Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake

Enjoy a decadent fusion of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and rich chocolate ganache with this indulgent dessert. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups crushed chocolate wafer cookies
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
• 1/4 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate for drizzling

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• In a medium bowl, mix crushed chocolate wafer cookies, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and chopped strawberries until well combined.
• Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly.

1. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
• Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

• In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.
• Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for another hour.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Before serving, top the cheesecake with halved strawberries and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Chilling Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Berry Medley: Replace strawberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a berry twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts or toffee bits on top of the ganache for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
   Yes, you can use any type of crushed cookie, such as graham crackers or Oreos, for a different flavor.
2. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
   You can use a regular pie dish or cake pan, but make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. How can I make the cheesecake more chocolatey?
   Mix some melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking for a richer chocolate flavor.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
5. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
   Bake at a lower temperature and avoid overmixing the batter. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to prevent sudden temperature changes.
6. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Yes, this cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7. How do I make sure the ganache is smooth?
   Make sure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate completely. Stir gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles.
8. What can I use instead of chocolate chips for the ganache?
   You can use chopped chocolate bars or chocolate melts as an alternative.
9. Can I add a fruit compote on top?
   Yes, a fruit compote or sauce can be added on top of the ganache for extra flavor.
10. How can I make the cheesecake more festive?
    Decorate with edible gold leaf or colorful sprinkles for a special touch.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake combines rich, creamy cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries and a luscious chocolate ganache. It’s a luxurious dessert perfect for any celebration or as a sweet indulgence. Enjoy!

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