A rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake with sweet strawberry swirls—perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luscious dessert.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
Tools:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and cocoa powder until fully combined.
- Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the strawberry preserves with the chopped strawberries. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cheesecake.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the strawberry mixture into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
FAQs About Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes! Thaw and drain them before mixing with the preserves.
How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake? Bake with a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the oven rack below the cheesecake.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This cheesecake tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate strawberry swirl cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence—creamy, rich, and bursting with chocolate and berry goodness. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!