Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2½ cups (300 g) chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
Chocolate Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cherry Layer
- 2 cups (500 g) cherry pie filling
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream (36–40% fat), chilled
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Decoration
- Chocolate curls
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
- Optional fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Crush the cookies into fine crumbs.
Mix with melted butter and salt until evenly coated.
Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish using the bottom of a measuring cup.
Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Make the Chocolate Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
Sift in cocoa powder.
Add vanilla.
Beat until silky and lump-free.
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Smooth the surface with an offset spatula.
Add the Cherry Layer
Spread the cherry pie filling gently over the chocolate layer.
Avoid pressing down so the layers stay distinct.
Prepare the Whipped Cream
Place the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Whip heavy cream.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Beat until stiff peaks form.
Spread carefully over the cherry layer.
Decorate
Top with
- Chocolate curls
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
Chill
Cover loosely.
Refrigerate at least 6 hours.
For best flavor, chill overnight.
Slice using a hot knife wiped clean after each cut.
Serve cold.
Notes
✔ Room-temperature cream cheese prevents lumps.
✔ Sift cocoa powder before mixing.
✔ Chill the crust before adding fillings.
✔ Homemade whipped cream creates a lighter texture than frozen whipped topping.
✔ Overnight chilling produces cleaner slices.
✔ Dip the knife in hot water between cuts for bakery-style squares.
✔ Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian