Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake (Printable Version)

Rich dark chocolate cheesecake with tangy strawberry swirls on a chocolate biscuit crust

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 7 oz chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits, crushed
02 - 2.6 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 32 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 3/4 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
09 - 4.2 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

→ Strawberry Swirl

10 - 7 oz fresh strawberries, hulled
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
13 - 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
02 - Combine crushed chocolate biscuits, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until berries soften (about 5 minutes). Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Puree until smooth and let cool.
04 - Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Blend in sour cream and vanilla.
05 - Divide the filling in half. To one half, fold in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated.
06 - Pour the chocolate filling over the crust, spreading evenly. Top with the plain filling.
07 - Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree on top and use a skewer or knife to swirl it through the batter creating a marbled pattern.
08 - Place the pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly.
09 - Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to achieve perfect texture.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The combination of rich dark chocolate and bright strawberry swirl creates that perfect sweettangy balance everyone craves
  • Despite its bakery appearance this comes together with simple techniques you can master on the first try
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiablecold cream cheese creates lumps that won't disappear no matter how long you mix
  • The cheesecake is done when it's set around the edges but still jiggles like gelatin in the centerit continues cooking as it cools
03 -
  • Place a pan of water on the lower oven rack while baking for extra insurance against cracks
  • If the strawberry swirl feels too thick, stir in a teaspoon of water to reach a pourable consistency