Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries. A showstopper dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos or chocolate graham crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 6-8 strawberries)

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until fully combined.
4. Divide the mixture into two portions.
5. To one portion, add the melted chocolate and mix until smooth.
6. To the other portion, stir in the strawberry puree, combining until smooth.

3. Layer the Cheesecake:

1. Pour the chocolate cheesecake mixture into the crust and smooth it out.
2. Gently spoon the strawberry cheesecake mixture on top of the chocolate layer.
3. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the two mixtures together slightly for a marbled effect.
4. Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

4. Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set (it should still have a slight jiggle).
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.
3. Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

5. Make the Strawberry Sauce (Optional):

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Let it cool to room temperature before serving with the cheesecake.

6. Garnish and Serve:

1. Once the cheesecake is chilled, remove it from the springform pan.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
3. Serve with the strawberry sauce on the side or drizzle it over each slice.

Tips:

• Make it ahead: Cheesecake tastes even better the day after it’s made, as the flavors have time to meld together.
• For a firmer texture: If you prefer a denser cheesecake, increase the amount of cream cheese to 4 packages.
• Optional crust: For a more decadent crust, try using a mix of crushed chocolate cookies and crushed almonds or hazelnuts.

This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for special occasions or anytime you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. It combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries in a way that will have everyone coming back for more!