Layered Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo crumbs)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Layers:

• 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
• 1/4 cup chocolate ganache (optional, for an extra layer)

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam

For the Topping:

• Fresh strawberries, halved
• 1/2 cup chocolate ganache, for drizzling
• Chocolate shavings or chips

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter until combined.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
• Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  [Image Prompt: Show the cookie crumb mixture being pressed into the pan]

2. Make the Cheesecake Layers

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
• Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until fully combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
• Divide the batter into two equal portions. In one portion, gently fold in the strawberry puree to create the strawberry cheesecake layer.
• Pour the plain cheesecake batter over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
• Gently pour the strawberry cheesecake batter over the plain layer.
• Optional: If adding a chocolate layer, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the strawberry layer and lightly swirl it with a knife.
  [Image Prompt: Display the layers of cheesecake being poured into the pan]

3. Bake the Cheesecake

• Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
• Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for an hour.
• Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  [Image Prompt: Show the cheesecake cooling in the oven]

4. Assemble the Strawberry Layer

• Once the cheesecake is set, spread the strawberry jam over the top of the cheesecake.
• Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the jam.
  [Image Prompt: Display the jam and strawberries being arranged on the cheesecake]

5. Add the Toppings

• Drizzle the top of the cheesecake with chocolate ganache.
• Garnish with fresh strawberry halves and chocolate shavings or chips.
  [Image Prompt: Show the finished cheesecake with toppings]

6. Serve

• Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
• Slice and serve chilled.
  [Image Prompt: Display the cheesecake being sliced and served]