Black Forest Cheesecake Symphony

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it’s packed firmly. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set. Let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the sour cream and sugar, beating until combined and creamy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder until smooth.
4. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.
8. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in for an additional 1 hour to cool gradually (this helps prevent cracking). Then, let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

3. Prepare the Cherry Topping:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry.
3. Once the cherries are heated through, add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and stir. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Let the cherry topping cool completely before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake:

1. Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, pour the cooled cherry topping over the top, spreading it evenly.
2. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and enjoy the rich, creamy layers of chocolate cheesecake, with a delightful burst of cherry goodness on top!
• This dessert is perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or when you simply want to indulge in a luxurious treat. 🍰🍒✨

Would you like to add a chocolate ganache drizzle to enhance the chocolatey goodness even more?