Description
Indulgent Strawberry Chocolate Dream Cheesecake brings silky chocolate and fresh strawberries into a luxurious dessert experience. Sweet layers of creamy richness melt together, creating a sophisticated treat you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry puree
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces (115 grams) dark chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth in a large mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla, beating until luxuriously creamy. Introduce eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream and heavy cream.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, then delicately swirl into the cream cheese mixture until perfectly harmonized.
- Transfer the velvety filling onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to create a pristine surface. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for slightly jiggly center and set edges.
- After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour. This gentle cooling prevents cracking and ensures a smooth texture.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal consistency.
- Prepare the strawberry topping by combining sliced strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Allow the mixture to macerate for 30 minutes, intensifying the fruity flavors.
- Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate. Lavish the top with the macerated strawberry mixture.
- Optional: Embellish with dollops of whipped cream and delicate mint leaves for an elegant finishing touch. Serve chilled and indulge in this decadent dessert.
Notes
- Prevent crust crumbling by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring a compact base that holds together perfectly.
- Avoid cheesecake cracking by baking in a water bath or placing a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack to create humidity during baking.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling and ensure consistent texture.
- Customize the dessert for dietary needs by using gluten-free graham crackers, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, or sugar substitutes for a more inclusive treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 212 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg