Ingredients
1. The Base: Bourbon Biscuits
Every great cheesecake starts with a firm, flavorful base, and for this recipe, bourbon biscuits do the trick. These chocolatey cookies add a rich, slightly salty contrast to the sweet cream cheese layer.
Ingredients for the Base:
- 150g bourbon biscuits
- 45g unsalted butter (melted)
2. The Creamy Cheesecake Layer
A smooth, velvety cheesecake is the heart of this dessert. Using a combination of cream cheese, double cream (heavy cream), and sugar, the cheesecake is light but indulgent.
Ingredients for the Cheesecake Layer:
- 300g soft cream cheese
- 60g caster sugar
- 150ml double cream
3. The Black Forest Topping
The topping brings together cherries, blackberries, and blueberries for a tangy, fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness, and kirsch (optional) enhances the cherry flavor.
Ingredients for the Topping:
- 410g black cherry fruit filling (tin)
- 150g blackberries
- 125g blueberries (optional)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tbsp kirsch (optional)
4. The Finishing Touch: Dark Chocolate
No Black Forest dessert is complete without chocolate. Dark chocolate shards add texture and depth to the final presentation.
Ingredient for the Chocolate Garnish:
- 60g dark chocolate (chopped into flakes)
Instructions
1. Make the Black Forest Topping
This topping is the perfect blend of fruity and tangy flavors, giving the cheesecake a burst of flavor.
- Place the tinned cherries, blackberries, and optional blueberries in a saucepan along with the lime juice.
- Heat on low, allowing the mixture to reduce. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
- Once the fruits soften and begin to break down, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. If you’re using kirsch, add it once the mixture has cooled.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Base
The biscuit base adds a crunchy, flavorful foundation to the cheesecake.
- Lightly grease a 6-inch loose base cake tin, adding a circle of greaseproof paper at the bottom to make it easier to remove later.
- Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop, then set it aside.
- Crush the bourbon biscuits in a food processor, or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated.
- Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the cake tin to form a firm base. Place the tin in the fridge to set while you prepare the cream layer.
3. Create the Creamy Cheesecake Layer
The creamy cheesecake layer should be light, smooth, and slightly sweet.
- In a large bowl, cream together the soft cream cheese and caster sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whip the double cream until it starts to thicken. Don’t overwhip, as you still want the cream to be soft.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining them until smooth.
- Remove the cake tin from the fridge and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the tin back into the fridge to set for about 45–60 minutes.
4. Assemble and Garnish the Cheesecake
Now comes the fun part—bringing all the elements together.
- Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the tin and place it on a serving plate.
- Spoon the cooled Black Forest fruit mixture over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to spread naturally.
- Chop the dark chocolate on a diagonal to create elegant flakes, then sprinkle them generously over the fruit topping.
Notes
- Chill Time is Key: Make sure you give your cheesecake enough time to chill and set. This allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing much easier.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a key flavor in this dessert, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best taste.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake layer, or use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
- Add Kirsch for Authenticity: While optional, adding kirsch (a cherry-flavored brandy) to the fruit topping brings a touch of authentic Black Forest flavor. If you’re serving this dessert to children or those avoiding alcohol, simply omit it.
- Prep Time: 35minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Cuisine: American, English, International