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Imagine the creaminess of a classic cheesecake paired with the rich, smooth flavor of chocolate and a burst of fresh strawberries. This dessert elevates your typical cheesecake by adorning it with a glossy, delectable chocolate glaze and a crown of fresh, juicy strawberries for a finish that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious. Perfect for impressing at dinner parties or enjoying a special night in, this dish combines the best of sweet and creamy with the freshness of fruit.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1/3 cup of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 packages (8 ounces each) of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until combined.
Mix in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
Add in 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in 1 cup of sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50 minutes or until the center is set and a slight jiggle appears when the pan is nudged.
Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar to cool gradually for about 1 hour.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
To prepare the chocolate glaze, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 8 ounces of chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes.
Whisk the chocolate and cream until smooth and well combined. Allow to cool slightly until thickened but still pourable.
Pour the chocolate glaze over the chilled cheesecake, letting it drip down the sides.
Arrange additional sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake for decoration.
Chill the cheesecake for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze before slicing and serving.
