Oh, Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake! Just saying the name makes my mouth water. This delightful dessert has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. I can still picture those summer afternoons when my mom would whip up this creamy, luxurious cheesecake with a cherry topping. It was the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or even just a sunny weekend. The combination of rich chocolate with the tartness of cherries creates a symphony of flavors that is downright irresistible!
Besides being delicious, Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake holds so many fond memories for me. It reminds me of family gatherings where we’d all gather around the table, eagerly waiting for that first slice to be served. There’s just something about the combination of textures—from the graham cracker crust to the smooth creamy filling, topped with sweet and juicy cherries—that brings a smile to my face every time. Let’s dive right into this recipe so you can create your own sweet memories!
What’s in Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These little guys form the crunchy base of our cheesecake. I love using a mixture of regular and chocolate graham crackers for an extra boost of flavor. It gives that classic cheesecake crust a delightful twist!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the chocolatey richness comes from. Make sure to use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor! It’s the unsweetened variety that really lets the sweetness of the cherries shine through.
Granulated Sugar: A staple in any dessert! Sugar sweetens the entire cheesecake, balancing the flavors.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! I always opt for full-fat cream cheese for that ultra-creamy texture, but you can also use a low-fat version if desired. Just remember that low-fat cream cheese can be a bit more fragile.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and a velvety texture to the cheesecake filling. It helps make it luscious and smooth.
Cherries: Fresh or frozen, sweet cherries will give this dessert that indulgent, fruity burst. If you’re using frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Chocolate Chips: These add delightful pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cheesecake. I typically use semi-sweet chips, but you could substitute dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Is Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a moment. Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is undoubtedly a treat, so it’s not going to be the healthiest option out there. That said, it does have some perks!
Cherries: These beauties pack a nutritious punch! Cherries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. Plus, they’re known to have anti-inflammatory properties. So hey, there’s a slight silver lining to enjoying this dessert, right?
Cream Cheese: While it’s high in fat, cream cheese does provide some calcium and protein. If you use a healthier cream cheese option, you can cut down on some of the calories while still enjoying a rich flavor.
Just keep in mind: moderation is key! It’s perfectly fine to indulge occasionally, but this cheesecake is best enjoyed in smaller slices alongside friends and family.
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (I mix regular and chocolate)
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries (thawed and drained)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
This recipe serves about 12 people, so there should be plenty to share—or keep for yourself!
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cocoa powder, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
3. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes and then remove from the oven to cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the 1 cup of sugar and continue beating until well combined.
5. Add in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until everything is blended nicely. At this point, fold in the chocolate chips and cherries.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust, smoothing out the top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
9. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for about an hour to cool gradually (this helps to prevent cracking).
10. After an hour, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best results).
11. Serve with extra cherries on top for a beautiful presentation, and enjoy!
Sweet Suggestions for Your Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake
– For a bit of extra flair, try drizzling some chocolate sauce on top right before serving.
– You could substitute other types of fruit if cherries aren’t your jam—think strawberries or blueberries for a delightful variation!
– To make it even more indulgent, top your slices with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– If you want a fusion twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the filling for a unique flavor profile.
I hope you give this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake a try! It’s the perfect way to impress guests or simply indulge in a sweet moment for yourself. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your experiences and any twists you add to make it your own! Happy baking!