Black Bottom Cheesecake Recipe

Black Bottom Cheesecake perfectly balances the rich indulgence of chocolate ganache with the creamy tang of classic cheesecake. This luscious dessert features a chocolate wafer crust, a silky cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cherry topping that adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any special occasion, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Crafting a flawless Black Bottom Cheesecake requires attention to layering, careful baking techniques, and quality ingredients.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying cheesecake for the first time, this guide will help you create a dessert that’s creamy, smooth, and beautifully textured with a touch of tartness from the cherry puree.

Ingredients Checklist

To create this impressive Black Bottom Cheesecake, gather the following components carefully measured and prepared:

For the Chocolate Wafer Crust

• 5 ounces ground chocolate wafer cookies (about 1 cup or 25 Nabisco wafers)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Chocolate Ganache Layer

• ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

For the Cherry Topping

• 6 ounces pitted cherries (fresh or thawed frozen)

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 32 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (divided)

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand ensures a smooth baking process and professional results:

• 9-inch springform pan for easy removal

• Mixing bowls in various sizes

• Electric mixer (stand or handheld) with paddle attachment

• Rubber spatula for folding and scraping

• Fine mesh sieve to strain cherry puree

• Food processor or blender for pureeing cherries

• Roasting pan for water bath (bain-marie)

• Wire rack for cooling

• Sharp knife for slicing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to craft your Black Bottom Cheesecake with confidence.

Preparing the Chocolate Wafer Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine the ground chocolate wafers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and clump together.

3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, ensuring an even layer without gaps.

4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before adding the ganache.

Creating the Ganache Layer

5. Heat the whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges but do not boil.

6. Remove from heat, add the chopped semisweet chocolate, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

7. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.

8. Refrigerate the crust and ganache for at least 30 minutes to set before adding the cheesecake filling.

Preparing the Cherry Puree

9. Puree the pitted cherries in a food processor or blender until smooth.

10. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve into a small saucepan to remove solids for a smooth sauce.

11. Add sugar and lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.

12. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Making the Cheesecake Filling

13. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (around 3 minutes).

14. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of the sugar and mix well.

15. Add salt and vanilla extract, then beat in eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to prevent overmixing.

Assembling and Swirling

16. Remove the springform pan with the set ganache from the fridge.

17. Spoon dollops of cheesecake filling over the ganache layer, smoothing gently with a spatula.

18. Drop spoonfuls of cooled cherry puree on top of the cheesecake layer.

19. Using a skewer or toothpick, swirl the cherry puree into the cheesecake filling to create a marbled effect without mixing too much.

Baking the Cheesecake

20. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

21. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the cheesecake pan’s sides (water bath).

22. Bake for 60-70 minutes until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles when gently shaken.

23. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Cooling and Chilling

24. Remove from the water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.

25. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set fully before serving.

Perfect Black Bottom Cheesecake

• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

• Don’t overbeat eggs; gentle mixing prevents cracks and a dense texture.

• Chill the ganache layer well before adding filling to avoid mixing layers.

• Bake with a water bath to keep moisture even and prevent cracking.

• Cool cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door cracked to reduce temperature shock.

• Strain cherry puree for a silky sauce that swirls beautifully without lumps.

• Use a warm knife for slicing cheesecake slices cleanly, wiping it between cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Black Bottom Cheesecake chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. Enhance presentation and flavor by:

• Drizzling extra cherry puree or fresh cherries on each slice.

• Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Garnishing with shaved chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for contrast.

• Pairing with a rich espresso or a fruity dessert wine to complement the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Black Bottom Cheesecake offers a luxurious blend of textures and flavors — from the crisp chocolate crust to the velvety cheesecake filling, finished with a bright cherry swirl.

This dessert not only impresses with its layered complexity but also invites endless customization through different toppings or fruit purees.

Following these detailed instructions and expert tips will help you master a cheesecake that’s smooth, crack-free, and perfectly balanced.

Make this recipe your go-to for special occasions or anytime you crave a sophisticated dessert. Enjoy the baking journey and the delicious reward with every slice!