Description
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars blend German chocolate cake magic with creamy cheesecake layers. Rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and whipped cream create an irresistible dessert that transports you to a charming European patisserie.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
Oreo Cookies and Chocolate:
- 3 cups Oreo crumbs (about 36 Oreos)
- 12 ounces (340 grams) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Cream Cheese and Eggs:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
Sugars and Other Ingredients:
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Whipped Cream and Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (18 ounces/510 grams) can cherry pie filling
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake by pulverizing Oreo cookies and blending with melted butter, then pressing the mixture firmly into a foil-lined pan.
- Toast the crust in a preheated oven until it sets, creating a crisp base for the decadent layers to follow.
- Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler method, allowing it to cool and maintain a smooth, glossy texture.
- Whip cream cheese until velvety, incorporating sugars, cocoa powder, and cornstarch to develop a rich, uniform mixture.
- Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla, creating a luxurious backdrop for the chocolate essence.
- Stream the cooled melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a seamless integration of flavors.
- Delicately incorporate eggs, mixing minimally to preserve the filling’s silky consistency and prevent potential curdling.
- Pour the chocolate-infused batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake until the edges firm up and the center maintains a subtle wobble, indicating perfect custard-like texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate to set and intensify the flavors.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms soft, billowy peaks.
- Remove the chilled cheesecake and slice into elegant bars.
- Embellish each bar with a lavish swirl of whipped cream, a generous dollop of cherry pie filling, and a delicate sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Preparation requires precision: Each step builds layers of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake flavors, so follow instructions carefully.
- Chocolate matters: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for deeper, more complex taste that elevates the entire dessert.
- Cooling is crucial: Allow cheesecake to chill completely in refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set properly and develop intense flavor profile.
- Temperature control ensures perfection: Keep ingredients like cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Make-ahead magic: These bars can be prepared a day in advance, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining or special occasions.
- Customize with confidence: Experiment with different cherry variations or chocolate types to create your unique signature dessert twist.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 469
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg