Black Forest Cheese Cake
A rich, chocolatey cheesecake with a crunchy cookie crust and creamy filling, perfect for chocolate lovers and suitable for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup teddy bear chocolate graham cracker cookies, crushed ⓘ
- Butter flavored cooking spray ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup egg substitute ⓘ
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bits, melted ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton nonfat sour cream alternative ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread cookie crumbs on the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Beat cream cheese at high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy, gradually adding sugar, and beating well.
- Gradually add egg substitute, mixing well.
- Add melted chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla; mix until blended.
- Stir in sour cream alternative.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and run a knife around the edge of the pan to release the sides.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
- Cover and chill for at least 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you can't find teddy bear chocolate graham cracker cookies, regular chocolate graham crackers work just as well. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary. This cheesecake can be topped with cherries for a classic Black Forest touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Black Forest Cheesecake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. For a delightful contrast, serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of cherry sauce. It also complements coffee or dessert wines, making it a perfect choice for gatherings. Consider serving alongside a slice of Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie(Reduced Fat) for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing the cheesecake, as it can alter the creaminess of the cream cheese. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing, which will make cutting easier and enhance the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Forest Cheese Cake contains roughly 1645 calories, with 43g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (248% of the Daily Value), iron (154% of the Daily Value), and protein (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular eggs instead of egg substitute?
Yes, you can substitute the egg substitute with regular eggs. Use about 3 large eggs to replace the 3/4 cup of egg substitute. Just beat them well before adding to the cream cheese mixture to ensure they blend smoothly.
How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
To make this cheesecake gluten-free, simply use gluten-free chocolate graham crackers for the crust. Check the labels on your chocolate bits and cocoa powder to ensure they are gluten-free as well, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious dessert.
What can I use instead of nonfat sour cream alternative?
If you don't have a nonfat sour cream alternative, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or regular sour cream. Both will add creaminess and tang to the cheesecake, although regular sour cream will increase the fat content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).