Description
Craving the rich, indulgent flavors of a Black Forest cheesecake but looking for a warm, hands-off twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker Black Forest Dessert Bowl! This cozy recipe reimagines the classic no-bake cheesecake as a spoonable, slow-cooked dessert, featuring a fudgy chocolate-cherry base infused with cherry pie filling, topped with a creamy whipped topping and a crunchy Oreo crumble that echoes the original crust. The slow cooker makes this dessert effortless, melding the chocolate and cherry flavors into a gooey, comforting treat, while the whipped cream and Oreo topping add a decadent finish.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate-Cherry Base
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All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Forms the cake-like structure.
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Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or cocoa powder (reduce to 1 cup flour + ½ cup cocoa for extra chocolate).
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Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the base.
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Substitution: Brown sugar or coconut sugar for a caramelized note.
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Provides rich chocolate flavor.
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Substitution: Dutch-processed cocoa or carob powder.
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Baking Powder (2 tsp): Ensures a light texture.
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Substitution: ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp cream of tartar.
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Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit if using salted butter.
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Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds moisture and tanginess.
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Substitution: Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
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Cherry Pie Filling (1 cup): Infuses cherry flavor and texture.
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Substitution: Homemade cherry filling (1 cup cooked cherries, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch) or raspberry filling.
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Milk (½ cup): Moistens the batter.
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Substitution: Plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat) or water.
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Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup, melted): Adds richness.
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Substitution: Coconut oil or vegan butter.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor.
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Substitution: Almond extract or omit.
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For the Oreo Crumble
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Oreos (16, whole cookies with filling): Creates a crunchy, chocolatey topping.
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Substitution: Chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers (add 1 tbsp cocoa powder).
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Salted Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Binds the crumble.
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Substitution: Unsalted butter (add pinch of salt) or vegan butter.
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For the Whipped Topping
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Whipped Topping (8 oz, thawed): Provides a creamy, light finish.
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Substitution: Homemade whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla, whipped).
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Cherry Pie Filling (1 cup): Adds a fruity topping.
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Substitution: Same as above for base.
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Optional Garnish
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Chocolate Shavings (2 tbsp): Adds elegance and chocolatey crunch.
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Substitution: Chocolate chips or cocoa powder dusting.
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Why They’re Important: The cocoa and cherry pie filling create a rich, Black Forest-inspired base, while the Oreo crumble mimics the crust’s crunch. The whipped topping adds creamy lightness, and chocolate shavings elevate the presentation, making each spoonful a decadent delight
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate-Cherry Base
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In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup milk, ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup cherry pie filling, being careful not to crush the cherries.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
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Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
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Tip: Use a whisk for dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Fold cherry filling gently to preserve whole cherries. Spread batter evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
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Step 2: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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Check doneness at the minimum time; if the top looks too moist, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to evaporate excess moisture.
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Tip: Place a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and prevent a soggy surface. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.
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Step 3: Prepare the Oreo Crumble
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Place 16 Oreos (with filling) in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
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Transfer crumbs to a bowl and mix with 2 tbsp melted salted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
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Set aside or store in an airtight container at room temperature if prepping ahead.
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Tip: Pulse Oreos to a fine, even crumb for best texture. Stir butter thoroughly to coat crumbs. Prepare crumble just before serving for maximum crunch.
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Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Topping
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If using store-bought whipped topping, ensure 8 oz is thawed and ready to use. If making homemade, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
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Transfer to a piping bag (optional) or keep in a bowl for scooping. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Tip: Chill mixing bowl and whisk for faster homemade whipped cream. Use a star tip for piping elegant swirls. Store whipped topping in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Step 5: Assemble the Dessert Bowls
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Turn off the slow cooker and let the chocolate-cherry base cool for 10-15 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
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Scoop the warm base into 8-10 bowls or dessert cups (about ½ cup per serving). Spoon 1-2 tbsp cherry pie filling over each portion, spreading gently.
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Add a dollop or piped swirl of whipped topping (about 2 tbsp per serving). Sprinkle with 1-2 tbsp Oreo crumble for crunch.
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Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
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Tip: Serve the base warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a denser consistency. Layer toppings artfully for a bakery-style presentation. Use clear cups to showcase layers.
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Step 6: Serve
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Serve the Black Forest dessert bowls warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra chocolate shavings, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a fresh cherry for flair.
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a side of chocolate cookies, or fresh raspberries for a complete dessert experience. Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or a dessert wine (like Port) for a festive touch.
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Tip: Present bowls with visible cherry filling, creamy topping, and Oreo crumble for an Instagram-worthy look. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast. Offer extra cherry filling or crumble on the side for customization.
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