Dive into Decadence: Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss!

1. Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 325F 160C.
In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix well and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Batter:
Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined.
Mix in sour cream, then add eggs one at a time, blending well after each.
Stir in melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
Bake for 5060 minutes, or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Make the Cherry Filling:
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Let it cool completely.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Top the chilled cheesecake with the cherry filling.
Decorate with dollops of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and extra cherries.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling/Chill Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 6.5 hours
Servings: 12