Cherry Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust

To make a cherry cheesecake with a chocolate crust from scratch, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine 1.5 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs with 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter and press this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. For the filling, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 0.75 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in 1 cup of sour cream. Pour half of the batter over the crust, add some cherry pie filling, then top with the remaining batter. Bake for 55-60 minutes, cool in the oven, and refrigerate before serving.

Yes, you can make a gluten-free cherry cheesecake with a chocolate crust by using gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs instead of regular ones. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cream cheese and sour cream, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dessert that accommodates gluten sensitivities.

If you need substitutions for the cherry cheesecake, you can use graham cracker crumbs instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust. For a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream. If you want to avoid eggs, you can use a mixture of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth for each egg.

To store leftover cherry cheesecake with chocolate crust, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It can last for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

To enhance your cherry cheesecake experience, consider serving it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a side of fresh berries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top can also complement the flavors beautifully. For a more decadent touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or crushed nuts on top before serving.