Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Directions:
1 Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
2 Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until well combined. One at a time, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
3 Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. To create the swirls, drop spoonfuls of the melted dark chocolate and strawberry puree (or jam) over the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two ingredients together, creating a marbled effect.
4 Bake the Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggles when you move the pan. Once done, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the sides of the springform pan and allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
5 Prepare the Ganache: For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and glossy.
6 Garnish and Serve: Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decadent finish. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful, fruity touch. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly.
Once chilled, slice and serve this irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake to your guests. They will be amazed by the combination of rich, creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and indulgent chocolate, making this dessert an absolute must-try for any special occasion or a delightful treat any time of year!