Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherry topping for a dessert that’s both indulgent and impressive. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 24 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- Heavy cream for whipped topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well to combine. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for about 70 minutes, until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for an additional hour.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least four hours or preferably overnight to let it fully set.
- Step 5: Whip the heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake and top with the whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier crust, add chopped nuts to the cookie crumb mixture before pressing it into the pan.
- Use fresh cherries if cherry pie filling isn’t available; simply simmer them with a bit of sugar to soften.
- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder slightly or add espresso powder to the filling.
Storage
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cherry topping separate if possible to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Reheat slices lightly at room temperature before serving, but avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, this cheesecake is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up properly.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A regular cake pan works, but the cheesecake will be harder to remove. Consider lining the pan with parchment paper for easier release.
PrintDecadent Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in a rich and luscious Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cocoa-infused cheesecake filling, topped with classic cherry pie filling and fluffy whipped cream. This dessert perfectly blends chocolate and cherries for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and cocoa powder, mixing thoroughly to combine. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the melted semisweet chocolate and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually, preventing cracking.
- Chill Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
- Prepare Topping and Serve: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake. Top with the freshly whipped cream. Slice and enjoy your decadent Black Forest cheesecake!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter.
- Gradual cooling in the oven helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- For best flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight.
- Ensure the whipped cream forms soft peaks but is not overwhipped.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries if desired.
Keywords: Black Forest cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, cherry topping, creamy cheesecake, chocolate cookie crust, decadent dessert

