Strawberry Black Forest Cake

We have Germany to thank for Black Forest Cakes, that’s a fact. However, we’ve made this cake even more delectable with our American twist!

In Germany, Black Forest cakes are traditionally made by sandwiching chocolate cake between layers of whipped cream and maraschino cherries with a cherry liquor called Kirschwasser. In Europe, Black Forest Cakes are a big deal. There is even a competition for who can make the largest cake. The current record is over 6,600 pounds, so don’t try this at home!

Our Black Forest Cake is more like a dark chocolate cheesecake topped with Florida strawberries. And though it skips the alcohol, feel free to try drizzling some of our Florida Strawberry-infused Bourbon on top.

Florida Strawberry Black Forest Cheesecake

Cheesecake

• 1 1/2 cups crushed Oreos
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup melted dark chocolate chips

Topping

• 1 cup mashed strawberries
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Use a food processor to mix crushed Oreos and butter together. Once evenly mixed, press into a springform pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Blend the cream cheese and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Add vanilla followed by the melted chocolate chips.

Once crust is cooked, remove from oven and add cheesecake mixture. Bake at 425ºF for 10 minutes and then lower the temperature to 250º for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine mashed strawberries and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil and simmer for about 3 minutes. Strain juice from cooked strawberries and add enough water to make 1 cup of juice. Discard pulp.

Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan; stir strawberry juice into sugar mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until clear and thick, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir sliced strawberries into strawberry sauce.

Remove cake from oven and top with strawberry topping. Place cheesecake in a refrigerator overnight to cool before serving.

Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream just before serving.