Prize Winning Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
Indulge in the decadence of this Prize Winning Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, a showstopping dessert that blends rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and creamy cheesecake in perfect harmony. Featuring a buttery chocolate graham cracker crust, a velvety chocolate-infused cream cheese filling swirled with luscious cherry pie filling, and a glossy chocolate glaze, this cheesecake is as visually striking as it is delicious. The recipe uses a water bath technique to ensure a flawlessly smooth texture, while fresh cherries add a pop of vibrant flavor and color. Ideal for special occasions or indulgent family dinners, this cheesecake is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds. Impress your guests with every forkful of this irresistible dessert masterpiece!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups (crumbs) chocolate graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 0.75 cup sour cream
- 3 pieces large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 0.75 cup cherry pie filling
- 0.5 cup heavy cream (for glaze)
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for glaze)
- 1 cup fresh cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom with aluminum foil to prevent leakage.
In a medium bowl, mix chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add the sour cream, eggs (one at a time, beating after each addition), and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix to avoid adding excess air.
Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Pour half of the filling over the prepared crust.
Using a spoon, dollop half of the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl it into the filling. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface.
Repeat the dolloping and swirling process with the remaining cherry pie filling over the top layer of batter.
Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath.
Bake for about 70 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. Remove from the water bath and let cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the chocolate glaze, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat, then pour over 4 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate. Pour the chocolate glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
Garnish with fresh cherries on top before serving. Slice and enjoy your Prize Winning Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7916 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 556.9 g | 714% | |
| Saturated Fat | 333.4 g | 1667% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1743 mg | 581% | |
| Sodium | 3225 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 696.2 g | 253% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.7 g | 124% | |
| Total Sugars | 574.9 g | ||
| Protein | 93.5 g | 187% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1328 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 30.1 mg | 167% | |
| Potassium | 3210 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
