Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Tart

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• 6 oz. chocolate wafers, finely crushed (1-1/3 cups)
• 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 2-1/2 oz. (5 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries, puréed
• 3 Tbs. cherry preserves
• 1 Tbs. kirsch
• 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz. sour cream (1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs.), at room temperature
• 1 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Details

Adapted from finecooking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl, mix the crushed cookies with 2 Tbs. of the sugar. Add the melted butter and toss with your fingers until evenly moistened. Transfer the crumbs to a 9 1/2-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. With your fingers, gently pack the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides to form the crust. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet until set, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.

Meanwhile, in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, bring the cherry purée to a simmer. Whisk in the cherry preserves and continue to simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the kirsch and continue to cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat and let cool.

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and remaining 1/3 cup sugar on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the sour cream, flour, vanilla, and salt and beat until well combined, about 1 minute more. Add the eggs one at time, beating until just combined, about 15 seconds for each egg (do not overbeat).

Pour the batter into the crust and distribute evenly. Dot the batter with the cherry mixture and gently drag a butter knife through the filling to form decorative swirls.

Bake until the tart is just set but still slightly moist in the center, 18 to 24 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve cold.
Make Ahead Tips

The tart may be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated.