Black Forest Cheesecake

Prepare yourself for a showstopping dessert with this luscious Black Forest Cheesecake. With an irresistible Oreo cookie crust and a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling topped with cherries and whipped cream, this no-bake wonder is the ultimate indulgence, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Cheesecake and Black Forest cake lovers, it’s time to celebrate. This Black Forest cheesecake recipe combines the best of both worlds. Now you can have all the delicious flavors of traditional Black Forest cake, complimented perfectly by the creamy and delightful texture of no-bake cheesecake—the perfect dessert whether you have company over or want to indulge yourself. 

This Black Forest Cheesecake combines a delicious Oreo crust with a creamy and delicious no-bake cheesecake. This dessert will impress cheesecake lovers everywhere with just the right amount of sweetness. The best part? It is so easy to make and is great for serving a crowd. 

Why You’ll Love Black Forest Cheesecake

• No Bake: This delicious cheesecake requires absolutely no baking. It is perfect for summer as you don’t have to heat the house by turning the oven on. 
• Easy to Make: Not only can you avoid baking this cheesecake, but it is also pretty easy to make. This Black Forest Cheesecake recipe requires only a few simple ingredients. The instructions are also generally easy to follow, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. 
• Make Ahead: You can easily make this no-bake cheesecake recipe beforehand. It needs to chill in the fridge for about 4 hours or overnight anyway, so you can easily make it the day before a big gathering. 
• Versatile: This Black Forest Cheesecake makes for an excellent dessert no matter the reason or season. It can be served for any occasion and easily customized to fit a theme. 
• Well-Balanced: This decadent cheesecake is a great choice if you are looking for a well-balanced dessert. The combination of chocolate, cherries, and dreamy mousse-like texture balance and create a delicious dessert. 

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Oreos
• Melted salted butter
• Softened cream cheese
• White sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Canned cherry pie filling 
• Whipped topping 
• Optional chocolate shavings 

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake

• Step One: Blend the Oreos in a food processor until well crushed.
• Step Two: Add the salted butter and blend until it forms the consistency of wet sand.
• Step Three: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and cover it with plastic.
• Step Four: Place the pan in the freezer while you make the cheesecake filling.

• Step Five: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
• Step Six: Add in the sour cream and beat until combined.

• Step Seven: Fold in the cup of cherry pie filling gently so as not to crush the cherries.
• Step Eight: Gently fold in the whipped topping, then spread the filling into the prepared crust and recover with plastic.

• Step Nine: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Step Ten: When ready to serve, pipe the whipped topping onto the edges of the cheesecake using a piping bag and a large piping tip.
• Step Eleven: Place the remaining cup of cherry pie filling onto the middle of the cheesecake, inside the whipped topping.
• Step Twelve: Garnish with chocolate shavings, optional, and cut into slices before serving.

Equipment Needed

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

This post contains affiliate links.

• Food processor
• 9 inch springform pan
• Large bowl 
• Electric mixer 
• Scraper spatula
• Piping bag and tips

What to Serve with Black Forest Cheesecake

Serve this chocolate cherry cheesecake as a delicious and easy dessert at your next summer BBQ. 

• Garden Salsa
• BLT Salad
• Tortellini Salad
• Honey Sriracha Chicken

Variations and Substitutions  

• Crust Options: Rather than using Oreos for the crust, you can t use chocolate graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or even a traditional graham cracker crust for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Fruit Variation: While cherry pie filling is the traditional choice for Black Forest desserts, you can also experiment with other fruits. Use raspberry pie filling, strawberry preserves, or a combination of mixed berries for a fruity twist.
• Cheesecake Options: If you prefer a different cheesecake base, you can use alternatives to cream cheese. Substitute one of the cream cheese packages with ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Chocolate Variation: While cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor, you can add even more chocolate goodness by incorporating chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the cheesecake filling. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
• Garnish Options: Besides chocolate shavings, you can consider other garnishes to enhance the presentation and flavor. Fresh mint leaves, toasted nuts (such as slivered almonds or chopped hazelnuts), or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a delicious touch to your dessert.

Storage Instructions

Although leftover cheesecake is almost unheard of, there are great ways to store it to make it last even longer. Give your delicious dessert a cozy spot in the refrigerator to keep it at its best. Cover your cheesecake with a tight plastic wrap or aluminum foil layer. This will protect it from absorbing any sneaky fridge odors and help to keep it moist and scrumptious. It will be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly. 

Can I Freeze? 

Absolutely. If you are looking to extend the life of your Black Forest cheesecake, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply wrap the cheesecake snugly with plastic wrap, cover it with another layer of aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.

