Description
Indulgent chocolate strawberry cheesecake delivers a symphony of rich chocolate and sweet strawberry flavors that dance across creamy layers. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this elegant, smooth cheesecake crafted to delight sophisticated palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (16 ounces/454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Craft a rich, chocolatey base by blending cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into a springform pan, creating an even foundation. Bake at 160C for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a subtle crunch.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, integrating cocoa powder for deep chocolate intensity. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each blends seamlessly. Gently fold in whipped cream, creating a luxurious, airy texture.
- Carefully transfer the chocolate mixture onto the prepared crust, maintaining a gentle pour to prevent air bubbles. Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center that indicates perfect consistency. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, enabling gradual cooling and preventing cracks.
- Develop a vibrant strawberry compote by simmering fresh berries with sugar and lemon juice. Introduce cornstarch to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy, rich topping that will complement the chocolate base. Cool completely to enhance flavor concentration.
- After thorough chilling for at least 4 hours, generously spread the strawberry compote across the cheesecake’s surface, ensuring an even, inviting layer that showcases the dessert’s elegant design.
- Slice with a warm knife for clean edges, revealing the decadent layers of chocolate and fruity brilliance. Serve chilled for maximum flavor and textural experience.
Notes
- Prevent Cracks: Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to create a water bath, which helps distribute heat evenly and prevents surface cracking during baking.
- Smooth Texture Trick: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free filling and avoid overmixing to maintain a light, creamy consistency.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut whipped cream to create a delicious vegan version of this decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg