Description
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, rich chocolate ganache, and fresh strawberries on top. Perfectly baked to smooth perfection and chilled for a luscious texture, it combines classic flavors with an elegant presentation ideal 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 crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Form crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to create an even, compact layer.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove it and set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each to avoid over-mixing and maintain a smooth batter.
- Add creams: Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
- Pour batter over crust: Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes until edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles when moved.
- Cool gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool slowly and prevent cracking.
- Chill cheesecake: Remove from oven, allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Heat cream for ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat just until it begins to simmer.
- Prepare ganache: Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool ganache: Allow ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake.
- Apply ganache: Spread ganache evenly over the cheesecake surface with a spatula, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the ganache layer.
- Slice strawberries: Hull and slice fresh strawberries and set aside.
- Optional glaze strawberries: Heat strawberry jam in a small pan until liquid, then brush over strawberries for a glossy finish.
- Arrange strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries atop the ganache in a circular pattern or desired design.
- Serve: Serve the cheesecake chilled and enjoy the rich combination of chocolate, strawberry, and creamy cheesecake flavors.
Notes
- Using chocolate wafer cookies instead of graham crackers boosts chocolate flavor in the crust.
- Do not over-mix the batter after adding eggs to avoid a dense cheesecake.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven prevents cracks on the surface.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor.
- The strawberry jam glaze is optional but gives a beautiful glossy look to the fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, chocolate ganache cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake dessert, baked cheesecake
