Gotta Velata Holidays, because it's not just Fondue: Cherry Cheesecake

It's National Cherry Cheesecake Day!

 

Celebrate by making this tasty treat...

Velata Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Serves: 8
Cooking Time: 35 min

Chilling Time: 1 hr

 

What You'll Need:

 

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, well drained, divided

1/2 bag Velata chocolate (your choice, but I prefer dark for this recipe)

1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust

1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa

 

What To Do:

Preheat your oven to 375.

In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and sugar until it's nice and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue beating until they are thoroughly combined.

Cut open the Velata chocolate bag and remove half of the wafers. Coarsely chop. Set aside 8 cherries to garnish each finished pie slice, then coarsely chop the rest. Add chopped cherries and Velata wafers to cream cheese mixture; mix well, then pour into pie crust.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is firm. Chill 1 hour, then spread on whipped topping and sprinkle with cocoa. Garnish with the remaining cherries. Cover loosely and chill until you are ready to serve.

**Feel free to substitute 2 cups fresh whipped cream in place of the whipped topping. I really hope you enjoy!

Order your Velata chocolate here: http://chocelata.velata.us
For a complete list of Gotta Velata Holiday posts please click here.
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Inspirational recipe here.