There's something magical about the combination of cherries and chocolate in a rich, creamy cheesecake. The way the sweet cherries burst with flavor against the deep, velvety chocolate makes every bite feel indulgent.

I first made this cheesecake for a family gathering, and it disappeared almost instantly. Since then, it's been my go-to dessert for special occasions, from birthdays to holiday feasts. If you're looking for a showstopping dessert that's both decadent and easy to make, this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is the one.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

Get ready to fall in love with a cheesecake that combines rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and a buttery crust for the ultimate dessert experience.

First, it's a breeze to make. While cheesecakes might seem intimidating, this recipe is simple enough for beginners, with straightforward steps and no complicated techniques.

The flavor combination is out of this world. The contrast of the deep chocolate base with the tart cherry topping creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

It’s an elegant dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. The glossy cherry topping against the dark chocolate makes for a visually stunning centerpiece at any gathering.

Plus, you can make it ahead of time. Cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling for several hours, so it's a great dessert to prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake lies in the perfect balance of flavors, achieved with just a few key ingredients.

The chocolate cookie crust sets the stage for this indulgent dessert. Using crushed chocolate cookies mixed with melted butter creates a crisp, flavorful base that complements the creamy filling.

The cream cheese filling is the heart of this cheesecake. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest texture. The addition of sour cream enhances the richness and ensures a perfectly creamy consistency.

The dark chocolate adds a luxurious depth to the filling. Melted and blended into the batter, it creates a deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cherries.

The cherry topping is the crowning glory. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, a touch of sugar and cornstarch thickens them into a luscious topping that adds brightness to every bite.

A springform pan is essential for a classic cheesecake shape. It allows for easy release, ensuring your dessert looks as beautiful as it tastes.

How To Make This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

Creating this delicious cheesecake is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a flawless result.

Start by preparing the crust. Crush the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan and bake for 10 minutes to set.

While the crust cools, make the chocolate cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, cocoa powder, and melted dark chocolate. Once fully incorporated, add the eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract for an ultra-creamy consistency.

Pour the chocolate filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks, ensuring a silky-smooth texture. Once baked, let it cool gradually by turning off the oven and cracking the door slightly before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least four hours.

For the cherry topping, cook cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool completely before spreading over the chilled cheesecake for a vibrant, glossy finish.

Once fully set, slice and serve this luscious dessert, enjoying the perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.

Storage Options

This cheesecake keeps well, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days. The flavors deepen over time, making each slice even more delicious.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer a softer texture, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

Swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, less intense flavor.

Try a different fruit topping. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries make excellent substitutes for cherries.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. The rest of the recipe remains naturally gluten-free.

If you’re short on time, use a pre-made cherry pie filling instead of making the topping from scratch.

Experiment with different crusts! A graham cracker crust or even a brownie base would add another layer of flavor to this indulgent treat.

No matter how you customize it, this Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every rich, creamy, chocolate-cherry-filled bite!