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The Ultimate Christmas Black Forest Cheesecake: A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat

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Introduction:
This Christmas Black Forest Cheesecake is a holiday dessert you'll fall in love with at first bite. Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of Black Forest cake—cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream—it’s the perfect treat to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a sweet offering to a family gathering, this cheesecake brings both elegance and indulgence to your holiday table.

Ingredients:
For the crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos)
¼ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
For the cheesecake filling:

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the cherry topping:

1 jar (12 oz) Morello cherries in syrup, drained
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sugar
For garnish:

Whipped cream (for topping)
Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
Instructions:

Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is well coated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.

Make the cheesecake filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in sour cream and flour until fully incorporated.

Bake the cheesecake:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 55–60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour before transferring it to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the cherry topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the drained cherries, cornstarch, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Assemble the cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, spread the cherry topping over the top. Garnish with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced holiday beverages like mulled wine.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you'd like to freeze it, wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be kept frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Variations:

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