There’s something magical about Black Forest desserts—maybe it’s the deep, luxurious combination of chocolate and cherries, or the way each bite feels like a celebration. For many of us, Black Forest cake brings back memories of special occasions: birthdays, holidays, family gatherings where the table felt just a little fancier and the room buzzed with laughter.

This Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight takes all the nostalgic charm of the traditional German cake and layers it with a rich, creamy twist. Imagine the smoothness of a chocolate cheesecake paired with tart, juicy cherries and finished off with a soft whipped topping—it’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for those moments when you really want to impress (or just treat yourself).

I first made this cheesecake for a winter potluck. The air outside was frosty, the kind of cold that makes you crave something sweet and warming. One slice in, and it was love at first bite. The velvety chocolate base, the burst of cherry, and that dreamy topping—pure dessert harmony. Now, it’s my go-to for holidays, dinner parties, or just because it’s Thursday.

Whether you’re a longtime cheesecake fan or someone looking to try something new, this dessert is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me—you’re going to want seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• A fusion of classics: Combines the elegance of Black Forest cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake.
• Perfect texture: Silky smooth chocolate filling with a satisfying chocolate crust and juicy cherry topping.
• Crowd-pleaser: Looks stunning and tastes even better—ideal for holidays and gatherings.
• Make-ahead magic: Great for prepping the day before a party. It holds up beautifully overnight.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
• Shaved chocolate (optional, for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE HEAVENLY BLACK FOREST CHEESECAKE DELIGHT:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prep your base

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and mix your chocolate cookie crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the texture is like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like using the bottom of a measuring cup to make sure it’s nice and even.

Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes—just long enough to set it. Take it out and let it cool while you work on the filling.

2. Make the dreamy chocolate cheesecake layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add in sugar and cocoa powder, and mix until everything is well combined—this is when it starts to smell amazing. Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream last. Your batter should be smooth, chocolatey, and rich.

Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

3. Bake low and slow

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle to it. Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake cool gradually for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.

After that, let it come to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is best!

4. Time to decorate

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and set, spread the cherry pie filling generously over the top. Add a thick layer of whipped topping, and if you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle some shaved chocolate over it. It’s those little extras that make it feel like a dessert straight from a bakery.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Room temperature ingredients make a difference: Cold cream cheese can lead to lumpy batter. Let everything warm up first.
• No springform pan? You can use a deep 9-inch pie dish, but lining it with parchment paper will help with removal.
• Crust variation: Don’t have chocolate cookie crumbs? Graham crackers work too—just add an extra tablespoon of cocoa to the mix for that chocolatey depth.
• Want a firmer cheesecake? Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter to help stabilize.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
• Yield: 10–12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American / German-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

This cheesecake holds up beautifully for a couple of days, and the flavors actually deepen with time. That cherry-chocolate combo just gets better! If you’re making this for an event, try decorating it the morning of for the freshest presentation.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Estimated per serving):

• Calories: 410
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes! Just simmer pitted cherries with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool before spreading it over the cheesecake.

Do I need a water bath?
Not necessarily. This recipe is forgiving, and the slow cooling helps prevent cracks. But if you’re going for a super smooth top, a water bath can help.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Absolutely! Freeze it without the topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then add your cherries and whipped topping.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve added whipped topping, try not to stack slices, as the topping can smudge. For freezing, leave off the whipped cream and cherries until you’re ready to serve.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
• Neapolitan Cake
• Red Velvet Cheesecake: Decadent, Creamy, and Perfect for Celebrations
• Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

CONCLUSION

This Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, yet cozy and nostalgic enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a quiet weekend afternoon. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and seriously delicious.

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