If you’re ready to delight your senses and impress your friends, this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is destined to win hearts. Creamy, rich chocolate meets bursts of juicy strawberries, all perched atop a luscious cookie crust—this is a dessert that packs elegance and indulgence into every bite. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just aiming to make an everyday evening extraordinary, this is one treat you’ll crave on repeat. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake, it’ll become your go-to showstopper for years to come!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just timeless, delicious ingredients that blend beautifully to create a cheesecake you’ll never forget. Each one plays a starring role in taste, texture, and color, so don’t skip a single item on this list!
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form a crunchy, chocolatey base that perfectly balances the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the cookie crust and adds a lovely richness to every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): The hero of cheesecake, bringing a velvety texture and tangy note to the dessert.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the natural flavor of strawberries and chocolate.
- Sour cream: Adds silkiness and a subtle tang, making for an ultra-smooth cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla lends warmth and depth to the chocolatey filling.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the batter and ensuring a firm, creamy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled): Infuses the cheesecake with decadent chocolate flavor throughout.
- Fresh strawberries (chopped): Bursts of real strawberry in every slice—the ultimate fruity surprise.
- Strawberry preserves: Warmed and spread over the top, these preserves create a glossy finish and an extra layer of berry flavor.
- Chocolate shavings or extra berries for garnish (optional): For that final flourish, dress up your masterpiece however you like.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and you have a damp, sandy texture. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer that’ll form the base for all your delicious fillings. Set the pan aside while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is fully incorporated and silky. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each one is blended in. Be gentle here to avoid incorporating too much air, which helps prevent cracks.
Step 3: Add Chocolate and Strawberries
Now for the best part: pour in your melted (but slightly cooled) semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir to make a luscious, chocolaty batter. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, spreading their sweet flavor evenly throughout the cheesecake mixture. It’ll look (and smell) amazing already!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the finished chocolate-strawberry filling over your prepared crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but just slightly wobbly if gently shaken. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open a little, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour—this step helps keep it creamy and minimizes cracking.
Step 5: Chill and Top It Off
Once the initial cooling is done, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait! When ready to serve, warm up the strawberry preserves just until they’re spreadable, then gently smooth them over the top of your cheesecake. For those extra wow-points, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or scatter fresh berries over the top before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Garnishes
This cheesecake looks stunning all on its own, but a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings or some beautifully halved strawberries on top can turn it into a true centerpiece. A few mint leaves add a pop of color and a fresh aroma too—it’s all about making each slice look extra special.
Side Dishes
Since Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is already a wow-worthy dessert, keep your sides light and simple. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never fails to please. For something a bit different, serve it with a fruity coulis or a handful of crisp biscotti for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cheesecakes are always a hit at parties—just use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time. For a more upscale touch, drizzle plates with melted chocolate or strawberry puree before placing each slice. Or, offer a “cheesecake bar” with bowls of berries, nuts, and extra sauce so everyone can create their own dream slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It tastes wonderful for up to 5 days, and the flavors only deepen and mellow over time!
Freezing
If you have a surplus (lucky you!), Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake freezes very well. Slice it into portions first, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw slices in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best eaten cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you like yours slightly softer, you can let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
You can substitute frozen strawberries if that’s what you have on hand—just thaw and drain them very well before folding into the cheesecake batter to avoid excess moisture.
What should I do if my cheesecake cracks?
Cracks can happen, especially if the cheesecake cools too quickly or is over-baked, but don’t worry! The glossy strawberry preserves topping covers any imperfections, so your cheesecake will still look and taste fantastic.
Can I make Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chocolate cookie crumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Everything else in the recipe is already gluten-free.
Why does my cheesecake sometimes turn out lumpy?
Lumps usually happen if the cream cheese isn’t softened enough before mixing. For the smoothest texture, let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature and beat it well with the sugar before adding other ingredients.
What’s the secret to easy removal from the pan?
The trick is to run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the springform pan. This helps prevent sticking and keeps those beautiful clean edges intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with homemade cheesecake all over again, you owe it to yourself to try this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. It’s one of those rare desserts that feels as joyful to make as it does to serve. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to wow everyone—starting with yourself!
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Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy decadence of Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. This luscious dessert combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of chocolate in a velvety cheesecake that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or extra berries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare Crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter, press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add sour cream, vanilla, eggs, and melted chocolate. Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust, bake for 55–65 minutes until nearly set. Cool in the oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Final Touches: Warm strawberry preserves, spread over the top. Garnish with chocolate shavings or berries.
Notes
- For a neater finish, run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the springform pan.
- You can substitute raspberry preserves for a fruity twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
