Description
Indulge in this luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, rich chocolate ganache, and fresh strawberries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This decadent dessert is ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat any 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 crust mixture: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until evenly combined.
- Form the crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid over-mixing.
- Add creams: Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until the batter becomes smooth and uniform.
- Pour filling onto crust: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool gradually in oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
- Chill cheesecake: Remove from oven, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Combine ganache ingredients: Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool ganache: Allow ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly.
- Apply ganache to cheesecake: Spread ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake using a spatula, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Slice strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and set aside.
- Glaze strawberries (optional): Heat strawberry jam in a small saucepan until liquid and brush over sliced strawberries for glossy finish.
- Arrange strawberries: Once ganache has set, arrange strawberries decoratively on top of the cheesecake.
- Serve: Keep the cheesecake chilled until serving and enjoy your delicious dessert!
Notes
- Use chocolate wafer cookies instead of graham crackers for a more intense chocolate crust.
- Do not over-mix cheesecake batter after adding eggs to avoid cracks during baking.
- Letting cheesecake cool gradually in the oven helps prevent surface cracking.
- For best results, refrigerate cheesecake overnight to enhance flavor and firmness.
- Strawberry jam glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness to the topping.
- Use a water bath during baking if you prefer an even creamier texture, but it is not required for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, chocolate ganache, strawberry topping, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, dessert, baking, easy cheesecake
