Irresistible Black Forest Cheesecake (Print-Friendly Version)

Creamy chocolate cheesecake meets cherries on a biscuit crust, perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 180 grams crushed chocolate biscuits (such as chocolate graham crackers or Oreos, filling removed)
02 - 60 millilitres unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

03 - 675 grams cream cheese, softened
04 - 200 grams granulated sugar
05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 5 millilitres vanilla extract
07 - 45 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - 120 millilitres heavy cream

→ Topping & Garnish

09 - 240 grams cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote
10 - 60 grams dark chocolate shavings or curls

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 160°C. Lightly grease a 23-centimetre springform pan and wrap the exterior in a double layer of foil for leak protection.
02 - Combine crushed chocolate biscuits and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the pan base to create an even crust. Freeze while preparing filling.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Add granulated sugar and beat until incorporated. Blend in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, then add cocoa powder and heavy cream, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
04 - Pour cocoa cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula. If using a water bath, place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches midway up the sides.
05 - Bake for 55–60 minutes until edges are set and the centre remains slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and allow the cheesecake to cool for 1 hour to minimise cracking.
06 - Remove cheesecake from oven and cool at room temperature. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture.
07 - Just prior to serving, spoon cherry filling over the surface and spread evenly. Top with dark chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
02 - A water bath promotes even baking and helps prevent surface cracks.
03 - Dutch-processed cocoa powder may be used for a deeper chocolate flavour.
04 - For homemade cherry compote, simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and lemon juice.
05 - Oreo cookies (with filling removed) are suitable for the biscuit crust.

Return