Cherry chocolate cheesecake is one of those indulgent desserts that can elevate any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy night in. This dreamy creation combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, making it a show-stopper at every table. Having perfected this recipe over countless family celebrations, I can attest to its ability to win hearts and taste buds alike. The balance of sweetness and tartness, all wrapped in a creamy cheesecake, is truly irresistible.

Reasons to try it

You might wonder—what makes this cherry chocolate cheesecake so special? First and foremost, it’s a dessert that impresses without requiring extensive baking skills. The ingredients are fairly simple, and the finished product looks so elegant that your guests will think you’ve slaved away in the kitchen for hours. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself and your loved ones on a regular evening.

“This cheesecake was a hit at our family gathering! The chocolate and cherry flavors were a perfect match, and the marbled appearance made it look so fancy. I’ll definitely be making it again!” – Sarah T.

The cooking process explained

Making this cherry chocolate cheesecake is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll start by creating a buttery chocolate crust that serves as the perfect foundation for your cheesecake. Next, you’ll whip up the creamy filling, with the richness of the cream cheese and the mellow sweetness from the sugar, eggs, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the texture. The chocolate gets folded into one part of the batter for that delightful marbled effect. Finally, you’ll add fresh cherries and finish it off with a layer of cherry preserves for that glossy shine.

What you’ll need

To create this delicious dessert, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup cherry preserves

Feel free to use gluten-free cookie crumbs if you’re catering to dietary restrictions or swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version!