Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake combines a creamy, smooth cheesecake base with a rich chocolate ganache topping and fresh strawberries. The graham cracker crust provides a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, while the chocolate and strawberry layers add a lovely contrast of flavors. Ideal for special occasions or any dessert craving, this recipe is a showstopper and delightfully indulgent.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake layers.
- Prepare crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly combined to form the crust base.
- Press crust into pan: Press the crust 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 in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, creating the base for the cheesecake filling.
- Add vanilla extract: Incorporate the vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture and blend until well combined.
- Mix in eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition without over-mixing to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add sour and heavy cream: Blend in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Pour batter onto crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly to ensure perfect doneness.
- Cool gradually in oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
- Cool and refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up fully.
- Prepare chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before applying.
- Apply ganache to cheesecake: Pour the slightly thickened ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake and spread with a spatula. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to let ganache set.
- Slice strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and set aside for topping.
- Glaze strawberries (optional): For a glossy finish, gently heat strawberry jam until liquid and brush over the sliced strawberries.
- Arrange strawberries: Once ganache is set, arrange the strawberries decoratively atop the cheesecake.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the cheesecake chilled and enjoy its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use chocolate wafer cookies instead of graham crackers in the crust for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Do not over-mix the batter after adding eggs to avoid cracking or dense texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracks on the surface.
- Refrigerate cheesecake overnight if possible for best texture and flavor.
- Strawberry jam glaze is optional but gives a beautiful shine and keeps strawberries fresh longer.
- Use a water bath (bain-marie) if desired to ensure an even gentler bake and creamy texture.
Keywords: chocolate cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate ganache, creamy cheesecake, dessert recipe, baked cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries