Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with chocolate strawberry cheesecake! It’s this heavenly creation that’s rich and creamy, with a chocolate crust that just crumbles perfectly under that luscious cheesecake filling. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of melting chocolate mixed with the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries filled my kitchen, and I was instantly hooked! Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors—the deep, rich chocolate paired with the bright, fresh strawberries is simply divine. Trust me, once you try this chocolate strawberry cheesecake, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone. It’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, and I can’t wait for you to whip it up in your own kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup melted dark chocolate, cooled slightly
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until it resembles wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form your delicious crust. It’s okay if it’s a little messy—just make sure it’s packed down!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want to avoid any lumps, so mix well!
- Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps keep your cheesecake light and fluffy!
- Next, gently stir in the sour cream and melted dark chocolate until everything is fully incorporated. The rich chocolate should blend seamlessly with the cream cheese mixture, creating a luscious filling.
- Carefully pour this creamy mixture over your prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy—it’ll bake beautifully!
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
- Once baked, let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours; this is key for that creamy texture!
- Finally, just before serving, top your cheesecake with those gorgeous fresh strawberries. Enjoy every rich and dreamy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor paired perfectly with fresh strawberries
- Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Quick to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for gatherings, impressing friends and family
- Versatile dessert that can be made ahead of time
- Beautiful presentation with vibrant strawberry topping
- Every bite feels like a special treat!
Tips for Success
To make your chocolate strawberry cheesecake absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this helps it blend smoothly and prevents lumps. When mixing, be careful not to overbeat the batter after adding the eggs—this can introduce too much air and lead to cracks during baking.
Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 50-minute mark. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm up as it cools. After baking, let it cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the fridge. This step is crucial for that dreamy, creamy texture. And if you want to add a little flair, a dollop of whipped cream on top never hurts! Enjoy creating this delicious treat!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your chocolate strawberry cheesecake! For a tropical twist, try swapping the strawberries for fresh mango or pineapple slices—they add a wonderful zing! If you’re a nut lover, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the cheesecake mixture before baking for a delightful crunch.
Feeling bold? You can experiment with different types of chocolate! Use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier vibe, or go with milk chocolate if you prefer something less intense. You could even add a swirl of raspberry or blueberry puree on top before baking for a beautiful marbled effect. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delicious charm!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk numbers! Just a heads up, nutritional values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, so consider these as estimates. For each slice of this decadent chocolate strawberry cheesecake, you’re looking at around 350 calories. It packs in about 25 grams of fat, with 15 grams being saturated fat. You’ll also find around 30 grams of carbohydrates, including 22 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein. So while it’s a treat, it’s good to be aware of what’s in that dreamy slice. Enjoy every rich bite responsibly!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate cookie crumbs, feel free to swap in graham cracker crumbs or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option. Just make sure it’s pressed firmly in the pan!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your chocolate strawberry cheesecake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for about 4-5 days, but trust me, it’s hard to resist!
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake is perfect for making in advance. Just prepare it the day before you plan to serve it, and let it chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt. It’ll give you a similar creamy texture and a slight tang that works beautifully!
Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze slices of chocolate strawberry cheesecake! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving, and they’ll taste just as delicious!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your chocolate strawberry cheesecake, the options are as delightful as the cheesecake itself! I love pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for that extra creaminess. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of cocoa powder adds a lovely touch, too. For drinks, a rich cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine complements the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside a berry compote for a burst of fruity goodness. And don’t forget some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color—it’s all about those finishing touches!
For more delicious cheesecake recipes, check out this strawberry cheesecake recipe or chocolate chip cheesecake cookies.
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: 7 Indulgent Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy chocolate strawberry cheesecake with a chocolate crust and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup melted dark chocolate
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream and melted chocolate until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chocolate strawberry cheesecake