When ready to indulge, thaw your cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight and serve. It is important to note that freezing your cheesecake may slightly alter the texture, but it will still be delicious. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks 

• Soften the cream cheese: You want to make sure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you start making this no-bake cheesecake. This makes mixing the filling easier and prevents lumps. To soften your cream cheese, leave it on the counter for an hour or two before starting. 
• Evenly crush the Oreos: You will want to ensure that you evenly crush the Oreos to create the crust of the cheesecake. It is a good idea to use a food processor for this step. Simply process the cookies until they resemble fine crumbs. This will ensure the crust remains sturdy and comes out crumbly and delicious. 
• Press the crust firmly: When pressing your crust into the springform tin, you want to make sure that you press firmly. You can use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to ensure the crust is even and firm. When compacted properly, the crust will hold its shape much better when sliced and served. 
• Fold gently: It is important to be gentle when incorporating the cherry pie filling and whipped topping with the cream cheese filling. Gently folding these ingredients will allow you to avoid overmixing and crushing the cherries. 
• Properly chill: To achieve the best results, you must chill your cheesecake for at least 4 hours. It is ideal to allow it to chill in the refrigerator overnight, but it is acceptable if you don’t have time for that 4 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake filling to be properly set. 

Why is It Called Black Forest Cake?

Black Forest Cake is named after the Black Forest region in Germany, where the cake originated. 

The Black Forest region is famous for its dense forests and abundance of sour cherries, a key component of the cake. The cake is traditionally made with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. It is then garnished with more whipped cream, cherries,

How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly

• Room Temperature Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the initial firmness of the cream cheese. This method allows the cream cheese to gradually soften without additional heat.
• Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, use your microwave to soften the cream cheese. Start by unwrapping the cream cheese and placing it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it in 10 to 15-second intervals on low power (20-30% power) until it reaches the desired softness. Be cautious not to overheat or melt the cream cheese.

Can I Use a Different Crust?

You can use several different types of crusts to create this delicious no-bake cheesecake. It is important to note that if you choose to use a different flavor for the crust, it won’t resemble black forest cake as much. 

• Graham Cracker Crust: Substitute the Oreos with graham cracker crumbs. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. You can also add a touch of sugar or cinnamon to the crust for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust: To maintain the chocolatey flavor, use chocolate graham cracker crumbs instead of regular graham crackers. Mix them with melted butter to create the crust.
• Nut Crust: For a nutty twist, you can make a crust using ground nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Combine the ground nuts with melted butter and press the mixture into the pan. You can also add a bit of sugar or cinnamon if desired.
• Cookie Crust Variations: Consider using other cookie varieties as the base for your crust. Some popular options include chocolate wafer cookies, shortbread cookies, or ginger snap cookies. Crush the cookies and combine them with melted butter to form the crust.

How do I make a Black Forest Cheesecake Without a Springform Pan?

You can still make this decadent dessert if you don’t have a springform pan. Simply use a pie pan or cake pan. You must be careful when slicing it, as it will not come out as easily as a springform pan. 

Garnishes

• Chocolate Shavings: To add a delicious pop of chocolate, sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top of the cheesecake. Use a vegetable peeler or a grater to create delicate chocolate curls or grated chocolate. Not only does this look stunning, but it will taste amazing. 
• Fresh Cherries: Place fresh cherries on the cake or around the edges as a garnish. You can leave the stems intact to create a stunning visual aspect to your dessert. They also add a pop of flavor that is sure to impress. 
• Whipped Cream: Pipe or dollop whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake. It adds a creamy and luxurious element and complements the already creamy texture of your cake.
• Cherry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought cherry sauce over the cheesecake for an extra burst of cherry flavor and visual appeal. You can even make a homemade cherry liqueur topping. This adds a tart yet sweet element to your dessert.
• Crushed Oreos: Sprinkle crushed Oreos over the cheesecake for added texture. It creates a visually appealing contrast against the creamy filling.
• Melted Chocolate: You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of your cheesecake. This will give it a beautiful, rich flavor, especially with cherry topping.
• Toasted Nuts: Toasted slivered almonds, chopped hazelnuts, or other nuts can be sprinkled over the cheesecake for a nutty crunch and flavor. This also adds an amazing textural element to your creamy cheesecake filling. 

Cheesecake Recipes

• Reese Cheesecake 
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake 
• Maple Syrup Cheesecake 
• Brownie Bottom Cheesecake 
• No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Twix Cheesecake
• Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake

FAQ

Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Salad
• Cherry Cupcakes
• Chocolate Cherry Brownies
• Cherry Cheesecake Dessert Pizza
• Cherry Pudding Cake

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.