Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake (Print-Friendly Format)

Rich dark chocolate and cherry cheesecake for dessert indulgence.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, melted

→ Cherry Topping

10 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
13 - 1/4 cup water

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
02 - Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate until well combined.
04 - Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly.
05 - Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
06 - Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
07 - Combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Allow to cool, then spread over the chilled cheesecake.

# Additional Information:

01 - Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the cherry topping for best results.