This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that balances the richness of creamy cheesecake with the bright acidity of fresh strawberries. The layers are distinct yet harmonious, starting with a buttery graham cracker crust infused with Grand Marnier. A smooth, baked cheesecake base supports a vibrant strawberry compote, while a glossy dark chocolate ganache tops it all off. Finished with whipped cream rosettes, this cake is perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a sophisticated treat. The combination of textures 226;ÂÂcrunchy crust, creamy filling, and silky glazeâÂÂmakes every bite delightful.
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that balances the richness of creamy cheesecake with the bright acidity of fresh strawberries. The layers are distinct yet harmonious, starting with a buttery graham cracker crust infused with Grand Marnier. A smooth, baked cheesecake base supports a vibrant strawberry compote, while a glossy dark chocolate ganache tops it all off. Finished with whipped cream rosettes, this cake is perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a sophisticated treat. The combination of textures&# 226;ÂÂcrunchy crust, creamy filling, and silky glazeâÂÂmakes every bite delightful.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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Process graham crackers in a food processor or blender until they form fine crumbs.
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In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter, 4 teaspoons Grand Marnier, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
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Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
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Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 10-inch springform pan.
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Chill the prepared crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
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For the strawberry layer, puree 1 quart of stemmed fresh strawberries with 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and 4 teaspoons Grand Marnier in a blender.
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Transfer the strawberry puree to the top of a double boiler.
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In a small cup, whisk together 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water, then add this mixture to the strawberry puree.
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Cook the strawberry mixture over simmering water, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a jam-like consistency.
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Remove from heat and let the strawberry layer cool to room temperature, then set aside.
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In a large bowl or food processor, beat 24 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth.
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Add 3 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 4 1/2 teaspoons flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, and 3 teaspoons Grand Marnier to the cream cheese.
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Blend or beat the mixture just until smooth and combined; do not overmix.
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Pour approximately half of the cheesecake batter into the chilled crust, spreading it evenly.
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Carefully spoon the cooled strawberry layer over the cheesecake batter, ensuring it covers the center but does not overlap onto the crust edges.
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Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the strawberry layer to cover it completely.
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Place the springform pan on a cookie sheet and bake at 350ðF (177ðC) for 70 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
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Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for one hour.
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Remove the cheesecake from the oven, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to set completely.
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For the chocolate glaze, melt 2 oz unsweetened chocolate and 1 teaspoon butter in a double boiler.
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Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar and 3 teaspoons water until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
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While the glaze is still warm, spoon it evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
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Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator until the chocolate glaze hardens.
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For the whipped cream topping, combine 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream, 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar, and 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier in a chilled bowl.
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Using chilled beaters, whip the cream mixture until stiff peaks form.
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Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a small rosette tip.
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Pipe decorative rosettes onto the top of the cheesecake.
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Serve slices of cheesecake garnished with whole fresh strawberries.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1740.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 43.2g67%
- Saturated Fat 14.4g72%
- Cholesterol 576.0mg192%
- Sodium 15672.0mg653%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.2g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 13.2g
- Protein 300.0g600%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.