Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries glazed with strawberry preserves, this dessert is perfect 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 cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined to create a uniform crumb mixture.
- Form Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spoon to create an even, compact crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until the texture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition but avoiding over-mixing to maintain a smooth batter.
- Add Creams: Blend in sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until the filling is uniformly smooth and well combined.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 55–60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly, indicating doneness.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
- Chill: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully firm up.
- Heat Cream for Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently.
- Make Ganache: Remove from heat and pour hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before using.
- Apply Ganache: Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the ganache.
- Prepare Strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries and set aside.
- Glaze Strawberries (Optional): Heat strawberry jam in a small saucepan until liquid, then brush over the sliced strawberries for a glossy finish.
- Decorate Cheesecake: Once the ganache has set, arrange the strawberries on top of the cheesecake in a circular or desired pattern.
- Serve: Serve the cheesecake chilled for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your decadent dessert!
Notes
- You can substitute chocolate wafer cookies for graham crackers if you prefer a richer chocolate crust.
- Do not overbeat the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to prevent cracks during baking.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven helps prevent cracking on the surface.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake thoroughly to ensure it sets properly before adding ganache and strawberries.
- The strawberry glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shine and enhances the flavor of fresh strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate ganache, creamy cheesecake, dessert recipe, springform pan cheesecake
