Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that brings together the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake, the freshness of sweet strawberries, and the indulgent taste of chocolate. Perfect for romantic occasions, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, this dessert delivers elegance and flavor in every slice.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

graham cracker crumbsmelted buttersugarcream cheesegranulated sugareggssour creamvanilla extractfresh strawberriessemi-sweet or dark chocolateheavy cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set.

Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.

Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the chilled cheesecake.

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Drizzle or pour the chocolate ganache over the strawberries.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 slices.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 60 minutesCooling and chilling time: 5 hoursTotal time: 6.5 hours

Variations

Use an Oreo crust instead of graham crackers for extra chocolate flavor.

Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cheesecake and strawberries.

Top with white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter twist.

Infuse the cheesecake filling with strawberry puree for more berry flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and appearance, but thawed frozen ones can be used if patted dry.

Why use a water bath?

A water bath helps prevent cracking by providing even baking and moisture.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better made a day in advance to allow full chilling.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries and cheesecake.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Bake the crust before adding the filling and avoid over-moist toppings.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, but homemade crust offers better flavor and structure.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Common causes are overbaking, skipping the water bath, or rapid cooling.

Can I skip the ganache?

Yes, but the ganache adds a rich, elegant finish.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

It’s best to use plain cream cheese to balance the other flavors.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake is an impressive and delicious dessert that combines beloved flavors into one stunning creation. Whether for a special event or a sweet indulgence, this cheesecake offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and chocolaty goodness.