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This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert with a rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy strawberry-infused cheesecake filling, and a silky chocolate ganache topping adorned with fresh strawberries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the perfect balance of chocolate decadence and fruity brightness. The creamy cheesecake is elevated by the sweet tang of strawberries, while the ganache adds a luxurious finish. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or special dinners, this dessert tastes as stunning as it looks.

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Some desserts feel like celebrations even before the first slice is served, and this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is one of them. It’s the kind of dessert that draws eyes at the table and makes guests lean forward in anticipation.

The combination of chocolate and strawberries has always had an air of romance. From chocolate-dipped berries at weddings to boxes of truffles on Valentine’s Day, it’s a pairing that speaks of indulgence and special moments.

Here, that timeless duo meets the creamy richness of cheesecake. The chocolate crust forms a sturdy, flavorful base, offering a satisfying crunch beneath the velvety filling.

The filling itself carries the essence of fresh strawberries, blended until smooth and folded into a classic cheesecake batter. A touch of lemon zest brightens the flavor, ensuring the sweetness never feels heavy.

Baking cheesecake requires a bit of patience, but it rewards you with a dessert that’s both rich and balanced. A gentle water bath helps prevent cracks, keeping the top as flawless as the flavor.

Once baked and cooled, the cheesecake is crowned with a glossy chocolate ganache. This silky layer drapes over the top like a fine cloak, adding a rich cocoa depth that complements the berries beautifully.

The final touch is fresh strawberries, some dipped in the ganache and others left bare for a burst of freshness. This mix of glossy and natural fruit creates a visually striking presentation.

It’s a dessert that feels at home on a holiday table, yet is versatile enough for any occasion that calls for something special. It can be made a day ahead, which makes it a stress-free choice for entertaining.

Every bite offers layers of texture and flavor: the crisp chocolate crust, the smooth strawberry cream, the silky ganache, and the juicy burst of fresh berries.

It’s the kind of dessert that invites lingering at the table, savoring each forkful while conversations continue.

This cheesecake has the power to turn an ordinary day into a memory and a celebration into something unforgettable.

It’s proof that when you combine classic flavors with thoughtful preparation, you get a dessert that stands the test of time.

Servings

12 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Bake Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Chill Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 12 hours

Ingredients

Crust:

• 9 ounces chocolate wafer cookies, crushed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Cooking spray

Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 40 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 drops pink gel food coloring (optional)

Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 10 fresh strawberries (whole and halved), for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap the outside with a double layer of heavy-duty foil.
2. Combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Bake for 7–8 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Puree strawberries until smooth. Set aside.
4. Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and flour, mixing until smooth.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by egg yolks. Mix in strawberry puree, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in food coloring if using.
6. Pour batter into cooled crust. Place pan in a roasting pan; add hot water halfway up the sides.
7. Bake 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until the center is almost set. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 15 minutes.
8. Remove from oven. Run a knife around the edge. Cool completely, then chill 8–24 hours.
9. For ganache: Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let stand 1 minute, then whisk smooth. Cool slightly.
10. Dip a few strawberries in ganache and chill until set.
11. Remove cheesecake from pan. Pour ganache over the top, spreading to edges. Chill 1 hour.
12. Garnish with dipped and fresh strawberries.

Tips

• Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
• A water bath helps prevent cracks.
• Make a day ahead for easier serving and better flavor development.