Description
Black Forest Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining a rich chocolate cheesecake with a buttery Oreo crust, topped with sweet cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to impress your loved ones! The creamy texture and bold flavors make this a dessert to remember.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 20 Oreo cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- Homemade or store-bought cherry pie filling
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- Make the Crust: Mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter, press into the pan, and bake for 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Water Bath: Boil water for the water bath. (Optional: Place springform pan in an oven-safe bag for extra leak protection).
- Make Chocolate Mixture: Heat heavy cream until hot (not boiling) and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 3-4 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix Cheesecake Batter: In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix. Incorporate eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between each addition. Add vanilla, then the chocolate mixture. Finally, mix in flour.
- Bake: Pour the batter onto the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan, add boiling water halfway up the sides. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Cool & Chill: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove and let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 8 hours.
- Top & Serve: Before serving, top with cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For added Black Forest flavor, stir 2-3 tablespoons of kirsch (cherry brandy) into the cheesecake batter or cherry pie filling.
- If you’re nervous about the water bath, place your springform pan inside a larger cake pan before setting it in the water bath to prevent leaks.
- Be sure to let the cheesecake chill for at least 8 hours to ensure the best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking (with water bath)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg