Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling topped with rich chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. Perfectly baked and chilled for a luscious finish, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or chocolate wafer cookies, for extra chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the strawberry topping:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form Crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and create an even base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until combined evenly.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Take care not to over-mix to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add Creams: Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Pour Batter onto Crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
- Chill Cheesecake: Remove from the oven, let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up properly.
- Prepare Ganache Base: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently.
- Create Chocolate Ganache: Remove from heat, pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute and then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature until it thickens slightly for easy spreading.
- Apply Ganache: Pour the slightly thickened ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set the ganache.
- Prepare Strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries and set them aside.
- Optional Strawberry Glaze: For a shiny finish, heat the strawberry jam in a small saucepan until liquid, then brush it over the sliced strawberries.
- Arrange Strawberries: Once the ganache has set, arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake in a circular or desired pattern.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this rich and flavorful chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake dessert.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate crust, substitute graham cracker crumbs with chocolate wafer cookies.
- Do not over-mix the batter after adding eggs to prevent a dense cheesecake texture.
- Gradual cooling inside the oven prevents cheesecake cracking on the surface.
- Refrigerating the finished cheesecake overnight improves flavor and texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if desired.
- Use fresh, high-quality strawberries for the best topping presentation and flavor.
- Strawberry jam is optional but adds a nice glaze to the fruit topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate ganache, dessert, baked cheesecake, strawberry topping, creamy cheesecake
