If you’re looking for a sweet treat that delivers an irresistible blend of creamy, rich, and fruity flavors, this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is about to steal your heart. Imagine a silky chocolate cheesecake nestled on a buttery chocolate cookie crust, then crowned with glistening juicy strawberries and a shimmer of jam. Whether it’s for a celebration or a cozy night in, this decadent dessert combines the elegance of chocolate and strawberries with the comfort of classic cheesecake. It’s a showstopper that’s also easy to make, just begging to be shared!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and presentation. From the crunchy crust to the glossy strawberry topping, every element is perfectly tuned to deliver maximum delight.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the rich, chocolatey base that supports the decadent filling—graham crackers just can’t compare here!
- Granulated sugar: Divided between the crust and filling, it adds the right amount of sweetness that balances out the bitter notes of chocolate.
- Unsalted butter (melted): This binds the crust ingredients together and brings out the cocoa flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show for luscious, creamy texture—let it come to room temperature for the silkiest batter.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the cheesecake layer without adding extra sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon beautifully rounds out the chocolate with an aromatic warmth.
- Large eggs: These hold everything together and give the cheesecake its rich, dense structure.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and creates that little bit of extra creaminess that sets this cheesecake apart.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (melted and cooled slightly): Melted chocolate gives the cake its velvety chocolate richness—cool it a bit before mixing in!
- Fresh strawberries (halved): They’re as lovely for their bright, fresh flavor as they are for their ruby-red pop of color on top.
- Strawberry jam (warmed): This simple glaze turns strawberries into a glistening crown and locks in freshness.
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional): For a little flourish and extra indulgence—totally worth it!
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate cookie crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until super smooth—this is the secret to a silkier finished cheesecake. Add in the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Gently mix in the sour cream, then fold in the melted (but slightly cooled) semisweet chocolate chips for maximum chocolate bliss.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour your chocolate cheesecake batter over the baked crust and use a spatula to spread the top evenly. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is just set and the top looks dry. Don’t worry if there are a few cracks—they’ll be covered by the glorious strawberry topping!
Step 4: Cool Gradually
Turn off your oven and crack the oven door, leaving the cheesecake inside for an hour. This gentle cooling helps prevent large cracks and keeps the texture ultra creamy. Afterward, move the cheesecake to the fridge and let it chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Trust me—the flavor and sliceability are worth the wait.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, arrange the halved strawberries over the top of your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. Gently brush or spoon the warmed strawberry jam over the fruit to give it a seductive glossy finish. Add a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if you like—it’s the little things that make this dessert unforgettable!
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Garnishes
A swoop of homemade whipped cream and a dusting of chocolate shavings make this already stunning cheesecake look even more celebratory. Play around with a drizzle of extra melted chocolate, or scatter a few mint leaves across the top for a touch of fresh green.
Side Dishes
Since Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is so rich and flavorful, keep your sides refreshing and light. A bowl of mixed berries or simple fruit salad is perfect for balancing every bite. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a flute of sparkling wine is also a wonderful way to round out the experience!
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, slice the cheesecake ahead of time and place each piece on a dessert plate with a little swirl of strawberry sauce and a whole dipped strawberry. Making it for a special occasion? Try mini cheesecakes, using a muffin tin with paper liners for cute, individual treats everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake, cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, so your bonus slices might taste even better the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the strawberry topping). Wrap slices or the whole un-topped cake tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It keeps well for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and dress it up with fresh strawberries and jam once defrosted.
Reheating
While cheesecake is best served chilled or at cool room temperature, if you prefer a softer, more mousse-like texture, you can let your slice sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid the microwave, as it can overcook or melt the filling unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
You can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch, but fresh berries really shine on top of Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. Fresh strawberries hold their shape and give the most gorgeous, glossy finish once glazed.
What’s the best way to get a smooth cheesecake filling?
Bring all your cold ingredients, especially cream cheese, to room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together easily and prevents lumps for that famously silky cheesecake texture.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar makes a big difference. Small cracks are nothing to worry about, though, especially since the strawberry topping covers them beautifully.
Can I substitute another kind of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cookies for the base. Oreos, chocolate graham crackers, or even vanilla wafers (for a twist) all bring a lovely texture and flavor to the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s actually best to make your cheesecake a day before you plan to serve it. The chilling time lets the flavors meld, the texture set, and makes for clean, picture-perfect slices when you’re ready to dig in.
Final Thoughts
If you love the magic pairing of chocolate and strawberries, you absolutely owe it to yourself to try this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. It’s a swoon-worthy treat that’s far easier to make than it looks, perfect for celebrations or just whenever you need a special pick-me-up. Go ahead—invite someone you adore to share a slice!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries with this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. Creamy and luscious, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
Topping:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, halved
- ½ cup strawberry jam, warmed
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the crust: Combine cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Mix in eggs, sour cream, and melted chocolate. Pour over crust.
- Bake: for 55–60 minutes until set. Cool in the oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top and serve: Add halved strawberries on top. Brush with warm jam and garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight before serving.
- Try raspberry jam and berries for a different flavor twist.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *