If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly combines luscious chocolate, fresh strawberries, and creamy cheesecake, this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a rich, velvety filling crafted from melted chocolate and smooth cream cheese resting on a chocolate cookie crust, crowned with a vibrant, naturally sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that makes this dessert both comforting and celebratory. It’s an absolute showstopper for any gathering or a special treat to enjoy on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that blend beautifully to create extraordinary flavors. Each element plays a vital role—from the crumbly, chocolatey crust to the decadent filling and the fresh fruit topping, every bite feels thoughtfully layered and delicious.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs (1 1/2 cups): Using Oreo crumbs without the filling adds a rich chocolate base with just the right crunch.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps the crust come together with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake for its creamy and tangy consistency.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling while balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the cheesecake velvety smooth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, melted and cooled): Infuses the filling with luscious chocolate flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the cheesecake filling together with a silky finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, hulled and halved): The fresh fruit topping that brightens and balances the dessert perfectly.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the strawberry topping gently during cooking.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing to the strawberries, enhancing their natural sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake it for 8 minutes to set the base, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the sour cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can cause cracks during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the luscious filling over the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, watching for the center to become almost set but still with a slight jiggle. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and leave the cheesecake inside to cool for one hour. This gentle cooling process helps prevent cracks.
Step 4: Chill Thoroughly
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours or overnight to let it firm up and develop its creamy texture. This chilling time is essential for the perfect sliceability and flavor melding.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
While your cheesecake chills, prepare the stunning fresh strawberry topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the halved strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their delicious juices. Let this mixture cool fully before spreading it generously over your chilled cheesecake right before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate can add an elegant touch. Fresh, whole strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream also bring a lovely visual and textural contrast to your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe. These little touches elevate it from delightful to downright stunning.
Side Dishes
Serving your cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small dish of fresh berries complements the dessert beautifully. Light, crispy biscotti or buttery shortbread cookies also make fantastic accompaniments that enhance the indulgent experience without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, cut your cheesecake into mini slices and place each on a decorative plate with a mint leaf or edible flower. You can also layer the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping into individual jars or glasses for charming parfait-style presentations of this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesecake should be tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy every last bite of this heavenly dessert.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some cheesecake for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store individual slices in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before serving instead of using heat, keeping the luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Keep in mind the sweetness will vary with the type of chocolate used, so adjust sugar levels if needed.
Do I need a special pan to make this cheesecake?
A 9-inch springform pan is ideal because its removable sides make it easier to release the cheesecake without damage. If you don’t have one, a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper might work, but the springform is highly recommended.
Can I prepare this cheesecake without baking?
This particular recipe relies on baking to set the filling properly. For a no-bake version, there are alternative recipes using gelatin or whipped cream, but the texture and flavor will be quite different from this rich, baked Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe.
What size strawberries work best for the topping?
Medium-sized, fresh, ripe strawberries work best. They should be firm enough to hold shape but juicy to provide a lovely topping when cooked with sugar and lemon juice.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
To get the perfect texture and to make slicing easier, chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to fully set.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your friends or treat yourself to something truly special, the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is a must-try. Its perfect balance of chocolate richness and fresh, fruity brightness creates a dessert that feels decadent yet approachable. I can’t wait for you to whip one up and share the delicious love!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake combines a rich chocolate cookie crust with a smooth, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, topped with a vibrant homemade strawberry sauce. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a luscious dessert that blends chocolate and fresh fruit beautifully.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo, without filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Mix in the sour cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition; avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and creamy.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is nearly set but still jiggles slightly when shaken. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. After that, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Make the strawberry topping: While the cheesecake chills, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices into a thick sauce. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Serve: Once chilled, spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake. For an elegant finish, optionally drizzle with extra melted chocolate or garnish with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for the smoothest cheesecake texture.
- Do not overmix eggs into the batter to prevent cracking and maintain a creamy consistency.
- Baking with the oven door cracked during cooling helps prevent cracking on the surface.
- For an extra indulgent presentation, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the strawberry topping or add whipped cream.
