Get ready to delight in irresistible decadence with this Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake. Imagine a silky chocolate-studded cream cheese filling hugging a chocolate cookie crust, all crowned with a luscious blanket of juicy cherries. This dessert is pure celebration—no oven, no fuss, just pure joy. Whether you’re hosting friends, need a show-stopping holiday finale, or simply want to treat yourself, the Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is sinfully delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dessert is all about making the most out of a handful of simple, standout ingredients. Each component brings its own charm, from the crunch of the crust to the richness of chocolate and that pop of cherry on top. Let’s take a look at what makes this treat shine.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These create a deep, chocolatey base that balances the sweetness of the filling and adds a pleasant crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together, giving the crust its classic texture and richness.
- Cream cheese: The heart and soul of any cheesecake, cream cheese delivers velvety smoothness and that signature tangy flavor.
- Powdered sugar: This fine sugar sweetens the filling without any graininess and helps achieve a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the other flavors and brings a cozy warmth to the filling.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted and mixed in, they provide deep chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to peaks, this lightens the filling, making it airy and cloud-like.
- Cherry pie filling: Glossy, sweet, and tart, this brings a burst of fruitiness and that sensational look every cheesecake deserves.
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional): For an elegant finish and extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle some on top just before serving.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake
Step 1: Prep and Chill the Crust
Start with the base by mixing your chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed for the perfect slice every time. Let it chill in the refrigerator while you work on the filling—this keeps your crust beautifully crisp and ready to support all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until ultra-smooth and creamy; any lumps here could affect that magical texture, so take your time! Next, pour in your melted chocolate and continue mixing until every ounce of chocolaty richness is fully blended into the filling.
Step 3: Whip and Fold the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks—it should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. Gently fold the whipped cream into your chocolate cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate all that fluffy volume. This step is what gives the Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake its dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Spread the chocolate cheesecake filling evenly over your chilled crust, smoothing the top for that picture-perfect look. Cover the pan and let it rest in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can wait—it sets up beautifully and the flavors meld into pure bliss.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Topping and Garnish
Just before serving, lift your cheesecake from the pan and spoon the glistening cherry pie filling over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls. Each slice will tempt with that iconic sweet-tart cherry crown and rich, chocolatey layers beneath.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with extra garnishes: a flurry of chocolate shavings, swirls of whipped cream, or even a few fresh cherries for that extra touch of flair. Let your inner dessert artist shine—this cake is ready to wear its fanciest accessories!
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake with a fresh side like a bowl of mixed berries or a light fruit salad. If you’re after something more indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming mug of coffee cuts through the creamy sweetness in the most inviting way.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation: assemble as mini cheesecakes in glasses or jars for a portable dessert, or try drizzling a ribbon of cherry sauce in a decorative pattern before adding whole cherries. Feeling bold? Swing for a dramatic chocolate drizzle over the cherries for a showstopper look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator—it stays wonderfully creamy for up to 4 days. The cherry topping keeps its glossy shine, and the flavors only deepen as they sit, making for a fantastic next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on party planning, this cheesecake freezes like a dream! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (minus the cherry topping) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge before topping with cherries and serving for that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen vibe.
Reheating
No need for reheating here—simply let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a slightly softer, silkier bite. It’s designed to be enjoyed chilled, so just slice and savor.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit topping instead of cherries?
Absolutely! While the cherries are iconic, raspberry, strawberry, or even blueberry pie filling can swap in beautifully. Feel free to use whatever fruit your taste buds fancy or what’s in season.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
No worries—just use any 9-inch round cake pan lined with parchment for easy removal. Mini cheesecakes in muffin tins or jars are another fun, portable option!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and check your pie filling label for any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re set for all to enjoy.
How do I avoid a runny cheesecake?
The key is whipping your cream to stiff peaks and allowing ample chilling time before slicing. Make sure your cream cheese is well blended, and don’t skip the chilling step—the cheesecake needs it to set up properly.
Can I taste the cream cheese, or is it mostly chocolate?
Both! The chocolate flavor is rich and forward, but the tang of cream cheese keeps the taste balanced and classic. With the vanilla and cherries, each bite is beautifully harmonious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a recipe that guarantees rave reviews and those “just one more slice” moments, look no further than this Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake. It’s incredibly simple, outrageously delicious, and destined to become a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to share it with your loved ones—dig in and enjoy every blissful bite!
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Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of a Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake. This luscious dessert features a rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and a topping of sweet cherry pie filling. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make, yet impressive treat!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, without filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
For the topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- chocolate shavings or curls for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter, press into a springform pan, and chill.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add melted chocolate, then fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread filling over crust, chill until set.
- Add the topping: Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheesecake before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For a homemade cherry topping, simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
- This dessert is rich, so slice thin for smaller servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
