Description
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake combines rich, creamy indulgence with sweet berry elegance. Silky cream cheese layers and chocolate-dipped strawberries create a dessert that melts hearts and satisfies deepest cravings you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Crust):
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Fresh Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
Chocolate and Topping Ingredients:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips for drizzling
- Chocolate-covered strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325F (165C) and coating a 9-inch springform pan with grease to prevent sticking.
- Create a robust crust by thoroughly mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then pressing the mixture compactly into the pan’s base.
- Craft the luxurious cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sour cream and eggs while ensuring consistent blending after each addition.
- Integrate rich chocolate elements by folding in vanilla extract, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and melted dark chocolate until the mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency.
- Transfer the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface to ensure an even distribution.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a set center and slightly puffed edges, then allow the cheesecake to rest in the turned-off oven with a slightly open door for one hour.
- Cool the cheesecake completely at room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
- Prepare decadent chocolate-covered strawberries by delicately dipping fresh strawberries into a mixture of melted dark chocolate and coconut oil, then allowing them to set on a parchment-lined tray.
- Construct a glossy chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then pouring it over dark chocolate chips and stirring until achieving a smooth, lustrous finish.
- Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, generously spread the cooled ganache across the surface, creating an indulgent chocolate layer.
- Artfully arrange the chocolate-covered strawberries atop the ganache, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.
- Complete the dessert by garnishing with delicate whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings just before serving to ensure maximum visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
- Use a water bath method by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to prevent cracking and create a silky texture.
- For gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the rich, crunchy base.
- Prevent chocolate-covered strawberries from sweating by thoroughly drying them and adding a small amount of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a glossy, stable coating.
- Prep Time: About 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50-60 minutes (including baking and leaving in oven)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 213
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 56 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg