolatey base that provides a delightful crunch and depth of flavor for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Cream Cheese: The main component that gives the cheesecake its creamy, tangy, and luxurious texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Dark Chocolate: Adds a rich, intense chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.

• Cherries, Granulated Sugar, Cornstarch, Water: Create a glossy, sweet, and thick cherry sauce that complements the chocolate cheesecake perfectly.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Step 1: Create A Chocolate Cookie Base

Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Sour cream
• Eggs (add one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each)
• Vanilla extract
• Melted dark chocolate

Blend until the mixture is completely combined and velvety.

Step 3: Bake The Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake batter over the chocolate cookie crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes until the center sets. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour.

Step 4: Cool And Chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 5: Prepare Luscious Cherry Topping

• Cherries
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. Allow the topping to cool completely.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Spread the cooled cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve this decadent dark chocolate cherry cheesecake to delight your guests.

Pro Tips for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Select Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire cheesecake.
• Create Smooth Batter: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, creamy texture throughout the cheesecake.
• Prevent Cracking Tricks: Open the oven door slightly after baking and let cheesecake cool gradually to minimize surface cracks and maintain a perfect appearance.
• Stabilize Cherry Topping: Mix cornstarch thoroughly with sugar before adding liquid to prevent lumpy cherry sauce and create a glossy, smooth consistency.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate cheesecake for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Flavor Variations for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Swap butter for coconut oil in the crust for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or almond flour for the crust. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free dark chocolate and fresh cherries to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Fruit Fusion Variation: Replace cherries with mixed berries or raspberry compote. Experiment with different fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry to create unique flavor profiles that complement the dark chocolate base.

Pairing Ideas for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with deep fruit notes that complement the dark chocolate's richness and enhance the cherry's sweet-tart flavor profile.
• Create Espresso Harmony: Serve a shot of strong, freshly brewed espresso alongside the cheesecake to cut through the creamy texture and intensify the dark chocolate's complex undertones.
• Match with Dessert Liqueur: Choose a smooth cherry liqueur like kirsch or a chocolate-based liqueur such as Godiva to elevate the dessert's decadent flavors and provide a complementary alcoholic warmth.
• Introduce Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream to create a temperature contrast and balance the cheesecake's dense, rich characteristics with its cool, creamy sweetness.

Storage Guidelines for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cherry topping remains fresh and the texture stays creamy.
• Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining its rich flavor and smooth consistency.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicate texture.
• Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make the texture grainy and compromise the delicate chocolate and cherry flavors.

FAQs About Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

• What are the key ingredients that make this cheesecake unique?

Dark chocolate and fresh cherries are the star ingredients, creating a rich, decadent flavor profile that elevates this classic dessert beyond traditional cheesecake.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly fine. Just thaw and drain them before making the cherry topping to prevent excess liquid.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Gradually adding eggs, baking at a low temperature, and allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven helps prevent surface cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

• What type of dark chocolate works best for this recipe?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for the most intense and rich chocolate flavor in the cheesecake.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: At least 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time of at least 4 hours)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent dark chocolate cherry cheesecake brings rich, velvety layers of creamy decadence to dessert lovers. Luscious cherries and deep chocolate create a harmonious symphony of flavors you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 8 ounces (225 g) dark chocolate, melted and cooled

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
• Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325F (165C) and lightly coating a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
2. Create a rich chocolate foundation by blending chocolate cookie crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s base.
3. Craft the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sour cream and eggs while maintaining a consistent texture.
4. Enhance the cheesecake base with melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract, gently folding until thoroughly integrated.
5. Transfer the luxurious batter into the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center achieves a delicate, set consistency, then implement a gradual cooling technique by leaving the cheesecake in the turned-off oven with a slightly ajar door for one hour.
7. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
8. Prepare the vibrant cherry topping by simmering cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
9. Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, generously spread the cooled cherry compote across the surface, creating a luscious final layer.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture for the cheesecake base.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for intense, rich chocolate flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
• Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method, which helps create a more even, crack-free cheesecake surface.
• For a gluten-free version, replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the crust suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg