If ever there was a showstopper of a dessert, it would have to be Black Forest Cheesecake Delight! This gorgeous bake takes everything we love about the classic Black Forest Cake and brings it together with the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake. Rich chocolate, lush cherries, a cloud of whipped cream, and a buttery cookie crust all meet here in one swoon-worthy slice. Whether it’s a special holiday, birthday, or just a craving for decadence, this cheesecake is the true definition of dessert bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Black Forest Cheesecake Delight is that you don’t need a hundred fancy ingredients—just a handful of essentials that each brings something magical to the table. From the creamy richness of softened cream cheese to the bright sparkle of cherry pie filling, every detail adds to the iconic flavor, texture, and stunning look of this dessert.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These create a deeply chocolatey, crunchy base that holds all the creamy layers above.
- Granulated sugar: Blends sweetness into the crust and cheesecake filling, balancing out the tang of cream cheese.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the cookie crumbs together for a perfectly firm and flavorful crust.
- Cream cheese, softened: The heart of our cheesecake—let it come to room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
- Large eggs: Essential for richness and ensuring that smooth, custardy texture we all love.
- Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic kiss that elevates the cake’s chocolate and cherry flavors.
- Sour cream: A touch of tang boosts the flavor and creates a delightfully soft bite.
- All-purpose flour: Stabilizes the cheesecake for that perfect slice every time.
- Semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled: Provides rich, bittersweet notes that make the chocolate flavor shine.
- Cherry pie filling: Sweet-tart cherries are the juicy, glistening crown of this dessert.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to cloud-like peaks for an irresistibly light and luxurious finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens up the whipped cream while also adding a touch of stability.
- Chocolate shavings for garnish: A little drama on top—these make every slice look and taste truly special.
- Extra cherries for garnish: Because you can never have too many cherries when it comes to Black Forest Cheesecake Delight!
How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, stir together the chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Once the mixture resembles wet sand, press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Take your time with this step, using the bottom of a glass to compact it so it holds up under all that luscious filling!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until super smooth and creamy—don’t rush! Add the eggs in, one at a time, mixing well between each so the filling stays velvety (no lumps!). Next, gently blend in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and all-purpose flour until combined, making sure to scrape down the sides. Finally, fold in your melted and cooled chocolate for that chocolatey twist that makes Black Forest Cheesecake Delight unmistakable.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the creamy filling over your cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Slide it onto the center rack and bake for 55 to 65 minutes—what you’re looking for is a center that’s just set but still has a little jiggle. Once it’s done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, leaving the cheesecake to rest for about an hour. This little trick helps prevent pesky cracks!
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Remove the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This extra patience pays off in unmatched texture and flavor, truly turning the cake into Black Forest Cheesecake Delight.
Step 5: Add Cherry and Whipped Cream Topping
Once your cheesecake is completely chilled, spread a generous layer of cherry pie filling over the top, letting the syrupy cherries cascade right to the edges. In a cold bowl, whip up the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon big swoops of whipped cream around the edge. Finish with chocolate shavings and more cherries for a picture-perfect dessert!
How to Serve Black Forest Cheesecake Delight
Garnishes
Let’s make that first impression count! Just before serving, I love to scatter over some glossy chocolate shavings and nestle a few whole cherries here and there. Not only do these simple touches make Black Forest Cheesecake Delight even more dramatic, but they add extra decadence and a lovely pop of color.
Side Dishes
While this cheesecake is blissful on its own, you can never go wrong with a small scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream on the side. If you want to play up the German-American roots of this dessert, consider serving with a drizzle of cherry liqueur or a strong cup of coffee—it’ll bring out the subtle flavors and make the whole experience feel like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dessert buffet or party, try slicing the cheesecake into small squares and arranging them on a platter with dollops of whipped cream and cherries on each bite. You can even make individual mini Black Forest Cheesecake Delight parfaits in glasses by layering small amounts of each component. These creative presentations always draw a crowd and look so elegant!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Black Forest Cheesecake Delight (lucky you!), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 5 days, and the flavors only deepen with time.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes much better than you might think! To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake without the cherry and cream topping in plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.
Reheating
Cheesecake is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so no need to reheat. Simply let frozen pieces thaw gently overnight in the fridge. If you like, let a slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying for optimal creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If cherries are in season, you can simmer fresh, pitted cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create your own topping. It adds a fresh, tart flavor to your Black Forest Cheesecake Delight and looks stunning.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Cracks most often happen from sudden temperature changes or overbaking. Letting the cheesecake cool in a slightly ajar oven after baking, as well as ensuring your ingredients are room temperature before mixing, are the best ways to keep your Black Forest Cheesecake Delight gorgeously smooth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the filling. The results of your Black Forest Cheesecake Delight will be just as decadent and delicious.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and make a cut—then repeat for each slice. This small step ensures every serving of Black Forest Cheesecake Delight looks straight out of a bakery window.
Can I prepare elements ahead?
Definitely! The cheesecake base can be baked and chilled up to two days in advance. Wait until just before serving to add the cherry topping and whipped cream so everything stays picture-perfect and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that wows every time, you’ve found it in this Black Forest Cheesecake Delight. With its luscious layers, crowd-pleasing flavors, and stunning presentation, it’s a treat everyone deserves at least once—so go ahead and bake this delight, then share it with your favorite people. I promise, every bite is pure joy!
Print
Black Forest Cheesecake Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of a Black Forest Cheesecake that combines rich chocolate with creamy cheesecake, topped with luscious cherry filling and fluffy whipped cream. This dessert is a perfect fusion of flavors for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Toppings:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
- Extra cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream, flour, and melted chocolate. Pour over crust.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes. Let it rest in the oven for an hour after turning it off. Cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Final Touches: Spread cherry pie filling on top. Whip cream with sugar and garnish the cheesecake with it, chocolate shavings, and cherries. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- Cheesecake tastes best when chilled overnight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
