Short Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a luscious, romantic dessert that artfully blends velvety chocolate with bright, sweet strawberry. Set in a buttery chocolate cookie crust and featuring a beautiful marbled finish, this cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat any time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With its rich, creamy texture and striking swirl of flavors, this cheesecake is a visual and culinary showstopper. The boldness of dark chocolate balances beautifully with fruity strawberry purée, and the cookie crust adds the perfect crunch. It’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, yet delivers bakery-quality results at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 eggs
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½ cup melted dark chocolate
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½ cup strawberry purée
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1 chocolate cookie crust
Directions
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Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the chocolate cookie crust on a baking sheet for stability. -
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. -
Divide & Flavor
Split the batter evenly into two bowls. Mix the melted dark chocolate into one half, and stir the strawberry purée into the other half until well blended. -
Create the Swirl
Alternate spoonfuls of chocolate and strawberry batter into the prepared crust. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two together, creating a marbled pattern. -
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture. -
Chill & Serve
Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8–10 slices
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Bake time: 40 minutes
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Chilling time: 4 hours
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Total time: Approximately 4 hours 50 minutes
Variations
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Berry blend: Use raspberry or mixed berry purée instead of strawberry for a different fruity profile.
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White chocolate twist: Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier contrast.
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No-bake version: Skip baking and use gelatin to set each batter layer in the fridge for a chilled swirl cheesecake.
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Nut crust: Replace cookie crust with a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option.
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Extra swirl: Add a touch of strawberry sauce or melted chocolate on top before baking for a more intense swirl effect.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Freeze whole or individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Serving: Serve cold directly from the fridge. No reheating is necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the purée?
Yes—just thaw and blend them into a smooth purée before adding to the batter.
2. What kind of chocolate is best?
Use quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich flavor and smooth texture.
3. Can I use a homemade cookie crust?
Absolutely—combine crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter and press into a pie dish or springform pan before baking.
4. How do I get a perfect swirl pattern?
Use a skewer or thin knife to gently swirl the batters just once or twice for a natural marbled look.
5. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes—it’s even better when made a day ahead as the flavors meld and the texture firms up.
6. How do I prevent cracks on the surface?
Bake gently, avoid overmixing, and cool gradually. A water bath can also help reduce cracking.
7. Is this cheesecake freezer-friendly?
Yes—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
8. Can I use cream cheese spread instead of block cream cheese?
No—use full-fat block cream cheese for the best consistency and richness.
9. How should I decorate the cheesecake?
Top with chocolate curls, fresh strawberry slices, or a drizzle of ganache for added elegance.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free cookie crust or make your own using gluten-free chocolate cookies.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a romantic, rich, and beautifully balanced dessert. With its harmonious layers of flavor and elegant presentation, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or special evening. Whether served with a drizzle of sauce or fresh berries, each bite is pure decadence.
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake combines rich dark chocolate and sweet strawberry purée in a stunning, velvety dessert. Swirled to perfection in a chocolate cookie crust, it’s a romantic, indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or pure self-care.
Ingredients
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2 cups cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
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1/2 cup strawberry purée (fresh or thawed frozen strawberries blended)
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1 chocolate cookie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the chocolate cookie crust on a baking sheet. -
Make the Batter:
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. -
Divide & Flavor:
Divide the batter into two equal parts. Stir melted dark chocolate into one half and strawberry purée into the other. -
Create the Swirl:
Alternately spoon the chocolate and strawberry batters into the crust.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together for a marbled look. -
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven and let cheesecake rest with the door cracked for 30 minutes. -
Chill & Serve:
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Slice and serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Notes
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For best results, use room-temperature ingredients.
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Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American