The Ultimate Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe
Indulging in the rich, creamy, and decadent flavors of The Ultimate Black Forest Cheesecake is an experience that transports your taste buds to a world of pure dessert bliss. This recipe, adapted from the beloved “Chocolate Everything” Cookbook by Company’s Coming, promises a melt-in-your-mouth delight that is perfect for large gatherings or special occasions. With a smooth cream cheese filling enriched by chocolate and adorned with luscious cherries, this cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This cheesecake requires some preparation and baking time, but the end result is well worth the effort. Please note that the total time does not include chilling time, which is essential for achieving the perfect texture. So, gather your ingredients and let’s create this extraordinary dessert!
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | The Ultimate Black Forest Cheesecake |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 35 minutes (excluding chill time) |
| Category | Cheesecake |
| Servings | 16 servings |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) |
| Review Count | 5 |
| Description | Creamy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious dessert. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 477.4 |
| Total Fat | 32.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 146 mg |
| Sodium | 286.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42.3 g |
| Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 23.8 g |
| Protein | 8.1 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/3 cup | butter |
| 1 1/2 cups | margarine |
| 2 cups | sugar |
| 4 (8 oz) packages | cream cheese |
| 1 1/2 cups | sugar (for filling) |
| 1 | eggs |
| 4 teaspoons | vanilla |
| 1 | maraschino cherry |
| 1 can (21 oz) | cherry pie filling |
| 1/2 cup | whipping cream |
| 1 | cocoa powder |
Instructions
Preparing the Crust
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Combine Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and margarine with 1 cup of sugar until well blended. Gradually add in 1 cup of crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.
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Press into Pan: Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 10-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer that covers the entire base.
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Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling. This will help it set and become firm for the cheesecake.
Preparing the Filling
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Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 5 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
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Incorporate Cocoa: Gradually mix in the cocoa powder until it is fully integrated into the cream cheese mixture, achieving a rich chocolate flavor.
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Add Eggs One at a Time: Beat in the eggs individually, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy filling.
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Beat Again: Continue to beat the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing it to become even creamier.
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Add Cream and Vanilla: Slowly add the whipping cream and 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture, beating on low speed until everything is well blended and the mixture is light and airy.
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Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the maraschino cherries, being careful not to break them up too much, as their whole pieces add texture and visual appeal to the cheesecake.
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Pour Filling Over Crust: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and pour the creamy filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking the Cheesecake
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cheesecake for approximately 75 minutes, or until the center is nearly set but still slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on the cheesecake to avoid overbaking, which can lead to cracking.
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Cool the Cheesecake: Once baked, carefully run a paring knife around the edges of the cheesecake to help it settle without cracking. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
Adding the Topping
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Spread Cherry Pie Filling: Once the cheesecake is completely cool, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top, creating a beautiful and glossy layer of cherries.
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Garnish with Topping: For an elegant presentation, you can spoon or pipe additional whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake as desired.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely. This chilling time enhances the flavors and texture, making each slice a heavenly treat.
Serving Suggestions
When you are ready to serve The Ultimate Black Forest Cheesecake, slice it into generous pieces, ensuring that each slice captures the creamy filling, chocolatey crust, and delightful cherry topping. This cheesecake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings, but it’s also a luxurious treat for any day when you crave something sweet and indulgent.
Storage Tips
To preserve the freshness of your Black Forest Cheesecake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, though the flavors will continue to develop as it sits. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying!
Conclusion
In summary, The Ultimate Black Forest Cheesecake is a dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries with a creamy cheesecake base, resulting in a dessert that is both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating this delicious masterpiece in your kitchen. Happy baking!
