Description
Indulgent chocolate strawberry cheesecake brings rich, creamy layers of sweet sophistication to dessert lovers. Sweet strawberry swirls and chocolate ganache create an irresistible finale you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping and Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup chocolate ganache
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing and setting oven temperature to 325F (165C).
- Create a rich chocolate crust by thoroughly mixing cookie crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then pressing firmly into the pan’s bottom.
- Craft the cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sour cream and eggs while maintaining a consistent texture.
- Enhance the batter’s complexity by gently folding in cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and delicate strawberry pieces until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the velvety mixture into the prepared crust, ensuring an even surface with gentle spreading.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a set center with minimal jiggling when gently shaken.
- After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, facilitating gradual cooling and preventing surface cracking.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to develop optimal flavor and texture.
- Prepare the strawberry topping by simmering sliced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and water until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Create a luxurious chocolate ganache by pouring scalding cream over chocolate chips, allowing brief resting, then stirring until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
- Artfully layer the cooled strawberry topping across the chilled cheesecake’s surface.
- Drizzle the slightly cooled ganache over the strawberry layer, creating an elegant finish.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and textures to set perfectly.
Notes
- Prevent cracks by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter.
- Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking for a moist, even texture.
- Substitute gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust to make this dessert celiac-friendly and accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar content by using fresh strawberries and dark chocolate with lower sugar percentages for a healthier version of this decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking and cooking topping)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 46 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg