Black Forest Cheesecake

Black Forest Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• Crust:

• 20 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Cheesecake Filling:

• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Cherry Filling:
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• ¼ cup kirsch (cherry brandy) - optional

• Whipped Cream Topping:

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

• Garnish:

• Fresh cherries or chocolate shavings

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

Crust:

Combine crushed Oreos and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Cherry Filling:

Combine cherry pie filling and kirsch (if using) in a bowl. Set aside.

Chocolate Ganache:

Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl.

Once the cream is hot but not boiling, pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for 3-4 minutes.

Whisk until smooth and well combined. Let it cool slightly.

Cheesecake Filling:

In a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each one before adding the next.

Mix in vanilla extract and flour.

Fold in the cooled chocolate ganache.

Assemble:

Pour half of the cheesecake batter onto the cooled crust.

Top with half of the cherry filling.

Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cherries and spread evenly.

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.

Cool:

Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Whipped Cream:

Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Serve:

Top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream, remaining cherry filling, and fresh cherries or chocolate shavings.

Tips:

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

Don't overbake the cheesecake, as it will continue to set as it cools.

You can substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer.