Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with a silky chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries glazed with strawberry jam, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion. The gradual baking and cooling method ensures a crack-free, velvety cheesecake every time.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Make the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
- Form the crust: Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan evenly and firmly using the back of a spoon to create a compact base.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set it, then remove and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps.
- Add vanilla: Mix in vanilla extract until combined for flavor.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition to avoid overmixing which can cause cracks.
- Incorporate creams: Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Pour batter: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly to ensure creamy texture.
- Cool in oven: Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for another hour to cool gradually, helping prevent cracks on the surface.
- Chill the cheesecake: Remove from oven, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully firm up.
- Make chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Combine chocolate and cream: Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, let sit one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool ganache: Allow ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before using.
- Apply ganache: Spread ganache evenly over chilled cheesecake with a spatula and refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.
- Prepare strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and set aside.
- Optional glaze: Heat strawberry jam until liquid and brush over sliced strawberries for a glossy finish.
- Arrange strawberries: Once ganache has set, arrange sliced strawberries decoratively on top of the cheesecake.
- Serve: Keep chilled until serving and enjoy this rich, luscious dessert.
Notes
- Use chocolate wafer cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for a richer chocolate flavor in the crust.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracking and maintains a creamy texture.
- The strawberry jam glaze is optional but gives the strawberries an attractive shine and added sweetness.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly for best slicing results.
- Use a springform pan to easily release the cheesecake without damaging it.
- 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 topping cheesecake, baked cheesecake, dessert recipe
