A Mighty Fine Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients for A Mighty Fine Black Forest Cheesecake

• Chocolate Wafers
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• Unsalted Butter
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
• Semisweet Chocolate
• All Purpose Flour
• a pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• Kirsch
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• 4 large eggs
• Cherry Pie Filling
• Sliced Almonds
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Maraschino Cherry
• Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)

How to Make A Mighty Fine Black Forest Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups chocolate wafer crumbs and ¼ cup packed brown sugar.
3. Add 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) melted unsalted butter and mix until crumbs are evenly moistened.
4. Press mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
7. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, 4 ounces melted dark chocolate, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (5-7 minutes).
8. Add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
9. Add 2 tablespoons Kirsch (or dark rum) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat until combined.
10. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating until just incorporated after each addition.
11. Pour batter into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
12. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set (it will still jiggle slightly).
13. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
14. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 3 days.
15. To serve, carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Release the springform pan.
16. Transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
17. Top with your favorite cherry topping (recipe suggestions below), whipped cream, maraschino cherries, almond slices, and chocolate shavings (optional).
18. To cut cleanly, dip a knife in hot water, wipe dry, and cut each slice. Repeat after each cut.