Cravings of a Lunatic

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Black Forest Cheesecake

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This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!

Black Forest Cheesecake from cravingsofalunatic.com- This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!

Today is my first post with the Sunday Supper group. I am so thrilled to be participating. I was hesitant to join as I am already doing Ice Cream Sundays and have been for over a year now. But I threw caution to the wind and figure I can either make some Sunday Supper dishes ice cream related or I can post twice on the Sundays I participate. This group is so special it’s worth making some sacrifices.

The Sunday Supper Movement is an initiative to bring back Sunday Supper Around the Family Table in every home. The initiative was started by Isabel, Family Foodie. It’s an amazing program and I encourage everyone to take part. Whether you blog or not you can join in the fun by sitting down at the table on Sunday for a family meal. Post some pics on Facebook, or tweet your friends and family about your spectacular dinner. Or just share a quiet night with those you love. It’s a good thing.

I know for my family we rarely eat at the table. With an 18-year-old and a 23-year-old it’s not often we’re all home at the same time every night. Then mini-me started dating and we found out her bf’s family sits down together every night for dinner. I am not going to lie, I was stunned by this news. His first time here he just kind of headed to the table and we all looked at him dumbfounded. He in turn was stunned that we don’t eat at the table every night. It’s funny to think back to when the kids were young and realize we used to do this all the time. Then life got busy and the kids got busier and we stopped. So now we try to sit at the table when mini-me’s bf comes for dinner. We miss the occasional one, but we are trying and that’s progress in my book.

I grew up eating every meal at the table at a set time. My dad was a stickler for detail. We ate dinner every night at 4:30 without exception. If you were late you were in big trouble. For me sitting at the table is a mixed bag. I have some great memories but I also have some not so great memories as well. I think that’s why I rebelled against eating at a set time at the table. What’s funny is my kids will probably grow up wanting to eat at a set time at the table every night. Life is funny like that. We all strive to do better. Sometimes we miss the mark. Sometimes we succeed!

Black Forest Cheesecake from cravingsofalunatic.com- This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!

So with today being Father’s Day I wanted to share my Dad’s fave dessert with you. He used to request it for special occasions. My dad passed away 5 years ago to lung cancer. I made this 4 years ago when my sister came to visit us. I don’t think I’ve made it since. So here’s the kicker. I cannot find the recipe for Dad’s fave cheesecake. I mean it is missing big time. I have looked high and low and cannot find the thing. I am beyond bummed as I’ve been making it for about 20+ years. I think I remember it off by heart but I did not want to take a chance it was wrong. I mean I’ve waited this long to share it with you. So the original will wait a little longer. I am hoping it turns up soon. I spent some serious time tweaking it to perfection. So for today I had to look a similar one up online to share with you all. The upside, I tweaked that one already and it’s seriously cherrylicious now. I think my Dad would love it. I hope you do as well.

Black Forest Cheesecake from cravingsofalunatic.com- This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!

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Black Forest Cheesecake
 
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This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: Serves 8 to 12
Ingredients
For the Crust:
  • 2 cups oreo crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon cherry extract
For the Filling:
  • 3 (250g) packages cream cheese
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cherry extract
  • 1 cup cherry yogurt
  • 6 ounces of semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 4 eggs
For the Whipped Cream:
  • 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 8 teaspoons cold water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup icing/confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cherry extract
For the topping:
  • 1 can of cherry pie filling
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
  • 1 ounce semi sweet chocolate, melted
Instructions
For the Crust:
  1. In a bowl combine the ingredients and mix well.
  2. Pour into a well-greased 9 inch spring form pan.
  3. Use the back of a spoon or bottom of a glass to tamp down the crumbs.
  4. Set aside.
For the Filling:
  1. Melt your chocolate in a double boiler until smooth. Set aside and allow to cool while mixing everything else.
  2. Combine the cream cheese, sugar and cherry extract in a stand mixer and mix until well combined.
  3. Add your yogurt and mix again.
  4. Now add your cooled chocolate and mix well.
  5. Add your eggs, one at a time, until well combined and smooth.
  6. Pour over your crumb crust.
  7. Tap the pan lightly on the counter a couple of times.
  8. Place in a preheated 325 degree oven for about 55 to 65 minutes. Check every 5 minutes after about the 45 minute mark. Every oven is different. The middle should be just starting to stop jiggling if you move the pan.
  9. Remove and stick in the fridge to let it set. Takes about 4 to 6 hours.
For the Whipped Cream:
  1. To make stabilized whipped cream you want to add gelatin. It helps make it more workable and it holds up better.
  2. this makes a double batch
  3. Add your gelatin to a glass bowl. Pour cold water over top. Stir just enough to make the powder wet. Now leave it alone for a few minutes.
  4. Let it stand until it becomes thick.
  5. Now place the glass bowl over a pot with water over low heat on the stove.
  6. Stir constantly until the gel dissolves.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool. But do not let it fully set.
  8. Once it’s cool your ready to make the whipped cream.
  9. In a stand mixer combine heavy cream and icing/confectioners sugar. Whip until thick.
  10. Slowly beat in the gelatin.
  11. Now whip on high until peaks form and cream becomes thick.
  12. Add your extract and give it a quick whip again.
  13. Spread cream over top of the cheesecake.
  14. Let set a bit before next step. About an hour is good.
For the Topping:
  1. Pour the cherry pie filling over top of the whipped cream.
  2. Place in fridge to allow to set again.
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
  1. This is easy to do and can be done one of two ways.
  2. Method #1- Melt chocolate in a glass bowl in the microwave for about a minute, stirring and checking every 15 seconds.
  3. Method #2- Place chocolate in a glass bowl and set over top a pot with water on medium low heat on the stove. Stir until smooth.
  4. Drizzle chocolate over top of the cake.
  5. Place in fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.
  6. Serve with a big old Black Forest Cherry smile!
Notes
Recipe Source: Kraft Canada

