Description
Indulge in this stunning Black Forest Cheesecake, a decadent fusion of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate cake, and sweet cherry filling. Topped with luscious cherries and a glossy cherry glaze, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or special occasions
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (225g) fresh or canned cherries (pitted, with some whole for decoration)
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Whole cherries (with stems)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Add sugar and mix.
- Whisk in milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and heavy cream until creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled chocolate cake base.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil and place it in a large roasting pan. Add hot water to the roasting pan to create a water bath.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set with a slight jiggle in the center. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Let cool.
- Assemble the Black Forest Cheesecake:
- Spread the cherry topping over the cooled cheesecake. Decorate with whole cherries and chocolate shavings if desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use frozen cherries if fresh cherries are not in season.
- For a boozy twist, soak the cherries in kirsch or cherry liqueur before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.