Luxurious Cherry Cheesecake with Velvety Dark Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 1/2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry Layer:
2 cups cherries, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Dark Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:
For the Crust:
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill until needed.
For the Cheesecake:
Whip cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Pour over prepared crust.
For the Cherry Layer:
In a pan, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Simmer until it thickens (5-7 minutes). Evenly layer over the cream cheese mixture.
For the Ganache:
Warm heavy cream just to boiling. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips, and stir until melted and smooth. Pour over the cherry layer.
Baking:
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set but center slightly jiggles. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
To Serve:
Chill thoroughly. Slice and serve chilled for the richest taste.
Nutritional Info:
450 calories per slice
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Makes 12 servings
Enjoy this decadent dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of cherries with the rich, indulgent flavor of dark chocolate ganache. 
