We used fresh cherries to make the compote for this cheesecake however, you can use frozen if you prefer - just don’t defrost them before making the compote. The decoration is best with fresh cherries.
• Kirsch, short for Kirschwasser (German for "cherry water"), is a clear, colorless fruit brandy traditionally made from morello cherries. It’s what adds the unmistakable Black Forest flavor. If you can’t get a hold of Kirsch you can use any cherry liqueur, cherry juice or syrup.
• As one of the main ingredients and flavors in this cheesecake is chocolate we suggest using a high quality chocolate in bar form. Be sure to chop it finely so that it melts smoothly and evenly.
• When you add the Oreo crumbs to the pan you might notice that there are only enough for a very thin layer. Don’t be temped to add more as the crust will puff up in the oven when it bakes.
• Make sure all the ingredients for the cheesecake filling such as eggs, cream cheese and heavy cream are at room temperature as this will ensure the best texture for the cheesecake and help prevent it cracking.
• Adding the eggs to the mixture last, one at a time and only beating until just incorporated is an important step. Over beating the eggs can incorporate too much air which can cause the cheesecake to rapidly rise in the oven only to collapse as it cools. Over beaten eggs can also contribute to a dense and rubbery texture. To avoid these issues, it's best to beat the eggs just until they are fully incorporated into the batter, and not any longer. This will help you achieve a smooth, creamy cheesecake with the perfect texture.
• To prevent cracking and to ensure a cheesecake that rises tall and evenly it’s important to use a water bath. We wrap the outside of the cheesecake pan in foil as this forms a barrier to stop the water getting into the pan. We recommend using extra wide, extra strong foil. Double wrap the pan with the foil making sure there are no gaps. The water bath is the roasting pan the
cheesecake sits in. The pan is filled with boiling water which produces a steamy and moist environment for the best results.
• If the cherry compote has set too much after refrigerating you can loosen it by stirring in a teaspoonful of boiling water.
• Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days.