Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Twist

Black forest cheesecake represents a decadent fusion of rich, indulgent flavors that dance across your palate.

Chocolate and cherries form the heart of this irresistible dessert, creating a symphony of sweet and tangy notes.

The luxurious texture blends smooth cream cheese with deep cocoa undertones, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

German baking traditions inspire this magnificent creation, revolutionizeing classic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Layers of complexity emerge with each carefully crafted bite, revealing subtle nuances that delight the senses.

Elegantly balanced and visually stunning, this dessert revolutionizes an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

Get ready for a slice of pure bliss that will leave you craving more.

Black Forest Cheesecake: A Rich and Decadent Delight

• Indulge in Decadent Layers: This Black Forest Cheesecake combines rich chocolate Oreo crust with velvety chocolate cheesecake and tangy cherry topping, creating a luxurious dessert experience that delights every taste bud.
• Master Professional Baking Techniques: The recipe introduces advanced methods like water bath baking, precise temperature control, and careful ingredient incorporation, allowing home bakers to achieve bakery-quality results with professional precision.
• Celebrate Texture Perfection: Smooth, creamy cheesecake balanced with crunchy Oreo base and juicy cherry sauce offers a delightful textural journey that makes each bite an exciting adventure of contrasting sensations.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Despite its complex appearance, this cheesecake can be prepared in under two hours of active cooking time and serves 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or weekend family treats.

Key Ingredients for Black Forest Cheesecake

• Oreo Cookies: Classic cookie with filling, perfect for creating a rich, chocolatey base.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds cookie crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that provides the classic cheesecake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances chocolate flavors.
• Dark Chocolate: Adds deep, intense chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate intensity and provides rich color.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve cocoa powder smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating a stable cheesecake structure.

• Fresh Cherries: Bright, sweet fruit that complements the chocolate flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a syrupy cherry sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry sauce and creates a glossy finish.

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap a 9-inch springform pan completely with aluminum foil, ensuring 3 tight layers to block water during baking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Crust

Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix crumbs with melted butter until well combined.

Step 3: Press Crust into Pan

Firmly press cookie mixture into bottom of prepared pan, creating a slight edge around sides. Bake crust for 8 minutes.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate

Finely chop dark chocolate. Melt in microwave using short bursts, stirring between intervals until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Mix Cream Cheese Base

Blend cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Incorporate cooled melted chocolate, scraping bowl sides to ensure complete mixing.

Step 6: Add Cocoa and Cream

Whisk cocoa powder with hot water until smooth. Mix into batter along with sour cream, blending gently.

Step 7: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly but carefully to avoid introducing air bubbles.

Step 8: Prepare Water Bath

Place foil-wrapped pan in a roasting pan. Pour cheesecake filling evenly over crust, smoothing the surface.

Step 9: Create Water Bath

Carefully add boiling water around cheesecake pan, creating about 1/2 inch depth for steaming.

Step 10: Bake Cheesecake

Bake for 55-65 minutes. Look for a mostly firm top with a slight jiggle when nudged.

Step 11: Cool Gradually

Let cheesecake cool in warm bath first. Transfer to wire rack, then cover once touchable.

Step 12: Refrigerate

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 13: Prepare Cherry Topping

• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice

Simmer and stir, adding cornstarch to thicken. Cool completely before topping cheesecake.

Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake

• Crush Cookies Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, uniform Oreo cookie crumbs for a smooth, even crust that holds together beautifully.
• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Microwave chocolate in short bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent burning and achieve a silky, smooth texture for your cheesecake base.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Avoid overmixing eggs and use a water bath to create gentle, even heating that prevents unsightly surface cracks and ensures a creamy consistency.
• Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the warm water bath first, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
• Cherry Topping Magic: Simmer cherries with sugar and lemon juice slowly, stirring continuously to develop a rich, thick sauce that perfectly complements the chocolate cheesecake.

Storing and Reheating Black Forest Cheesecake

• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Properly sealed, your Black Forest Cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the topping separate to prevent soggy crust and maintain optimal texture.
• Freezing: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 1 month without losing its delicious flavor and creamy consistency.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator for best results. When ready to serve, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.

