Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
If you’re in search of a show-stopping dessert that combines the decadent richness of chocolate with the fresh tang of strawberries, look no further than this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake. Every bite is a celebration of creamy cheesecake, luscious chocolate, and bursts of real strawberry flavor artfully marbled together for both taste and beauty. This is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience you’ll want to share with the people you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple but high-quality ingredients is the key to mastering this cheesecake. Each one plays a vital role in ensuring the Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake delivers amazing taste, a dreamy texture, and those stunning signature swirls.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the essential crunchy base that anchors every luxurious bite of the cheesecake.
- Melted butter: Helps bind the cookie crust together and adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs deliciously with chocolate.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake, bringing creamy texture and that irresistible tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while enhancing both the chocolate and strawberry notes.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and a smooth, custardy finish, ensuring the cheesecake sets perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors and adds a subtle warmth to the batter.
- Sour cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and just the right amount of zip, making the texture even more luxurious.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled): Infuses half the batter with deep, chocolatey goodness.
- Strawberry preserves or sauce: Swirled into the other half of the batter for bold, genuine strawberry flavor and that signature swirl.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): For garnishing—the ultimate finishing touch that makes this dessert look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until every little crumb is moistened and ready to become your cheesecake foundation. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, pressing a little up the sides if you like an extra-crunchy border. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you work on that dreamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without a single lump in sight. This is the backbone of the Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, so take your time here! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep everything silky. Gently stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined—this is what gives the cheesecake its signature texture and subtle tang.
Step 3: Divide and Flavor the Batter
Divide your cheesecake batter into two equal portions in separate bowls. Into one bowl, fold in the melted, slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips, turning the batter lusciously chocolatey. In the other bowl, stir in the strawberry preserves or sauce, dyeing it a lovely blush pink. The dramatic swirl in this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake starts right here!
Step 4: Create the Swirl Effect and Bake
Alternate spoonfuls of the chocolate and strawberry batters onto the cooled crust, creating a patchwork pattern. Once the pan is full, take a butter knife and gently swirl through the batters with a figure-eight motion. Swirl just enough to create beautiful marbling without over-mixing. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still has a gentle jiggle. This ensures a creamy, not dry, cheesecake. Turn the oven off, crack the door open, and let the cake cool gradually for about 1 hour—this helps prevent cracks.
Step 5: Chill, Garnish, and Enjoy
After cooling, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture. Before serving, top your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and zing. Now slice generously and savor every bite!
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Garnishes
The right garnish can turn your cheesecake from beautiful to breathtaking. Adorn the top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even an extra swirl of strawberry preserves for added flair and flavor. For a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed chocolate cookies or chocolate curls on top—the effect is simply irresistible!
Side Dishes
This cheesecake is delightfully rich on its own, but if you’re serving it as the star of a special occasion, pair it with fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A handful of fresh berries on the side works wonders to balance out the sweetness and add a refreshing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake the centerpiece by slicing and fanning out the pieces on a platter, each topped with a different garnish: a whole strawberry, a mint leaf, or a drizzle of both chocolate and extra strawberry sauce. For parties, cut into bite-sized squares or mini rounds using a cookie cutter for an elegant dessert platter that’ll have guests ooh-ing and aah-ing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them tightly covered in the fridge. The Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake can be enjoyed fresh for up to 5 days, and chilling actually helps the flavors meld together even more beautifully.
Freezing
To freeze, place individual slices or the full, uncut cheesecake on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and return to the freezer. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat cheesecake, but if you love that just-out-of-the-oven flavor, let your slice sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off and enjoy maximum creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Oreos or even chocolate graham crackers work wonderfully and will give your Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake an equally delicious base. Just make sure they’re finely crushed for the best texture.
What if I don’t have strawberry preserves?
You can use any thick strawberry sauce, or gently mash fresh strawberries with a little sugar to create your own. The key is to use something flavorful and not too runny.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked, as abrupt temperature changes can lead to cracking. For extra insurance, you can bake it in a water bath, which keeps humidity high and temperature gentle.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, simply opt for gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. The rest of the ingredients in the Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake are naturally gluten-free
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The center should look set but still have a slight jiggle when you gently tap the pan. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills, ensuring that creamy, dreamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Every time I serve this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, it disappears in record time. It’s a true labor of love that’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it with family and friends, and make some delicious memories of your own!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake. Creamy cheesecake with a marbled mix of chocolate and strawberry, topped with fresh strawberries for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or sauce
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, press into a springform pan, and bake.
- Make the cheesecake batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs one at a time, mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Divide and flavor the batter: Split the batter, mixing melted chocolate into one half and strawberry preserves into the other.
- Layer and swirl: Alternate spoonfuls of chocolate and strawberry batter in the crust, then swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until nearly set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool and chill: Let the cheesecake cool in the oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add extra preserves on top before baking.
- Consider using a water bath for a smoother texture and to prevent cracking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg