This decadent cheesecake features a rich chocolate filling studded with cherries and chocolate chips, all on a chocolate cookie crust.

Ingredients:

• Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Cheesecake:
  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Whipped Cream Topping:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whipped cream
• Garnish:
  • 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
  • Fresh cherries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and flour until just combined.
3. Fold in sour cream, chopped cherries, and mini chocolate chips. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Smooth the top and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour to cool slowly. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Make the whipped cream topping: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake and garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

Enjoy!

Estimated time:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 60 minutes
• Chill time: 4 hours+
• Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes+ (depending on chilling time)
• Servings: 12