Black Forest-Style Cheesecake Recipe
This Black Forest-Style Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining a rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy chocolate-infused cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping. Finished with whipped cream and chocolate curls, it delivers the classic flavors of Black Forest cake in a creamy, indulgent cheesecake form perfect for special occasions or dessert lovers.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (150g) chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce/225g) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
- 4 ounces (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cherry Topping:
- 2 cups (300g) pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Decoration:
- 1 cup (240ml) whipped cream
- Dark chocolate curls or shavings (optional)
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate until evenly blended.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until cherries release their juices, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cooled cherry topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake surface.
- Decorate: Pipe or spoon whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake and garnish with dark chocolate curls or shavings for an authentic Black Forest look.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake with a warm knife to achieve clean edges and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries work well; just thaw before using.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for optimal set and flavor development.
- Using a warm knife to slice helps prevent cracking and ensures clean slices.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate.
- To avoid cracks, do not overbake the cheesecake; the center should remain slightly wobbly when done.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Black Forest Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Cherry Dessert, Decadent Desserts, Homemade Cheesecake, Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake