Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, a smooth chocolate ganache topping, and fresh, glossy strawberries for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for special occasions or a luxurious treat, this cheesecake is baked to perfection and chilled to achieve a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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.
- Make crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and stir until well combined.
- Form crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to press it firmly.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add sour cream and heavy cream: Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is completely smooth.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the 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 until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool slowly, which helps prevent cracks.
- Chill cheesecake: Remove from oven, let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Make chocolate ganache: Heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips placed in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature and slightly thicken.
- Apply ganache: Pour ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake and spread with a spatula. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare strawberries: Hull and slice 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 shiny appearance.
- Decorate cheesecake: Arrange the sliced strawberries attractively over the ganache-topped cheesecake.
- Serve: Keep cheesecake chilled and serve cold for a delicious dessert experience.
Notes
- Using chocolate wafer cookies instead of graham crackers will enhance the chocolate flavor of the crust.
- Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake filling to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
- Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven after baking helps prevent cracks on the surface.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight before applying the ganache and topping.
- The optional strawberry jam glaze adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness to the strawberry topping.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate ganache, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, baked cheesecake, dessert recipe
