Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact it firmly. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool while you make the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. A hand or stand mixer works best for this.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
  3. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the sliced strawberries evenly over the batter.
  4. Drizzle the melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the strawberries, then top with the remaining cheesecake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the chocolate gently through the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with about 1 inch of hot water. This water bath prevents cracking.
  2. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  3. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside the oven. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

  1. Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
  2. Drizzle the chocolate ganache generously over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
  3. Garnish with fresh strawberries, arranging them beautifully on top.