Black Forest Cheesecake Bliss – Page 2

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even crust.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and cocoa powder, and mix until smooth and combined.
Fold in the melted semi-sweet chocolate until fully incorporated.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set (it should still slightly jiggle).
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour with the door ajar to slowly cool down (this helps prevent cracking).
After the cheesecake cools, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Prepare the Cherry Topping:

While the cheesecake is chilling, make the cherry topping. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices.
If you prefer a thicker topping, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the cherry mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and allow the cherry topping to cool completely.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake:

Once the cheesecake has chilled and the cherry topping has cooled, spoon the cherry topping over the cheesecake.
Garnish with dark or milk chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
Slice into generous pieces and enjoy the rich, creamy, and fruity bliss of this Black Forest Cheesecake! 🍒🍫

Tips:

For a smoother texture: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
For extra decadence: You can add a layer of whipped cream on top before adding the cherries, or even a few extra chocolate curls for that luxurious finish.
Flavor variations: If fresh cherries are out of season, you can use jarred cherries or a canned cherry pie filling (just drain the syrup before using).

This cheesecake combines everything we love about Black Forest cake—chocolate, cherries, and a creamy, indulgent texture. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this dessert! Let me know how it turns out! 😋🍒

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