Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Delightful Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo or chocolate graham crackers)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, plus extra for garnish
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• to taste chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until combined. Add in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the cocoa powder and sour cream to the mixture, blending until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the halved strawberries until evenly distributed.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled chocolate crust. Smooth the top and place the springform pan in the oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door, letting the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
6. After cooling, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
7. Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
8. Decorate the top with additional fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings. Slice and serve cold.