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Strawberry Chocolate Swirl

Category: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving

Start with a chocolate crust, add cheesecake batter with strawberry and chocolate swirls, bake in water bath, cool it down, then top with ganache and berries.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:00:04 GMT
Strawberry Chocolate Swirl Highlight
Strawberry Chocolate Swirl | cookwithcarla.com

This Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake combines smooth, velvety chocolate with juicy strawberries for an unforgettable treat. Every bite shows off gorgeous swirls of dark chocolate running through creamy cheesecake packed with fresh strawberry pieces, all sitting on a crunchy chocolate cookie base and topped with smooth, shiny ganache.

When I was learning to bake, getting those perfect cheesecake swirls became my biggest challenge. The day I finally got those beautiful chocolate ribbons flowing throughout, I knew this would be my go-to fancy dessert.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

  • Cream Cheese: Let it warm up for the smoothest possible mixture
  • Chocolate Cookies: Newly crushed for the best base texture
  • Fresh Strawberries: Pick fully ripe ones for sweetest flavor
  • Quality Chocolate: Splurge on good chocolate for your topping
  • Sour Cream: Gives the filling extra creaminess and slight tang
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings out both the chocolate and fruit flavors

Crafting Cheesecake Perfection

Set Up The Foundation:
Pack down cookie mix firmly for a solid base.
Nail The Middle:
Mix cream cheese until it's totally lump-free.
Make Beautiful Patterns:
Swirl layers with gentle, creative movements.
Get The Bath Right:
Don't skip the water bath step.
Add The Finishing Touch:
Pour ganache and arrange fresh berries on top.
Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe Highlight
Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

My old teacher always told me, 'You'll know a cheesecake is done when it jiggles just a little bit.' After making tons of these, I've found that advice works every single time.

Delightful Serving Ideas

Try serving with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, extra strawberry sauce, or hot chocolate drizzled over the top. For fancy parties, a tiny bit of gold leaf makes it look super impressive.

Fun Twist Options

Switch things up by trying other berries, mixing chocolate pieces into the filling, or going with white chocolate instead. During holidays, dress it up with seasonal fruit or chocolate decorations.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep it covered in your fridge for up to five days. If you want it to look its best, don't put fresh berries on until you're ready to serve.

After trying this recipe countless times in my home kitchen, I've found it hits the sweet spot between fancy technique and pure deliciousness. When you pay attention to each step, you'll end up with a dessert that brings smiles to any table.

Easy Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Highlight
Easy Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What’s the point of a water bath?
It keeps baking even and crack-free while giving the cheesecake a creamy finish.
→ Can I prep it earlier?
Sure, make it 1-2 days before. Add ganache and berries when ready to serve.
→ Why does it crack sometimes?
Overmixing or baking too long can do that. A water bath helps avoid it.
→ Can this freeze well?
Yes, leave off the toppings and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
→ Which chocolate works for ganache?
Go for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for a shiny, flavorful ganache.

Strawberry Chocolate Swirl

Creamy cheesecake on a chocolate base, swirled with fresh strawberries and chocolate, finished with a glossy ganache topping.

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
70 min
Total Time
95 min

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Hard

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cheesecake)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter
02 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies (about 20)

→ Cheesecake Filling

03 8 oz cream cheese (use 3 blocks), softened
04 1 cup sugar (granulated)
05 3 eggs, large
06 1 tsp vanilla
07 ½ cup sour cream or substitute
08 ½ cup melted chocolate or chocolate sauce
09 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

→ Topping

10 8-10 strawberries, halved or whole
11 ½ cup chocolate ganache

Steps

Step 01

Blend butter and cookie crumbs. Press mixture into a 9-inch spring pan. Pop in the oven at 325°F for 8 minutes.

Step 02

Whip cream cheese with the granulated sugar. Drop the eggs in one by one. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla until it’s smooth.

Step 03

Put half the mixture onto the crust. Add the strawberries with some chocolate. Cover this with the rest of the mix. Use a knife to swirl it around.

Step 04

Set in a water bath, bake it for 60-70 minutes until the edges are firm. Leave in the oven for an hour to cool, then chill it in the fridge for 4 hours.

Step 05

Dress it up with strawberries and chocolate ganache.

Notes

  1. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Using a water bath helps avoid cracks, but it’s not required.

Required Equipment

  • Springform pan (9-inch size)
  • A large pan for roasting
  • Mixer (electric)
  • Bowls for mixing

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Has dairy
  • Has eggs
  • Wheat is included

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbs: 32 g
  • Protein: 5 g