More Cheesecake Recipes from Around the Web:

Black Forest Cheesecake from cravingsofalunatic.com- This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!

This turned out really well. I like the added cherry taste in each layer. The cherry extract in the whipped cream is spectacular. It’s a great recipe. Not as good as my Dad’s fave recipe but it’s close.

Dad fishing. His favourite past time.

So today I’d like to dedicate this post to my Dad. Father’s Day is bittersweet for me. I miss my Dad and think about him all the time. But Father’s Day is a particularly rough holiday, as is Mother’s Day for me. I lost my Mom when I was 15 to heart disease. So for me these holidays are a bit of a roller coaster ride. I have highs and lows. I go about the day like everyone else but in the back of my mind I always thinking about the past and memories of my Dad are strong on this day. He was a hard man but I loved him anyway. The time I spent with him taking care of him while he was sick changed my life forever. I finally got to know him in a way I never had. We shared a lot of stories in our time together and had lots of talks. It was the worst and best time of my life. I am so grateful I had that time with him. However hard, however difficult and challenging it was, it made me who I am today. I’m sure he would be pleased to know he had an impact. And would quite likely take full credit for everything. Including the cheesecake. Cuz that’s how this family rolls. The lunacy runs deep generation after generation!

Dad and I on my wedding day.

Please visit some of the other Sunday Supper participants. Today is a special day and everyone went above and beyond to make sure we had a meal worthy of our Father’s and the special place the hold in all our hearts.

Father’s Day Brunch:

Dad’s Favorite Soup, Salads and Bread:

Father’s Day Favorite Main Dishes:

Dad’s Sweet Tooth:

Wine Pairings for Father’s Day ENOFYLZ

PIN THIS TO YOUR FAVOURITE DESSERT BOARD! 

Black Forest Cheesecake from cravingsofalunatic.com- This is an easy recipe for a baked black forest cheesecake. This recipe is a family favourite!!

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Toodles! xx

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Comments

  2. Gorgeous cake!

    We had to be at the table by 5:30pm or face the consequences. “It’s disrespectful not to be here on time.”

    Funny the things that make an impression like that.

    I want to make your cake.

    Reply

    • Yup, we had a lot of bad times at our table so it’s just left me with a bitter taste about the whole thing. But on occasion we sit there and have some giggles.

      Thanks. It is so good. One slice left. It’s all yours.

      Reply

    • Thanks so much Kat. It is really good. We had another slice tonight to celebrate cuz my hubs was away on Father’s Day. I was able to hide the cake for a bit so there was still some left. Lol!

      Reply

  4. Such a lovely tribute to your Dad Kim!I love your cheesecake recipe too and cannot wait to make it for my kids 🙂

    Reply

    • Thanks so much Soni. It’s really good. I was sceptical at first cuz I am so used to my other recipe but this was fab.

      Reply

    • Thanks so much Jen. I am happy to join you guys. So much fun. I tried to comment on your blog tonight through the Sunday Supper link and foodbuzz and it would not let me in. Not sure what’s up but will try again tomorrow.

      Reply

  6. Kim, what a great tribute to your dad. I know he would have loved this cheesecake even if it’s not exactly the original (and fingers crossed you find the recipe!). Love the old photos…such nice memories.

