Ingredients
- Chocolate Cookies (for crust): 250g
- Unsalted Butter (melted): 100g
- Cream Cheese (softened): 750g
- Granulated Sugar: 200g
- Eggs: 3 large
- Sour Cream: 200g
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: 1 can (approx. 500g)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the crust. Finely crush the chocolate cookies (using a food processor or by hand). Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Step 2: Make the cheesecake batter. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 3: Bake the cheesecake. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cookie crust. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the batter. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cherry layer and top with the remaining cherry pie filling.
- Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Step 5: Chill and serve. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. Release the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice to serve.
Notes
- Store leftover cheesecake tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
- For an extra decadent treat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving, enhancing the cherry flavor.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate for an elegant presentation.
- To avoid a cracked surface, resist the urge to overmix the cheesecake batter; gently combine ingredients until just smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American