Black Forest Cheesecake: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you love the flavors of the iconic Black Forest cake — rich chocolate, creamy layers, and sweet cherries — then this Black Forest Cheesecake is about to become your new favorite dessert. It combines the decadence of a chocolate cheesecake with the tangy sweetness of cherry topping and the elegance of whipped cream. This bold, dramatic dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress guests with a show-stopping treat.

Why Black Forest Cheesecake Is So Irresistible

A traditional Black Forest cake is made with layers of chocolate sponge and cherries, but this cheesecake version delivers all the same flavors in an even richer, creamier form. The velvety chocolate cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie crust, while the cherry topping adds brightness and fruity contrast.

This dessert is:

Luxurious and indulgent
Visually stunning and perfect for celebrations
Make-ahead friendly
Packed with deep chocolate flavor
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

With bold flavor and beautiful presentation, it brings together everything you love about a classic Black Forest dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed)
¼ cup melted butter

For the Chocolate Cheesecake:

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 ½ cups melted dark chocolate
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup cocoa powder

For the Cherry Topping:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional: fresh cherries for garnish

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Mix in melted chocolate. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid overbeating.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the chocolate filling over the crust. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool slowly for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Chill Completely:
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Add the Cherry Topping:
Spoon cherry pie filling over the chilled cheesecake.
Whipped Cream Garnish:
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Pipe or dollop around the edges.
Serve & Enjoy:
Add fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for a perfect finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

Add Kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the filling for a classic Black Forest flavor (adults only).
Use fresh cherry compote instead of canned pie filling.
Add chocolate curls or shavings for a bakery-style presentation.
Make mini cheesecakes for parties or portion control.

Final Thoughts

Black Forest Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and tangy cherries. It’s decadent, sophisticated, and guaranteed to stand out on any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving something extraordinary, this cheesecake delivers elegance and indulgence in every bite.