Description
Indulgent chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake brings Italian dessert magic to your table. Creamy layers of rich cheesecake nestled with fresh strawberries and glossy chocolate create a romantic finale you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Chocolate Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Strawberry and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh strawberries
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup strawberry preserves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a graham cracker foundation by pulverizing crackers and blending with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into a lined springform pan.
- Toast the crust briefly in a preheated oven until golden and aromatic, creating a crisp base for the decadent dessert.
- Transform fresh strawberries into a concentrated puree by gently simmering and reducing the fruit until thick and intensely flavored.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating granulated sugar and a touch of flour to stabilize the mixture.
- Fold in velvety sour cream, the reduced strawberry essence, and a hint of vanilla extract, creating a luscious cheesecake base.
- Gently introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring a uniform, luxurious texture without overmixing.
- Infuse the batter with a soft pink hue using a carefully measured drop of food coloring.
- Encase the springform pan in aluminum foil and nestle it into a water bath to ensure even, gentle baking.
- Bake the cheesecake at a low temperature, allowing it to set slowly and develop a creamy, unblemished surface.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually, first at room temperature, then refrigerate to achieve perfect consistency.
- Prepare a glossy chocolate ganache by heating cream and cascading it over premium dark chocolate chips.
- Whisk the ganache until it transforms into a smooth, lustrous coating.
- Drizzle the ganache elegantly across the chilled cheesecake’s surface.
- Whip heavy cream to stiff, billowing peaks, adding a whisper of color for visual appeal.
- Pipe decorative cream rosettes around the cheesecake’s perimeter.
- Crown the masterpiece with chocolate-dipped strawberries, creating a stunning visual finale.
Notes
- Consider making the ganache ahead of time for smoother spreading and less kitchen stress.
- Freeze chocolate-covered strawberries separately before decorating to prevent color bleeding and maintain crisp appearance.
- Ensure all ingredients are room temperature to create a silky, lump-free cheesecake filling that bakes evenly and prevents cracking.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg