Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in this luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, silky chocolate ganache, and fresh, vibrant strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent dessert treat, this recipe guides you through creating a stunning and delicious cheesecake that’s sure to impress.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and stir until evenly combined.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid over-mixing.
- Mix Creams: Incorporate sour cream and heavy cream into the batter, mixing until smooth.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool slowly and prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Heat Cream: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Make Ganache: Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl; let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Allow ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before spreading over the chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and set aside.
- Glaze Strawberries (Optional): Heat strawberry jam until liquid and brush over sliced strawberries to add shine.
- Arrange Topping: Once ganache is set, arrange the strawberries on top of the cheesecake in your desired pattern.
- Serve: Serve the cheesecake chilled and enjoy the decadent combination of flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter and easier mixing.
- Do not over-mix after adding eggs to avoid cracks in the cheesecake.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven helps prevent surface cracks.
- The strawberry jam glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use chocolate wafer cookies for the crust instead of graham crackers.
- Let the ganache set properly for a firm yet creamy chocolate layer.
Keywords: Chocolate Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Ganache, Dessert, Baked Cheesecake, Strawberry Topping, Springform Pan