Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

This chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake is a romantic twist on a classic dessert. I layer a creamy vanilla cheesecake over a chocolate cookie crust, then top it with glossy chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make—perfect for Valentine’s Day, dinner parties, or any time I want something decadent and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines three of my favorite flavors: chocolate, strawberries, and cheesecake. The rich chocolate base and ganache are perfectly balanced by the tangy, smooth cheesecake and juicy fresh strawberries. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning on the table with very little effort. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels fancy without the stress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate Cookie Crust

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, filling removed)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache

• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup heavy cream

Topping

• 10–12 fresh strawberries, whole or halved

• Optional: extra melted chocolate for drizzling

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). I mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter, press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, and bake for 8–10 minutes. I let it cool while preparing the filling.

2. Make the filling: I beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar and beat until creamy. I mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until fully combined.

3. I pour the filling over the crust, smooth the top, and place the springform pan into a water bath (wrap the pan with foil to prevent leaks). I bake for 55–65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.

4. I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake sit for 1 hour. Then I remove it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

5. Make the ganache: I warm the heavy cream until steaming, pour it over the chocolate chips, and let it sit for 2 minutes. I stir until smooth and glossy.

6. I spread the ganache over the chilled cheesecake, then arrange strawberries on top. I drizzle with extra melted chocolate if I want a fancier look.

Servings and timing

This cheesecake serves 10–12 people. It takes about 25 minutes to prep, 1 hour to bake, plus cooling and chilling time—so I usually plan ahead and make it the day before serving.

Variations

• I dip the strawberries in chocolate before placing them on top for an extra treat.

• I swirl strawberry jam into the cheesecake batter for more berry flavor.

• I add a splash of espresso to the ganache to deepen the chocolate taste.

• I use white chocolate ganache for a different spin.

storage/reheating

I store this cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well (without the strawberries)—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh berries before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, I sometimes use a pre-made chocolate crust to save time—it still tastes great.

What’s the best cream cheese to use?

I use full-fat brick-style cream cheese for the best texture. Spreadable cream cheese doesn’t work well here.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

I bake it in a water bath and let it cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked. Even if it cracks, the ganache covers everything beautifully.

Can I make this without a springform pan?

Yes, I can use a deep pie dish or a square pan lined with parchment, but it’s trickier to remove cleanly.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I don’t recommend it for topping—they tend to get mushy. Fresh strawberries hold up much better.

Conclusion

This chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts to make when I want to impress with minimal effort. It’s creamy, rich, and full of classic flavor combinations that always wow. Whether it’s for a holiday or a just-because moment, this cheesecake never disappoints.