Velvety Rich Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Indulgent chocolate and cherries dance together in this decadent Black Forest cheesecake that promises pure dessert bliss.

The creamy layers capture classic German flavor profiles with an irresistible twist.

Dark chocolate crumbs form a luxurious base for the silky cream cheese filling.

Ripe, juicy cherries add vibrant bursts of sweetness throughout each delectable slice.

Velvety smooth textures blend perfectly with rich cocoa undertones.

Whipped cream and chocolate shavings crown this spectacular dessert, creating a stunning visual and flavor experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this showstopping treat that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 459 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Black Forest Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Rich, dark base that provides a delightful chocolate foundation with a satisfying crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds a smooth, rich flavor that complements the chocolate cookies.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature creamy and tangy core of the cheesecake, opt for full-fat versions for maximum richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and helps create a smooth, balanced flavor profile.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure, ensuring a silky, stable cheesecake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes, choose pure vanilla for best results.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess, creating a velvety smooth consistency.

• Dark Chocolate: Creates decadent shavings and adds intense, rich chocolate flavor.
• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: Brings vibrant, sweet-tart cherry flavor and a stunning visual appeal.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Allows for creating light, airy decorative swirls and adds luxurious richness.
• Kirsch (Optional): Traditional German cherry liqueur that intensifies the cherry flavor and adds sophistication.

Tools That Bring Black Forest Cheesecake Together

• Springform Pan: 9-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
• Aluminum Foil: Wrap around pan bottom to prevent water seepage during baking.
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for combining cookie crumbs and butter, another for cheesecake filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Ensures smooth, creamy cheesecake batter without lumps.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and fold ingredients evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Supports springform pan during water bath baking.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.

Prepare Black Forest Cheesecake from Start to Slice

• Prepare The Crust

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until perfectly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a smooth, even base. Bake quickly for 10 minutes and let cool completely.

• Create Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until smooth and velvety. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing gently to maintain a light texture. Pour rich chocolate into the mixture, swirling to create beautiful marbled patterns throughout.

• Assemble And Bake

Place pan in a water bath to ensure even, gentle cooking. Slide into a preheated oven at 325F and bake until the center is barely set but still slightly jiggly. The cheesecake should look delicate and pillowy.

• Cool And Decorate

Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, top with whipped cream, fresh cherries, and chocolate shavings. Chill in the refrigerator for several hours to set and develop deep, incredible flavors.

• Serve And Enjoy

Carefully release the springform pan’s sides. Slice with a warm knife for clean, beautiful cuts. Serve chilled and watch everyone fall in love with this luxurious dessert.

Tips to Enhance Black Forest Cheesecake Flavor

• Press the cookie crumb mixture gently but firmly to create a compact, even base that won't crumble when slicing the cheesecake.
• Use high-quality dark cherries in syrup for an authentic Black Forest flavor, or opt for fresh cherries when they're in season for a vibrant taste.
• Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly, enhancing the overall taste and consistency.
• Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or ground almond cookies to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and replace some butter with applesauce in the crust for a healthier alternative without compromising flavor.

Serve Black Forest Cheesecake Like a Pro

• Chocolate Cherry Companion: Serve alongside fresh cherries or a small bowl of cherry compote to enhance the black forest flavor profile.
• Whipped Cream Wonderland: Top each slice with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream and sprinkle shaved dark chocolate for an elegant presentation.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich cheesecake with a hot espresso or cappuccino, which will balance the sweetness and highlight the deep chocolate notes.
• Dessert Wine Dream: Pair with a sweet German Riesling or port wine to elevate the dessert experience and match the black forest cake inspiration.

Store Black Forest Cheesecake to Keep It Rich and Smooth

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its rich flavors and creamy texture intact.
• Carefully wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for convenient storage up to 2 months.
• Always let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and maintain its smooth consistency.
• Remove cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its delectable taste and texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the Black Forest Cheesecake?

The key ingredients include chocolate cookie crumbs, butter, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, sour cream, vanilla extract, fresh cherries, and chocolate shavings.

• Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or use gluten-free graham crackers to create the crust.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open after baking.

• What type of cherries work best for this recipe?

Fresh dark cherries or high-quality canned pitted cherries work best. If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully and remove stems before adding to the cheesecake.