This No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is a decadent cherry cheesecake studded with chocolate chips and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. It serves 8 and costs $13.72 to make.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment or foil (make sure to leave overhang for lifting the cheesecake out of the pan) and grease lightly.
Mix together the crushed graham crackers and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
Spread the mixture in an even layer in the pan, use your hands to press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is set and golden. Place on a wire rack and cool.
MAKE THE FILLING:
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Stir until combined and until there are no more clumps. Set aside.
Over medium-low heat, add the cherries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the mixture starts to thicken. Take off the heat and set aside to cool.
Add the cream cheese, confectioner's sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and beat on high speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Reduce to low, and slowly add in the mini chocolate chips and mix until combined. Fold in the cherry mixture until just combined.
In a separate mixing bowl beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks, and fold into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight before adding the topping.
MAKE THE TOPPING:
Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a slow boil. Add the chopped chocolate to a medium bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and leave it for 5 minutes. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth. Pour chocolate over the top of the cheesecake. Top with additional cherries (optional) and chill for at least an hour before serving.
FINISH:
Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the overhang and peel your parchment paper/foil away from the sides of the cheesecake. Use a spatula to place the cheesecake on a platter. Serve and enjoy.