Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake combines a creamy, rich cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert treat.
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 ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
- 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 and holds together when pressed.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to create an even, firmly packed crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated for enhanced flavor.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition but avoiding over-mixing to maintain a light batter.
- Add Creams: Blend in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and well combined, creating a rich texture.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracks.
- Chill Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Heat Cream for Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat just until it begins to simmer.
- Make Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before applying to avoid it running off the cheesecake.
- 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 them aside.
- Glaze Strawberries (Optional): For a glossy finish, warm the strawberry jam in a saucepan until liquid and brush it over the sliced strawberries.
- Decorate Cheesecake: Once the ganache is set, arrange the glazed or plain sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake in your desired pattern.
- Serve: Serve the cheesecake chilled for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your decadent dessert!
Notes
- Using chocolate wafer cookies instead of graham crackers will enhance the chocolate flavor of the crust.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Do not over-mix the eggs into the batter to maintain a light texture.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven reduces cracking on the surface.
- The strawberry jam glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shine to the topping.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: chocolate cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate ganache, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, berry dessert, no cracks cheesecake
