No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe — Rich Cherry Chocolate Slice

My Black Forest No Bake Cheesecake takes just 10 minutes to prepare and is an absolute must for chocolate lovers!

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Original content posted March 2017. Updated February 2021.

Every so often, while sorting through my photo files, I stumble across a recipe I never published. It feels like finding a little treasure — especially when it’s as indulgent as this Black Forest No Bake Cheesecake.

I actually photographed this dessert almost a year ago, last May, and life (including a cross-country move) delayed getting it online. Clearly I should have been packing instead of making dessert, but some recipes are worth the distraction.

I love no-bake cheesecakes for their simplicity and smooth texture. When I need a quick, impressive dessert, they’re my go-to. My Black Bottom No Bake Cheesecake and Almost No Bake Drumstick Cheesecake are fan favorites in my kitchen, and this Black Forest version is similarly adored because it stacks flavor on top of flavor.

For those who think you can never have enough chocolate: this is your dream dessert. The recipe combines an Oreo crust, a layer of rich chocolate ganache, a chocolate cheesecake filling, and a cherry topping finished with dark chocolate curls. That’s four chocolate-forward layers plus cherries — a decadent treat without complicated baking.

The process is straightforward: an Oreo pie crust is filled with chocolate ganache and chilled until mostly set. A silky chocolate cheesecake layer is whipped and spread over the ganache, then topped with cherry pie filling and refrigerated until firm. Before serving, I like to shave a candy bar into dark chocolate curls for a pretty finish — though a drizzle of extra ganache works wonderfully too.

This cheesecake is one of my favorite late-night treats. The filling is silky and satisfying, and I always keep the key ingredients on hand for when the chocolate craving hits.

How to Make Black Forest No Bake Cheesecake

[1] Start with a 6-ounce Oreo pie crust as the base. Remove the lid and prepare the crust for the next step.

Tip: A store-bought crust keeps this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer to make one from scratch, a classic Oreo cookie crust recipe is an excellent alternative.

[2] Prepare Microwave Chocolate Ganache according to the recipe instructions. Pour the ganache into the Oreo crust and refrigerate for about an hour or until mostly set.

Tip: I usually make the full ganache recipe rather than halving it so there’s extra to drizzle over the finished cheesecake or to use later as a dip for fruit.

[3] In a medium bowl, combine whipped topping, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and baking cocoa.

[4] Use a handheld mixer to beat the mixture until completely smooth and lump-free.

[5] Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the set chocolate ganache and spread it evenly over the crust.

[6] Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, then refrigerate for at least one hour to set.

[7] Before serving, use a vegetable peeler to shave a dark chocolate candy bar into curls and scatter them over the top for an elegant finish.

Tip: Chocolate curls are optional but lift the presentation. If you don’t want to shave chocolate, a drizzle of reserved ganache is a simple, delicious alternative.

If you try this Black Forest No Bake Cheesecake or any recipe from Melanie Makes, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments. I read and respond to every message.