Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Cheesecake
Servings: 1 Cake
Description
Indulge in the richness of this decadent Black Forest Cheesecake, a recipe adapted from the beloved Reader’s Digest “Cakes” book. With a blend of velvety cream cheese, bittersweet chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker crust, this cheesecake promises to be a showstopper at any gathering. Its deep, luxurious flavor is complemented by the tang of sour cream and the delicate sweetness of maraschino cherries, creating an irresistible dessert that demands to be sliced thinly to avoid overwhelming the senses.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate graham cracker crumbs | 1 1/2 cups |
| Butter | 1/4 cup, melted |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Cream cheese | 3 packages (8 oz each) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Cherry brandy | 1/3 cup |
| Bittersweet chocolate | 6 ounces |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Maraschino cherries | 1/2 cup (for topping) |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5313.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 351.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 206.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 1770.4 mg |
| Sodium | 3656.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 473.2 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 377.9 g |
| Protein | 91.8 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Springform Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 10-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Stir until the mixture is well blended and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, extending it about one-third of the way up the sides of the pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to pack the crumbs firmly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Using a heavy-duty stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Pour in the cherry brandy and mix gently to combine.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the center slightly jiggles. For best results, you may opt to use a water bath, placing the pan in a larger dish filled with hot water to ensure even baking and a smooth texture.
- Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Let it cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- While the cheesecake cools, melt the bittersweet chocolate. You can do this using your preferred method, but the double boiler method works best to avoid burning the chocolate. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth and melted.
- Set the melted chocolate aside to cool for a few minutes.
- Once the chocolate has cooled slightly, fold in the sour cream gently. The mixture should become smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Finish the Cake
- Once the cheesecake has cooled, loosen the sides of the springform pan, then carefully remove the sides of the pan.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the top of the cooled cheesecake, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
- Arrange the maraschino cherries around the edge of the cake to add a festive touch and enhance the flavor.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set completely.
- Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into thin pieces (as it is rich, thin slices are recommended). Serve and enjoy the blissful combination of chocolate, cherries, and creamy cheesecake!
Tips for the Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a bit more cherry brandy into the filling, adjusting to your taste.
- Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, which will help avoid lumps in the filling.
- The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will deepen and improve.
- Feel free to substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries if they’re in season for a fresher taste.
This Black Forest Cheesecake will undoubtedly be the highlight of any dessert table, offering a truly indulgent experience with every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a treat just because, it’s a luxurious dessert that never disappoints!
