Black Forest Cheesecake 

A rich chocolate cheesecake topped with cherries and whipped cream

 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookie Crust

• 2 cups (200 g) chocolate cookie crumbs
  (Oreo cookies with filling removed, or chocolate graham crackers)
• 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/3 cup (40 g) cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cherry Topping

• 2 cups (350–400 g) cherries, fresh or frozen (pitted)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

For Decoration (Optional but Recommended)

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate curls or shavings
• Extra cherries

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Crush the cookies into fine crumbs (food processor or by hand).
3. Mix crumbs with melted butter (and sugar if using) until evenly moistened.
4. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

2️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sugar and continue mixing until fully blended.
3. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Add melted dark chocolate and mix again.
5. Add cocoa powder and salt.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed — do not overmix.

3️⃣ Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the filling over the crust.
2. Place the pan on a baking tray.
3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour (prevents cracking).
5. Move to the refrigerator and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.

4️⃣ Make the Cherry Topping

1. Add cherries, sugar, and 2 tbsp water to a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat until cherries soften (about 5 minutes).
3. Mix cornstarch with 2 tsp water and stir into the cherries.
4. Cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
5. Add vanilla and lemon juice. Let it cool completely.

5️⃣ Assemble the Black Forest Cheesecake

1. Spoon the cooled cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake.
2. Add whipped cream swirls around the edges.
3. Finish with chocolate shavings and extra cherries.

6️⃣ Serve

• Slice with a clean hot knife (wipe between cuts).
• Enjoy this rich, elegant Black Forest–style dessert!