If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, look no further than this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake. Imagine layers of rich, creamy cheesecake, ribbons of glossy strawberry preserves, and a decadent chocolate cookie crust all coming together for the ultimate sweet treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to impress your loved ones, this cheesecake delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and a dazzling swirl that makes every slice a work of art.

Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the chocolatey base to the silky filling and vibrant strawberry swirl—every element contributes to the cheesecake’s unforgettable taste and texture.

Chocolate cookie crumbs: The foundation of our cheesecake, these bring a deep, fudgy flavor and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs, it binds the crust together and adds a rich, buttery touch.
Cream cheese: The star of the show, softened cream cheese creates that classic, luscious cheesecake texture we all crave.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the tang of the cream cheese and the richness of the chocolate.
Sour cream: A little bit goes a long way to add creaminess and a subtle tang that brightens the whole dessert.
Large eggs: These provide structure and help the cheesecake set to a perfectly smooth, sliceable finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a comforting aromatic note.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted and mixed into half the batter, they bring pockets of chocolatey goodness in every forkful.
Strawberry preserves or sauce: Warmed slightly, this creates those gorgeous swirls and infuses the cheesecake with fruity brightness.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter—stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of your pan to form an even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until set. Let the crust cool while you move on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—this step ensures your filling is silky with no lumps. Next, add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, blending on low speed. One at a time, beat in the eggs, mixing gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks later on. This creates the velvety base for your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Layer

Pour half of your creamy cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Take the remaining batter and stir in the melted, slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully combined. Pour this chocolatey mixture over the plain batter, gently spreading it out to completely cover the first layer.

Step 4: Swirl in the Strawberries

Now comes the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of warmed strawberry preserves or sauce across the top of your chocolate layer. Use a toothpick or thin knife to gently swirl the strawberry into the cheesecake, creating beautiful ribbons. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct swirls for both a stunning look and bursts of fruit flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Place your cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set and has a slight jiggle. Once it’s done, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour—this helps prevent cracks. Then, transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld and the texture to set to perfection.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then carefully remove the springform ring. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat, beautiful slices. Enjoy the magic of your homemade Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake!

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Garnishes

A few thoughtful garnishes can take your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake from delicious to dazzling. Try a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scattering of fresh strawberries, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a festive finish. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance to each slice.

Side Dishes

While this cheesecake is absolutely satisfying on its own, you can create a lovely dessert spread by pairing it with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light fruit salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy presentation, slice the Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake into mini squares or bars for a dessert platter. You could also serve individual slices in pretty dessert cups layered with extra whipped cream and berries, or even turn leftovers into decadent cheesecake parfaits!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, and actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors develop and meld together.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully! To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If you prefer it a little softer, let your slice sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended, as it can alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves for the swirl?

Absolutely! You can puree fresh strawberries and sweeten to taste, then warm the sauce slightly before swirling it into the batter. This gives a more natural, fruity flavor to your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake.

What’s the best way to prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

To avoid cracks, mix the batter on low speed to minimize air bubbles, don’t overbake, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open before transferring it to the fridge. This gentle cooling process is key for a smooth, crack-free top.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. The rest of the Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking for the creamiest texture.

Can I prepare this cheesecake in advance for a party?

Definitely! In fact, making your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing even easier. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to wow your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dazzle your friends and family with a dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is irresistible, this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is the recipe to try. Each slice promises a perfect harmony of chocolate, strawberries, and creamy cheesecake—so gather your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy baked Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake featuring a chocolate cookie crust, luscious cream cheese filling with a chocolate swirl, and a delightful strawberry preserves swirl, perfect for a festive dessert or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, finely crushed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

For the strawberry swirl:

1/2 cup strawberry preserves or strawberry sauce, warmed slightly

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Instructions

Prepare crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
Make plain cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until combined. Beat in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air. Pour half of the batter over the cooled crust.
Prepare chocolate cheesecake batter: Mix the melted chocolate into the remaining batter until fully incorporated. Pour the chocolate batter over the plain layer and gently spread it evenly.
Add strawberry swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry preserves over the top and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Be careful not to overmix to preserve distinct swirls.
Bake cheesecake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Chill cheesecake: Transfer the cooled cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
Serve: Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh strawberry puree instead of preserves for a more natural swirl flavor.
Top with whipped cream and extra fresh berries for a festive presentation.
For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American