Introduction

If you’re a fan of decadent desserts, the Black Forest Cheesecake is a must-try! This rich and creamy treat combines the delightful flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cream cheese in a way that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something indulgent.

Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

24 oz full-fat cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
21 oz cherry pie filling
1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
Chocolate shavings for garnish
Ingredients for cake base:
- Flour (quantity not specified, see instructions)
- Butter (melted, quantity not specified)
- Baking powder (quantity not specified)
- Salt (quantity not specified)
- Additional sugar and eggs for cake base

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prepare for the cake base.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients for the cake base: flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, beat melted butter, sugar, and eggs together until the mixture is fluffy. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
Step 3: For the cheesecake filling, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in sour cream and cocoa powder until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled cake base. Place the springform pan in a water bath (a larger pan filled with hot water) and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
Step 5: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate overnight to set fully.
Step 6: Before serving, top the cheesecake with cherry pie filling, freshly whipped cream made from heavy whipping cream, and garnish with chocolate shavings for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually and chill overnight to prevent cracks and ensure a smooth surface.
Swap cherry pie filling for fresh or frozen cherries macerated with a bit of sugar and kirsch for a more authentic Black Forest taste.
For a richer whipped cream topping, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract when whipping the cream.
If you prefer a gluten-free dessert, substitute the cake base ingredients with gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the Black Forest Cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Reheat is not recommended, as this dessert is best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake actually benefits from resting overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Be sure to chill thoroughly and run a knife around the edges to loosen before unmolding.

Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 59 reviews

Indulge in this decadent Black Forest Cheesecake, a luscious dessert blending rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherry pie filling. Featuring a moist cocoa-infused cake base topped with a smooth chocolate cheesecake layer, then finished with cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a luxurious treat.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time: overnight chilling time included, approximately 12 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs

Cheesecake Filling

24 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Topping and Garnish

21 oz cherry pie filling
1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cheesecake.
Make the Cake Base: In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the melted butter, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cake base is set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in sour cream and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
Assemble and Bake in Water Bath: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled cake base in the springform pan. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the side of the springform pan to create a water bath. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes until the edges are firm but the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to set fully.
Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and dollop or pipe over the cherries. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Using a water bath helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface by baking it gently and evenly.
Ensure ingredients like cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries macerated with sugar if preferred.
For easier removal, chill the cheesecake for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Black Forest Cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, cherry cheesecake, chocolate cake base, creamy cheesecake dessert, holiday desserts