    Reply

  7. Happy Father’s Day Kim 🙂 Your dad’s favorite cheesecake sounds SO good! The cherry filling on top looks amazing, my dad’s favorite is apple pie! I’m just about to start making it this morning before he gets home from golfing, plus Im excited that I get an excuse now I to eat pie.. 🙂

    Reply

    • Thanks so much Kristina. I really adore this cheesecake. It’s so good. I love apple pie, how nice of you to make it for your dad.

      Reply

  9. My dad would love this recipe! I made chocolate cake for my husband last night but I am sure he would rather had something like this. We have never made a real cheese cake, just the no-bake kind. Might try this!

    Reply

    • Thanks so much. You could totally make this. So many people freak other people out about making cheesecake. It’s not that big a deal. I never worry if it’s not perfect, it’s still cheesecake and tastes like heaven so a few imperfections won’t matter.

      Reply

    • Thanks so much. I am certain it will turn up. It’s with another fave cheesecake recipe and a fudge so it better turn up soon. Lol!

      Reply

  11. A beautifully heartfelt post my friend dedicating a cake fit for a king (or a dad :D)
    I’m really happy you are joining Sunday supper, I look forward to lots more of your creativity!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply

    • Thanks so much. I really enjoyed participating in this. Tons of fun and a great group of bloggers involved.

      Reply

  12. A lovely way remember your father! I too have mixed emotions about my childhood dinners, but having different patterns and behaviors with food and dinner with my family has dimmed the emotions I still felt. A splendid Father’s Day post!

    Reply

    • I think that’s the key. Try to change the routine and make it a happier time. It’s hard though when you live in your childhood home with some of your childhood furniture. Makes it hard to escape the memories. Most of the time I’m okay. But holidays can be bittersweet.

      Reply

    • Thanks for visiting twin. My dad was such a sucker for black forest cheesecake. Was nice to whip this up in his memory.

      Reply

  14. This looks really fabulous. A great way to celebrate Dad! We always ate together as a family at the table growing up. I am used to it. With just my husband and I though sometimes we revert to the couch.

    Reply

    • Thanks so much Emily. I did the table thing until the kids hit about 10 or 12 I guess. Then it got nuts with activities and we just sort of fell out of habit. Funny how things change over time.

      Reply

    • It was endless when they were in a zillion activities. Now it’s a lot of work stuff. I feel like my butt is velcro’d to my car seats most days. Lol.

      Thanks. I think this is my fave cheesecake in the world. The original, this one was good but not perfection like my usual one.

      Reply

  18. Nice story. We had a pretty strict dinner time too – 5:30. This is bringing back memories! And I know what you mean when you say some are good, some not so much. Anyway, one of the reasons I started blogging is to preserve all of my recipes! I absolutely know what it’s like to lose a treasured recipe – I’ve done it before, too. Usually they turn up. Usually. And this recipe? Well, I love cheesecake, and who can say no to black forest? Really good post – thanks.

    Reply

    • Thanks. We had a hard childhood so some things remain an issue. Particularly because I bought my childhood home after my dad died. So it can make the memories strong at times. But I aimed to make it a happier home and think for the most part I’ve succeeded.

      I cannot believe I lost it. I am so bummed. Hoping it turns up when we take everything out of the blog room to paint it this summer. The original was a rich, dense chocolate to die for.

      Reply

    • Thanks so much Carolyn. I love that you visit even though you can’t eat my goodies. I don’t think I’ve told you lately how much I appreciate all your support and kind words. xx

      Reply

    • Thanks so much. I am really enjoying the group. It’s cool cuz you can always opt out if you’re busy or the event isn’t a good fit one week. Such a wonderful group of bloggers. And Isabel is the bomb. Really like her.

      Reply

  22. What a fantastic tribute to your dad! I’m sure he’s smiling over your shoulder at that amazing cheesecake.

    We always ate at the table except on Sunday nights, which was Disney night so we’d have soup and sandwiches on tv trays. It was a big treat. Now, my family still eats at the table every night, but the time varies as to when Hubby is home and the food is cooked. I like the together-time, but am anything but rigid. 🙂

    Reply

    • Awe thanks so much Christiane. I appreciate it.

      That is so cute you had Disney night. We used to do the table thing till the kids got older. Now it’s more special occasions. Or trying to impress people. Reality is we eat together, but usually watching a movie or The Chew together. lol

      Reply

  24. First, I hope you find your cheesecake recipe. It will show up when you need it to. Secondly, I love your pictures and thoughts on your father. Thank you for giving us such a close peak to your life. Looking forward to next week!

    Reply

  25. Oh My ! That is a fabulous cake ! oooh want some NOW 🙂 lovely pics too. Love the one of you on wedding day and of course .. all the cake. I love black forest and cheesecake so the combo is perfect. Will pin this and make it sometime ! Nice blog name 😉

    Reply

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