Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweetness of cherries and the indulgence of chocolate. The graham cracker crust provides the perfect base, while the cheesecake filling is smooth and luxurious, topped off with a decadent layer of cherry pie filling and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This dessert is sure to impress at any gathering and is perfect for those who love fruity, chocolaty treats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Blend in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Let it cool completely.
- Add Toppings: Once cooled, top with cherry pie filling and sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Fruit Variations: Instead of cherry pie filling, try other fruit toppings like blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling for a different flavor twist.
- Crust Alternatives: You can substitute the graham cracker crust with an Oreo cookie crust or a nut-based crust (like almond or pecan) for a different texture and taste.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling to make a chocolate-flavored cheesecake base before adding the cherry topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crust to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 2-3 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this cheesecake, as it is served cold. Simply remove it from the fridge and top with fresh chocolate chips or fruit if desired before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
- Can I use a different type of crust? Absolutely! You can use an Oreo cookie crust, graham cracker crust, or even a nut-based crust for a different flavor.
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? Yes, fresh cherries can be used, though they may need to be cooked down a bit with sugar to make a sweet topping.
- How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking? Avoid overbaking the cheesecake and allow it to cool in the oven with the door slightly open for a while. This will help prevent cracks caused by sudden temperature changes.
- Can I make mini cheesecakes instead of one large one? Yes, you can make mini cheesecakes by using a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
- Can I use a regular pie pan instead of a springform pan? Yes, but a springform pan works best for cheesecake as it allows for easy removal without disturbing the shape.
- How can I make this cheesecake richer? Add a bit of heavy cream to the cheesecake filling to make it creamier and richer.
- Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips? Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter topping.
- Can I make this cheesecake without eggs? Yes, you can substitute eggs with a non-dairy option, such as egg replacer or silken tofu, for a similar texture.
- Can I freeze the topping with the cheesecake? While you can freeze the cheesecake, it’s best to freeze the cheesecake itself and add fresh toppings later to keep them from becoming soggy.
Conclusion
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is a delicious, indulgent dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavors of cherries, topped with the perfect amount of chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, this cheesecake is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes!