Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe from Moldova

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. This dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself. The combination of chocolate, cherries, and creamy cheesecake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a modern twist on the classic cheesecake recipe. The addition of chocolate and cherries adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to the traditional dessert. This recipe has become a favorite among dessert lovers for its rich and creamy texture.

Ingredients

8.5 oz (241 g) of finely crushed chocolate wafers
0.5 cup of melted butter
12 oz (340 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1.5 cups of heavy cream
16 oz (454 g) of softened cream cheese
0.25 cup of sugar
4 large eggs
0.75 cup of cherry-flavored liqueur
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 lb (454 g) of cherry pie filling
0.5 cup of whipped heavy cream (optional)

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs and butter.
Pat the mixture firmly into a 9-inch spring-form pan, covering the bottom and 2.5 inches up the sides.
Chill the crust.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a heatproof bowl set over hot (not boiling) water, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream.
Stir until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Set the chocolate mixture aside.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar, beating until creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the chocolate mixture, cherry liqueur, and vanilla, and mix until well blended.
Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60 minutes.
Turn the oven off.
Let the cheesecake stand in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely.
Chill the cheesecake for 24 hours.
Spread cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake, leaving 1 inch from the edge.
If desired, decorate the edge with whipped cream.

Variations

You can use different flavored liqueurs such as raspberry or almond for a unique twist on the recipe.
Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chunks to the cheesecake mixture for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the crust before adding the cheesecake mixture to ensure a firm and crispy base.

- Be sure to use high-quality chocolate chips for a rich and smooth chocolate flavor.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the cherry pie filling to prevent it from melting.

- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can add cherry extract to the cheesecake mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a water bath when baking the cheesecake to prevent cracking.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven to prevent it from sinking in the middle.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use graham crackers or Oreo cookies instead of chocolate wafers for the crust.

- If you don't have cherry-flavored liqueur, you can use cherry juice or extract instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cheesecake with fresh cherries or chocolate curls for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a perfect dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream), eggs, and wheat (chocolate wafers).

Summary

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is a delicious treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries come together to create a dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy a slice of this indulgent treat today!

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. I was visiting my dear friend Marie, who was known for her incredible baking skills. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea and chatting about life, she suddenly disappeared into the pantry and returned with a worn, tattered recipe card.

"Have you ever tried making this before?" Marie asked, handing me the card. I glanced down at the faded writing and saw the words "Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake" scrawled across the top. My mouth watered just reading the title.

"I've never made it, but it looks absolutely delicious," I replied, my curiosity piqued. Marie smiled and began to explain the intricate steps and secret ingredients that made this cheesecake so special. I listened intently, scribbling down notes in my notebook as she spoke.

As she talked, memories flooded back to me of all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some had been handed down from generation to generation, while others had been shared with me by friends and colleagues. Each recipe held a special place in my heart and had a story behind it.

I remembered the first time I tasted my mother's apple pie, with its flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced filling. I had begged her for the recipe, eager to recreate the magic in my own kitchen. And then there was the time I had traveled to Italy and learned how to make homemade pasta from a sweet old Nonna in a small village. Her hands moved with such grace and precision, and I knew that I was witnessing something truly special.

But this recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake felt different somehow. It held a sense of mystery and intrigue that drew me in. I could almost taste the creamy cheesecake, swirled with rich chocolate and studded with juicy cherries. It was a combination of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before, and I knew that I had to try my hand at making it.

With Marie's guidance, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients for the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. I picked the ripest cherries from the market, melted the finest chocolate, and whipped up a smooth, velvety cheesecake batter. As I worked, the aromas of baking wafted through my kitchen, filling the air with a tantalizing scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

Finally, after hours of meticulous preparation, the cheesecake emerged from the oven, its surface glistening with a shiny chocolate glaze. I couldn't wait to sink my fork into the rich, creamy dessert and savor the burst of cherry flavor with each bite. I shared the cheesecake with Marie, and we both marveled at how perfectly the flavors melded together, creating a decadent treat that was truly unforgettable.

From that day on, the recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake became a staple in my kitchen, a beloved dessert that I would make for special occasions and gatherings with loved ones. Each time I made it, memories of my time with Marie would come flooding back, and I would be filled with a sense of gratitude for the friendships and experiences that had shaped me into the cook I was today.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this amazing recipe, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with others and express my creativity. And the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is just one of the many recipes that have brought me so much happiness and fulfillment over the years.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a show-stopping dessert that will leave your guests begging for more, look no further than the recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. It's a true labor of love that is sure to impress even the most discerning of taste buds. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to a friend or loved one, just as I did with Marie. After all, the joy of cooking is meant to be shared and savored with those we hold dear.