Pairing Black Forest Cheesecake with Wine

• Pair with Cherry-Infused Cocktail: Blend the rich chocolate and cherry notes of the cheesecake with a kirsch-based cocktail, highlighting the Black Forest cake inspiration. The boozy cherry hints will complement the dessert's deep flavors.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot to echo the chocolate's intensity and cut through the creamy cheesecake texture. The wine's dark fruit undertones will dance perfectly with the dessert's complex profile.
• Serve with Espresso Accompaniment: A strong, dark espresso provides a robust contrast to the sweet cheesecake. The coffee's bitter notes will enhance the chocolate's depth and cleanse the palate between rich bites.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a small side of fresh raspberries or additional dark cherries to brighten the dessert's heavy chocolate base. These fruits will introduce a light, tangy element that balances the cheesecake's decadence.

Fun Variations of Black Forest Cheesecake

• Cherry Chocolate Swirl: Enhance the classic recipe by creating a marbled effect with cherry puree swirled through the chocolate cheesecake batter before baking, adding visual appeal and extra fruity depth.
• Nutty Chocolate Base: Replace Oreo cookies with ground chocolate-covered almonds or hazelnuts in the crust, providing a crunchy texture and complementary nutty flavor to the rich chocolate cheesecake.
• Dark Forest Mini Cakes: Transform the recipe into individual serving sizes using ramekins or mini springform pans, perfect for elegant dinner parties or personal indulgence with precise portioning.
• Kirsch-Infused Decadence: Incorporate a splash of traditional Black Forest kirsch liqueur into both the cheesecake batter and cherry topping, intensifying the authentic German dessert profile with a subtle alcoholic warmth.

Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich German Black Forest Cheesecake blends classic chocolate and cherry flavors into a creamy dessert masterpiece. Chocolate cookie crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and kirsch-soaked cherries create an indulgent experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Base:

• 24 Oreo cookies, including wafers and filling
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted

Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 g) full-fat cream cheese, brick-style
• 10 ounces (280 g) dark chocolate, between 50 to 70%
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream, 18% MF

Finishing and Topping Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (280 g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ cup (120 ml) whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• Boiling water for water bath
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F (160°C) and thoroughly wrap a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with multiple layers of aluminum foil to prevent water penetration during baking.
2. Pulverize Oreo cookies completely in a food processor or place inside a sealed plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin until achieving fine, uniform crumbs.
3. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined, then press mixture firmly into bottom and slightly up sides of prepared springform pan, creating an even crust layer.
4. Bake crust for 8 minutes and maintain oven temperature for subsequent baking stages.
5. Delicately chop dark chocolate and melt using microwave in short intervals, stirring between each session until achieving smooth consistency; allow to cool momentarily.
6. In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving smooth texture; gradually incorporate melted chocolate, ensuring complete integration by scraping bowl sides.
7. Whisk cocoa powder with hot water until creating silky mixture, then fold into cream cheese batter along with sour cream, mixing gently to maintain smooth consistency.
8. Add eggs individually into batter, carefully incorporating each without overmixing to prevent potential air bubble formation.
9. Position foil-wrapped springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour cheesecake filling evenly over prepared crust, smoothing surface with gentle motions.
10. Pour boiling water around cheesecake pan’s exterior, creating approximately 1/2 inch water depth to facilitate gentle steam baking technique.
11. Bake for 55-65 minutes, watching for a mostly firm top with subtle center jiggle when pan is lightly nudged.
12. Remove from oven and allow gradual cooling within water bath, then transfer to wire rack; once touchable, cover and refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or preferably overnight.
13. Prepare cherry topping by simmering halved cherries with granulated sugar and lemon juice, incorporating dissolved cornstarch to create thickened sauce; cool completely before final cheesecake assembly.

Notes

• Prepare a water bath technique to create a silky, crack-free cheesecake texture that’s professional and smooth.
• Crush Oreo cookies completely, including filling, to develop a rich, chocolatey base that complements the decadent filling.
• Melt dark chocolate carefully using short microwave bursts, ensuring a glossy and even consistency for intense flavor integration.
• Incorporate eggs individually, gently mixing to maintain a luxurious, dense cheesecake structure without introducing unwanted air bubbles.
• Cool the cheesecake gradually to prevent cracking, allowing it to rest in the warm water bath before transferring to the refrigerator for a minimum of six hours.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg