Black Forest Cheesecake

Black Forest Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

1 cup cherry pie filling
1/2 cup fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp heavy cream

Steps:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in cocoa powder, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined.

Bake the Cheesecake:

Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar.

Chill:

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Add the Toppings:

Spread cherry pie filling over the chilled cheesecake.
Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and drizzle over the top.

Garnish and Serve:

Add fresh cherries for an elegant touch and slice to serve.