Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 200g digestive biscuits or graham crackers (crushed)
- 100g melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 500g cream cheese (softened)
- 200ml sour cream
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200g Cherry Ripe chocolate bars (chopped into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder (optional, for extra firmness)
- 1/4 cup hot water (if using gelatin)
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the biscuit mixture into the base of a springform pan (about 9 inches) to form a compact crust.
- Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes to set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- If using gelatin: Dissolve the gelatin powder in 1/4 cup hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the cheesecake filling mixture. This step helps firm up the cheesecake.
- Gently fold in the chopped Cherry Ripe pieces to the mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled biscuit base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. Chill the Cheesecake:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
4. Prepare the Cherry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the cherries soften and release some juice.
- Let the cherry topping cool to room temperature, then pour it over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
5. Serve:
- Once the cheesecake is fully set and the cherry topping has cooled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice and serve chilled for a creamy, indulgent treat!