This delightful cheesecake combines the richness of dark chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, all swirled into a creamy Greek yogurt base. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet cravings while offering wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light yet indulgent – Uses Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with less fat.
- Perfect balance of flavors – Rich dark chocolate and fresh strawberries complement each other beautifully.
- Naturally sweetened – Sweetened with maple syrup and honey instead of refined sugar.
- Gorgeous presentation – A stunning marbled effect makes it look as good as it tastes.
- Healthier alternative – A nutritious dessert option without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Chocolate cookie crumbs
- Melted coconut oil
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Greek yogurt
- Maple syrup
- Pure vanilla extract
- Large eggs
- Melted dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao)
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- Honey
- Lemon juice
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Divide the yogurt mixture evenly into two bowls.
- Stir the melted dark chocolate into one bowl until fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry puree, honey, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Let it cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the chocolate yogurt mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the chocolate layer in small dollops.
- Gently pour the plain yogurt mixture over the top.
- Using a knife or skewer, swirl through the layers to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake and Chill
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt and coconut milk-based dark chocolate.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the crust for extra texture.
- Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- Berry Swap: Try raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor twist.
- No-Bake Version: Use a no-bake cheesecake base and let it set in the fridge instead of baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- No reheating needed! Enjoy this cheesecake chilled.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is preferred for its thicker texture, but strained regular yogurt can work as well.
2. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when chilled overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
3. What type of dark chocolate works best?
Use at least 70% cacao for a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
4. How do I get a perfect swirl effect?
Use a skewer or knife and gently swirl the batter without overmixing.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
6. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Let it cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open, and avoid overmixing the batter.
7. Can I replace maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes! Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes.
8. What kind of chocolate cookies should I use for the crust?
Oreo-style cookies or chocolate graham crackers work great.
9. How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best texture.
10. Can I make this cheesecake without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg or cornstarch slurry as a binding substitute.
Conclusion
Chocolate strawberry swirl cheesecake is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and fruity flavors. With its healthier Greek yogurt base and natural sweeteners, it’s a treat you can feel good about indulging in. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weekend dessert, this cheesecake is sure to impress!
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Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
This Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a rich yet light dessert featuring a creamy Greek yogurt base, dark chocolate, and a fresh strawberry swirl. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and honey, this healthier cheesecake is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreo-style or chocolate graham crackers)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), melted
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Divide the yogurt mixture evenly into two bowls.
- Stir the melted dark chocolate into one bowl until fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberry puree, honey, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the chocolate yogurt mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon small dollops of the strawberry mixture over the chocolate layer.
- Gently pour the plain yogurt mixture over the top.
- Using a knife or skewer, swirl through the layers to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake and Chill:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve chilled. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or top with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt and coconut milk-based dark chocolate.
- Berry Swap: Substitute raspberries or blueberries for the strawberry swirl.
- No-Bake Option: Use a no-bake cheesecake base and let it set in the fridge.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian