Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Who can resist the indulgent combination of cherries and rich Ghirardelli chocolate?

A Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake is the ultimate choice if you love both chocolate and cheesecake like me!

This luxurious dessert delivers on taste and presentation, making it perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to treat yourself.

The balance of sweet cherries, rich Ghirardelli chocolate, and smooth, velvety cream cheese creates a taste sensation that is hard to beat.

This recipe takes the classic cheesecake to new heights by incorporating high-quality ingredients and a touch of flair.

How to Make Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients List

To make a delicious Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 5 (8 ounces) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose wheat flour
• 5 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 8 cups Ghirardelli chocolate chips divided
• 1 can cherry pie filling

For the chocolate cookie crust:

• 3 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies
• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
• 3 pinches granulated sugar

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Prepare the crust

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate wafer cookies, melted salted butter, and granulated sugar; mix well.

Press the mixture in the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of an ungreased 10-inch springform pan.

Step 2. Make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

Add sugar and flour, mixing until combined.

Then, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Finally, mix in the salt, almond extract, and vanilla extract.

Step 3. Melt the chocolate

In a separate heatproof bowl, melt 6 cups of the Ghirardelli chocolate chips in short intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals to prevent burning.

Step 4. Combine cheesecake and chocolate mixtures

Pour the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture and mix until uniformly combined.

Your chocolate cheesecake filling should be smooth and well-blended.

Step 5. Assemble the cheesecake

Pour half of the chocolate cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.

Layer the cherry pie filling on top of the batter evenly.

Gently pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cherries to cover completely.

Step 6. Bake the cheesecake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7. Make the chocolate ganache

Mix the remaining 2 cups of Ghirardelli chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth.

This will create a basic dark chocolate ganache.

Step 8. Finish the cheesecake

Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan and drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top.

If desired, you can use a piping bag or spoon to create decorative patterns.

Your Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake is ready to be enjoyed!

Make sure to use high-quality chocolates for an enhanced flavor.

Side Dishes for Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake

When you serve a rich and delicious dessert like Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake, it is essential to pair it with some complimentary side dishes.

Here are a few options that will enhance the cheesecake experience:

Fresh Fruit Salad

A light and refreshing fresh fruit salad can be the perfect accompaniment to the intense flavors of the cheesecake.

A mix of berries, melons, and citrus fruits tossed with a simple dressing of lemon juice and a touch of honey will let the fruits’ natural sweetness and tart flavors shine through.

This choice adds a contrasting freshness to the rich and indulgent cheesecake.

Choosing the suitable side dishes can elevate your dessert experience with Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Mascarpone Cheese

If you want a cream cheese alternative, you can use mascarpone cheese.

Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese with a similar taste and texture to cream cheese.

When using mascarpone as a substitute, remember that it has a slightly sweeter taste, but it should still work well in the cherry Ghirardelli chocolate cheesecake recipe.

Type of Chocolate

The type of chocolate used can significantly impact the taste of your cheesecake.

Although the original recipe calls for Ghirardelli chocolate chips, you can experiment with other varieties of chocolate.

Options include bittersweet chocolate baking chips, dark chocolate chips, or even a bar of milk chocolate.

Just make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly so the sweetness level remains balanced.

These ingredient substitutes will allow you to personalize your cherry Ghirardelli chocolate cheesecake while maintaining the original recipe’s delicious essence.

How to Store Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake

Storing your Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake properly is essential to its freshness and flavor.

Follow these simple guidelines to ensure that your cheesecake stays as delicious as possible.

Refrigerating the Cheesecake:

Keep your Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic, or stored in an airtight container.

This helps prevent the cheesecake from absorbing flavors from other foods in your fridge.

The cheesecake can stay fresh for 5-7 days if properly sealed and refrigerated.

Freezing the Cheesecake:

If you plan to store it for longer periods, consider freezing it.

To do so, first, let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before placing it uncovered in the freezer for about an hour.

Once it is slightly frozen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.

Label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

By storing it properly and enjoying it as an occasional treat, you can ensure that each serving is savored and appreciated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake.

Unevenly Melting the Chocolate

Achieving a deep chocolate flavor in your cheesecake requires properly melting the chocolate.

Melt the chocolate slowly and evenly to avoid scorching it, which can result in a bitter taste.

Not Properly Combining the Chocolate Mixture

Once you have melted your chocolate, be sure to add the mixture to the chocolate mixture carefully, thoroughly combining all the ingredients.

This ensures a smooth, uniform flavor and texture throughout your cheesecake.

Using Dull Knives

When cutting your finished Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake, use sharp knives for clean, even slices.

Dull knives can cause the cheesecake to crumble out of place.