Cherry Coconut Cheesecake with Chocolate Crackle Base

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, a masterpiece that combines rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and creamy goodness in every decadent bite. This recipe artfully crafts layers of textures and tastes, from the crunchy Chocolate Crackle Base to the velvety Cheesecake Filling, crowned with a glossy Choc-Cherry Topping. This dessert is a true celebration of culinary artistry, elevating simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.

PREP 30 MINS, PLUS 1 HOUR, 15 MINS SETTING TIME

SERVES 12

INGREDIENTS:

Chocolate Crackle Base:

• 60g (1/4 cup) Copha, chopped
• 60g dark chocolate, chopped
• 80g (½ cup) icing sugar mixture, sifted
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 50g (1 2/3 cup) Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles
• 20g (1/3 cup) desiccated coconut

Cheesecake Filling:

• 300g (1 ½ cups) cherries, pitted and halved
• 60ml (1/4 cup) water
• 160g (1 cup) icing sugar mixture, sifted
• 500g cream cheese, chopped and softened
• 270ml can coconut cream
• 3 teaspoons powdered gelatine

Choc-Cherry Topping:

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 20g (1 tablespoon) Copha
• 12 cherries, extra

INSTRUCTIONS:

Chocolate Crackle Base:

1. Grease and line a 22cm springform cake tin.
2. Melt chocolate and Copha in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Remove from heat.
3. Mix icing sugar, cocoa, rice bubbles, and coconut in a large bowl. Add melted chocolate mixture and combine. Press into the tin and refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. Cook cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan until soft. Blend until smooth.
2. Sprinkle gelatine over the cherry mixture and let it dissolve for 5 minutes. Mix until smooth.
3. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add coconut cream and beat. Strain cherry mixture and gradually add to cheese mixture. Pour over base and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Choc-Cherry Topping:

1. Melt chocolate and Copha over simmering water. Remove from heat.
2. Dip cherries in chocolate and refrigerate briefly to set.
3. Drizzle chocolate mixture over the cheesecake and top with cherries before serving.

TIPS:

• Chocolate Choice: Select high-quality dark chocolate for both the base and the topping. Its rich flavor will enhance the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Even Base: When pressing the Chocolate Crackle Base into the tin, use the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer. This will create a stable foundation for the cheesecake.
• Smooth Cheesecake Filling: To achieve a smooth and creamy Cheesecake Filling, ensure that the cream cheese is softened properly and that you strain the cherry mixture through a sieve before combining it with the cheese.
• Gelatine Preparation: Sprinkle the gelatine evenly over the cherry mixture and allow it to sit for a few minutes to bloom before mixing. This step ensures the gelatine is properly activated.
• Topping Perfection: When dipping the cherries in the chocolate for the Choc-Cherry Topping, let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them on the baking paper. This will result in a neater appearance once set.

Elevate your dessert experience with this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. The interplay of flavors, textures, and the decadent touch of cherries and chocolate create a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to a delightful indulgence, this cheesecake is a true masterpiece of sweet delights.