There’s something irresistibly elegant about the Black Forest Cheesecake. Inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, this dessert blends rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and juicy cherries into one luscious masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or satisfying a late-night chocolate craving, this cheesecake is the ultimate showstopper.
It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced — sweet, slightly tart, and chocolatey without being too heavy. The best part? You can make it with simple ingredients and create bakery-quality results at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Discover more indulgent desserts like our Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake.
The Essence of Black Forest Cheesecake
What Makes It Special
This dessert is a luxurious twist on the German classic, combining layers of chocolate cheesecake with cherry filling and whipped cream. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of dark chocolate richness and fruity freshness.
A Timeless Dessert with Modern Ease
Unlike traditional Black Forest cake, this cheesecake version has fewer steps and more stability — no sponge layers, just a smooth, creamy base infused with cocoa and cherries.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Flavor
Chocolate Base
Use dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) or a mix of melted chocolate and cocoa powder for that deep, rich flavor.
Cherry Topping
You can use fresh cherries, frozen cherries, or cherry pie filling for convenience. Homemade cherry compote offers the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
Cheesecake Filling
Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and sour cream create a silky, luscious texture. Add melted chocolate and a splash of vanilla for a gourmet touch.
Learn more about rich and creamy desserts in our White Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake.
How to Make the Crust
Chocolate Cookie Crust
You’ll need crushed chocolate cookies (like Oreos) and melted butter. Combine, press into a springform pan, and bake for 8 minutes to set.
For a no-bake version, simply chill the crust for 20 minutes before adding the filling.
Tip:
Line the pan with parchment for easy removal — no sticking, no cracking.
Creating the Cheesecake Filling
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Gently melt dark chocolate and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Fold in melted chocolate until well blended. Pour the batter into the crust and bake at 325°F for about 55 minutes.
Cool completely before adding the topping.
Don’t miss our Black Velvet Cake for another dark chocolate favorite.
The Cherry Layer and Whipped Cream Topping
Cherry Filling
Simmer cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until thickened. Spread a generous layer over the cooled cheesecake.
Whipped Cream Finish
Top with freshly whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping. Decorate with extra cherries and chocolate shavings for that signature look.
Looking for a lighter flavor? Try our Cherry Blossom Dream Cake.
No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Option
Effortless and Quick
For a no-bake version, replace eggs with gelatin or use melted chocolate as a natural stabilizer. Chill overnight instead of baking.
Perfect for Warm Weather
This method keeps your kitchen cool while still delivering that same deep chocolate-cherry flavor combination.
Tips for Baking Success
1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps, while room-temperature ingredients ensure a silky texture.
2. Avoid Overbaking
The center should jiggle slightly when you turn off the oven — it will firm up as it cools.
3. Chill Overnight
A good 6–8 hours of chilling time makes slicing neat and easy.
Check out our Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake for another smooth, creamy treat.
Serving and Presentation Ideas for Black Forest Cheesecake
1. Elegant Presentation
Slice the cheesecake with a warm, dry knife for perfectly clean edges. Wipe between each cut to keep the layers crisp. Top every slice with a generous spoonful of cherry sauce, a swirl of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate curls. A whole cherry with its stem makes the perfect finishing touch.
For an eye-catching centerpiece, dust the cheesecake lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before adding toppings. The contrast between the dark chocolate and the white dusting gives it a festive, bakery-style finish.
2. Perfect Pairings
This decadent dessert pairs beautifully with hot beverages — a cup of espresso, mocha latte, or even cherry-infused black tea enhances the flavor balance of dark chocolate and fruit. For a lighter option, serve it with sparkling water and a lemon twist to cleanse the palate between bites.
If you’re planning a dessert buffet, pair your Black Forest Cheesecake with other fruit-chocolate combinations for variety — like our Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake or the sweet-tart Pomegranate and Honey Cake. These desserts complement the same indulgent, sophisticated vibe.
Whether you serve it on a sleek white plate or a rustic wooden board, this Black Forest Cheesecake will be the star of any table — rich, velvety, and irresistible to the last bite.
FAQs
Dark chocolate cherry cheesecake recipe
This dark chocolate cherry cheesecake starts with a crisp chocolate cookie crust, layered with a rich dark chocolate cheesecake filling, and topped with homemade cherry compote. Each bite combines velvety chocolate and bright, juicy cherries — the perfect harmony of sweet and tart.
If you’re new to baking cheesecakes, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. The creamy filling bakes evenly, and the cherry topping adds just the right pop of flavor.
Dark chocolate cherry cheesecake no bake
Yes, you can absolutely make a no-bake version of this recipe! Instead of eggs, use melted chocolate or gelatin to stabilize the filling. Chill it overnight to achieve that smooth, set texture. The no-bake version is perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven — just as creamy and indulgent, with less effort.
Dark chocolate cherry cheesecake Philadelphia
For the smoothest texture and richest taste, always use Philadelphia cream cheese. It’s known for its silky consistency and classic flavor, which perfectly complements the deep notes of dark chocolate. Let the cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a lump-free, creamy filling.
Best dark chocolate cherry cheesecake
The best dark chocolate cherry cheesecake strikes a balance between sweetness, richness, and fruitiness. Our version combines a baked chocolate cheesecake base with tart cherry topping and fresh whipped cream for a restaurant-quality dessert you can make at home.
Add chocolate curls, cherry syrup drizzle, and a dollop of whipped cream for that bakery-style finish everyone will love.
Conclusion
The Black Forest Cheesecake is proof that elegance can be effortless. This dessert blends rich, velvety dark chocolate with tart, juicy cherries and a luscious cream cheese filling — a combination that never fails to impress. Whether baked or no-bake, it’s a showstopper that brings a touch of indulgence to any occasion.
From its crisp chocolate cookie crust to its glossy cherry topping, every layer is pure perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special yet simple enough to make in your own kitchen. Pair it with a strong espresso or serve it after dinner to end the night on a decadent note.
So, grab your mixing bowl, melt that chocolate, and experience the magic of this Black Forest Cheesecake — where timeless flavor meets irresistible texture.
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Black Forest Cheesecake: A Decadent Chocolate-Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Black Forest Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and cherry lovers. A velvety dark chocolate cheesecake rests on a buttery cookie crust, topped with luscious cherry filling and soft whipped cream. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you crave a showstopping sweet, this cheesecake delivers deep chocolate richness and bright cherry flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
8 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Topping:
2 cups cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)
1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
1 cup whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh cherries and chocolate curls
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine crushed cookies and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and melted dark chocolate until fully blended.
Bake: Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
Top with Cherries: Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Garnish and Serve: Top with whipped cream, chocolate curls, and fresh cherries before serving. Slice with a warm, dry knife for clean cuts.
Notes
For a no-bake version, skip the eggs and mix 1 tbsp melted gelatin (bloomed) into the filling; chill overnight to set.
Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth texture.
For extra flavor, stir 1 tsp espresso powder into the chocolate mixture.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Black Forest Cheesecake, dark chocolate cherry cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, cherry dessert
