No Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Sharing is caring!

If you thought Black Forest Cake was incredible, you haven't tried these Black Forest Cheesecake Cups yet! Decadent chocolate, rich cream cheese, and juicy cherries combine in this no-bake chocolate cherry cheesecake recipe. They're easy, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser ideal for a special occasion. This will quickly become your favorite thing to make. 

Imagine the classic flavors of Black Forest Cake reimagined into a perfectly portioned, no-bake treat. These Black Forest Cheesecake Cups offer decadent layers of silky chocolate pudding, a tangy-sweet cream cheese layer, the satisfying crunch of a chocolate graham cracker crust, and a burst of juicy cherries. Topped with mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence, it's a dessert you won't want to share!

What Exactly IS a Black Forest Cheesecake?

Black Forest Cheesecake is a delightful spin on traditional cheesecake. Think chocolatey crust, a creamy chocolate-cherry cheesecake filling infused with a hint of almond extract, and a generous helping of sweet cherries. These individual cups provide that luxurious Black Forest flavor without any baking required! The perfect no bake chocolate cheesecake recipe cherry lovers. 

Black Forrest Cheesecake Cups

Ready for a no-fuss dessert that tastes incredible? These Black Forest Cheesecake Cups take minutes to assemble! Layers of chocolatey goodness come together with instant pudding, creamy cheesecake filling, a crunchy graham cracker crust, and juicy cherries. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill!

Serving Size: 1 cup

Servings: *depends on size of cups/amount of ingredients you use

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 0

Additional Time: 5

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 8oz block cream cheese, softened (let it reach room temperature for easier mixing)
• 1 sleeve chocolate graham crackers, crushed
• 2.03oz instant chocolate pudding mix
• 21oz cherry pie filling (or make your own with fresh cherries, sugar, and a little cornstarch)
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or a stand mixer for even fluffier results)
• Serving cups, glasses, or small mason jars
• Food processor (to get a fine crumb for the crust)

Recipe Instructions

1. Make the Pudding: Combine milk and instant pudding mix in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium/high for 2 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to thicken. I love the chocolate filling. 
2. Mix Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese separately on medium/high for 1 minute until fluffy. Add 1 cup of the pudding mixture, almond extract, and continue beating until smooth (about 30 seconds).
3. Crush the Crust: While the pudding chills, pulse chocolate graham crackers in the food processor until they're a fine crumb. Mix in some melted butter for an extra rich flavor.
4. Assemble the Cups: Layer the ingredients in this order: graham cracker crust, cream cheese/pudding mixture, pudding, sweet cherry, chocolate chips on the top of the cheesecake cup.
5. Chill: For best results, Let no bake silky smooth chocolate cherry cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors merge and firms the pudding for a delicious, scoopable texture of cooled cheesecake.

Tips and Tricks: chocolate cherry cheesecake recipe

• Get Creative with the Crust:  Chocolate graham crackers are classic, but don't be afraid to experiment! Crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, or even pretzels would be tasty bases for your chocolate cherry cheesecake recipe. For an extra decadent touch, stir some melted butter into your crumbs before pressing them into the cups.
• Flavorful Fillings: Think beyond chocolate pudding! Vanilla, butterscotch, even cheesecake-flavored pudding would be delicious. Want a deeper chocolate experience? Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to your cream cheese mixture for an intensely chocolatey flavor.
• Cherry Upgrades:  Cherry pie filling is the easy option, but homemade takes it to a new level. Simmer fresh or frozen pitted cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create a luxurious cherry sauce. Or go boozy and macerate your cherries in a bit of ruby port or a cherry liqueur.
• Sour Cream Surprise: For a tangy, ultra-creamy cheesecake filling, add about ½ cup of sour cream to your cream cheese mixture. It adds both richness and a hint of brightness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These cheesecake cups are IDEAL for meal prep. Assemble them a day or two ahead of your event, and the flavors will have time to meld beautifully. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
• Presentation Points: Dress up your cups with garnishes for a stunning display. Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, extra cherries, or a drizzle of melted chocolate offer visual appeal. Consider adding a single maraschino cherry with a stem for a classic touch.
• Mini Cheesecake Master: If you love this no-bake idea, experiment with other flavor combos! Substitute the cherry topping with fresh berries, lemon curd, peanut butter swirls, or caramel sauce – the possibilities are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I freeze these Cheesecake Cups? They lose some of their creamy texture when frozen, but you can freeze individual components (crust, pudding, cherry topping) for later assembly. To freeze whole cups, consider using a stabilized whipped cream topping instead of fresh whipped cream.
• What if I don't have chocolate graham crackers? Vanilla graham crackers or crushed Oreo cookies are delicious substitutes. You can even find chocolate-flavored Oreos in most grocery stores for an extra chocolatey punch.
• My cream cheese is too firm. How do I soften it quickly?  The easiest way is to cut it into cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're short on time, microwave it in 10-15 second bursts, being careful not to melt it.
• I'm not a fan of maraschino cherries. What else can I use? Fresh cherries (pitted and halved) or your homemade cherry sauce are fantastic options. Or try a dollop of your favorite fruit preserves for a different twist!

The Best No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Dessert

Indulge in the ultimate no-bake dessert! These chocolate cherry cheesecake recipe are a chocolate lover's dream, with layers of creamy chocolate pudding, rich cream cheese, crunchy graham cracker crust, and sweet cherries. Super easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

These chocolate cherry cheesecake recipe have got to be one of my favorite things to make! They're the perfect blend of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy cheesecake – all without turning on the oven. Whether you're craving a special occasion dessert or just a midweek treat, these decadent cups deliver.

They're also incredibly adaptable. With just a few tweaks to the crust, filling, and toppings, you can create a whole range of no-bake cheesecake flavors. The possibilities are truly endless!

If you give these Black Forest Cheesecake Cups a try, let me know what you think! Share photos, tag me on social media, or leave a review on my blog. Your feedback is always appreciated, and it helps me create even more delicious recipes that are easy, fun, and packed with flavor like this best cheesecake recipes.

You might also like Layered Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake in a Jar, No bake Christmas cheesecake: Holiday cheesecakes, Instant Pot Cheesecake and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Cups.

Sharing is caring!