Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, a rich chocolate ganache topping, and fresh strawberries for a refreshing finish. Perfectly baked to achieve a velvety texture with a luscious chocolate layer and vibrant strawberry garnish, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or indulgent treat lovers.
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 the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir in melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spoon to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition but avoiding over-mixing to maintain a smooth texture.
- Mix in Creams: Add sour cream and heavy cream to the filling mixture and blend until smooth and uniform.
- Fill and Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Place it 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 an additional hour to cool gradually, helping prevent cracks.
- Chill Cheesecake: After removing from the oven, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up properly.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat 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 a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly.
- Apply Ganache: Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake, spreading with a spatula. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes to let the ganache set firmly.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: Slice fresh strawberries and set aside. Optionally, heat strawberry jam in a small saucepan until liquid and brush over the sliced strawberries for a glossy finish.
- Decorate Cheesecake: Once ganache has set, arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a circular pattern or your preferred design.
- Serve: Serve the cheesecake chilled and enjoy this rich, fruity, and chocolatey delight.
Notes
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with chocolate wafer cookies in the crust for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Do not over-mix once eggs are added to preserve the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
- Gradual cooling in the oven helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking on top.
- Refrigeration time of at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) gives the cheesecake the best texture and firmness.
- Using strawberry jam for the topping is optional, but it adds a nice glossy shine and extra sweetness.
- For cleaner slices, use a hot knife rinsed in warm water before cutting the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, chocolate ganache, strawberry topping, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake
