Introduction:
Black Forest Cheesecake combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and creamy cheesecake into a decadent dessert. This recipe layers creamy cheesecake filling over a chocolate cookie crust, topped with cherry pie filling and chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients Quantities:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo cookies)
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish
Optional Additions:
- Kirsch (cherry brandy) for brushing the cake layers for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the sour cream and heavy cream, and beat until smooth and combined.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the springform pan on a large baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
4. Chill and Decorate:
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully chilled.
- Once chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls.
Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter after adding the eggs to prevent cracking.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cherry pie filling.
Nutritional Estimate:
(Per Serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 7g
Recommendation:
Serve slices of Black Forest Cheesecake chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a delightful combination of chocolate and cherries in a creamy cheesecake form. Enjoy!