If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a dessert that truly feels like a celebration, the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is calling your name! This dreamy dessert brings together a lusciously smooth chocolate cheesecake base, fresh juicy strawberries, and a rich chocolate ganache drizzle for a flavor trifecta you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just indulging your passion for gorgeous sweets, this recipe guarantees a showstopper—each slice offers a perfect balance of creamy tang, velvety chocolate, and refreshing strawberry brightness. Dive in once, and you’ll be dreaming about this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake long after it’s gone!

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making an unforgettable Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake only takes a handful of simple ingredients, but each one truly matters. Their roles—texture, richness, sweetness, and color—come together to build layers of flavor in every bite.

Chocolate cookie crumbs: These create a deep, chocolatey base that’s both crunchy and indulgent. Pro tip: chocolate wafer cookies or sandwich cookies (without the filling) work great!
Granulated sugar: You’ll use this for balanced sweetness in both the crust and filling—it helps everything meld together.
Unsalted butter (melted): This holds the crust together and adds a buttery finish to every bite.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of your cheesecake—make sure it’s room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and even silkier cheesecake consistency.
Semisweet chocolate (melted): Decadent chocolate flavor in the filling, turning every forkful into pure bliss.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash boosts and rounds out all the other flavors.
Large eggs: Essential for structure, richness, and that classic cheesecake set—add them one at a time for the best texture.
Fresh strawberries (halved): Their vibrant color and sweet-tart brightness are the finishing touch that makes this dessert iconic.
Semisweet chocolate chips: A quick, reliable way to make a glossy chocolate drizzle.
Heavy cream: Blends with the chocolate chips for a ganache that pours like silk over your cheesecake.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand, making sure every crumb is coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes to set, then let the crust cool completely while you move on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until silky smooth and fluffy—this is crucial for that dreamy texture! Mix in the sour cream, melted chocolate (make sure it’s slightly cooled), and vanilla extract until the batter becomes rich, glossy, and fully combined. Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake delightfully creamy without cracks.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the chocolate filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Place the pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes—the center should be just set, with slightly puffed edges. Turn the oven off, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake slowly cool inside for about an hour. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture velvety.

Step 4: Chill Thoroughly

Once your cheesecake has cooled in the oven, transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). During this time, the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake firms up and the flavors meld beautifully together, making the first slice absolute perfection.

Step 5: Top with Strawberries and Chocolate Ganache

Right before serving, arrange the halved strawberries on top in a decorative pattern. Melt the chocolate chips with the heavy cream in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until velvety smooth. Drizzle this luscious ganache over the strawberries and cheesecake, then slice and serve your show-stopping creation!

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Garnishes

Fresh halved strawberries are an absolute must for crowning this cheesecake, but why stop there? A handful of chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa powder add eye-catching contrast and a little extra drama for special occasions. For a finishing sparkle, try a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar on the berries just before serving.

Side Dishes

Because the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is so rich and decadent, lighter side pairings let it shine. Offer glasses of cold milk, fresh brewed coffee, or a simple green tea. A bowl of mixed fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad also brings a zingy, refreshing note alongside your dessert masterpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try slicing your cheesecake and serving each wedge on individual plates with a decorative swirl of extra ganache and a dollop of whipped cream. For parties, cut the cheesecake into bite-sized bars or squares, each topped with a single strawberry half and a drizzle of chocolate—your guests will go wild for “mini” Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. I recommend leaving the strawberries off until just before serving, as they taste and look best when fresh. Tightly wrap the pan or transfer slices to an airtight container to help prevent the cheesecake from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

The Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake freezes beautifully! To freeze, skip the berries and ganache until you’re ready to serve. After the cheesecake has chilled, wrap it well in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; top with strawberries and ganache just before serving for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

While cheesecake is best served cold or at a cool room temperature, if you prefer, you can let slices sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Avoid using the microwave to reheat, as it can change the creamy texture. The chocolate layer may soften slightly at room temperature, which only makes each bite more decadent!

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate for the filling?

Absolutely! You can swap in milk chocolate for a sweeter touch or dark chocolate for deeper intensity. Just keep in mind that different chocolates will change the overall sweetness and richness of your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

For a super-smooth top, avoid over-beating your filling once the eggs are in, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven after baking. Using a water bath or placing a pan of hot water on the rack below helps regulate the oven’s humidity and temperature, reducing the chance of cracks.

What’s the best way to make neat slices?

Use a sharp chef’s knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. This little trick ensures every slice of your Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake comes out looking as beautiful as it tastes!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. The filling and toppings are naturally gluten-free, making this decadent dessert accessible to everyone.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes it much easier to release the cheesecake cleanly, especially with a thick, creamy filling like this one. If you don’t have one, you can use a deep-dish pie plate lined with parchment—just adjust baking times and release with care.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that one showpiece dessert to impress at celebrations or just brighten a cozy weekend at home, let the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake be your new go-to. Every decadent, creamy, chocolatey, strawberry-filled bite is pure joy—trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again!

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake. A decadent dessert that marries the flavors of chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a velvety cream cheese filling.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream
8 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs

For the topping:

1½ cups fresh strawberries, halved
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan; bake for 10 minutes.
Create filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, melted chocolate, and vanilla. Incorporate eggs one at a time. Pour over crust.
Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until set. Cool in the oven, then refrigerate for 4 hours.
Prepare topping: Top with strawberries. Melt chocolate chips and cream, then drizzle over strawberries.

Notes

To prevent cracks, consider using a water bath or placing hot water below the cheesecake while baking.
For enhanced flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of espresso powder with the melted chocolate for the filling.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American