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Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme “Cheesecake”

The first time I tasted this dessert, it was at a potluck family reunion. Aunt Carol, known for her experimental baking (sometimes with disastrous, but always hilarious, results), proudly presented this fudgy, cherry-topped creation. Skeptical at first glance, I took a bite, and all doubts vanished. The rich chocolate brownie base, the creamy, tangy filling, and the burst of cherry flavor combined in a symphony of textures and tastes. It was a surprisingly sophisticated treat, a far cry from Aunt Carol’s usual concoctions, and it immediately became a cherished family favorite. Little did I know it was hidden on the back of a Hershey’s Kisses bag!

Recipe Overview:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (includes cooling and refrigeration)
Servings: 8-10
Yield: 1 cake
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream, chilled
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, drained
25 Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Kisses (regular Hershey’s Kisses may be substituted)

Equipment Needed:

9-inch round cake pan
Aluminum foil
Large bowl
Medium bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Spoon
Wire rack
Heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil, making sure the foil extends beyond the sides of the pan to create an easy lift-out method later. Thoroughly grease the foil with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter (or margarine), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
Add the eggs to the mixture and beat well using a spoon until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing lumps in the batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, beating with a spoon until just well blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cake is set. Keep in mind that the cake is intended to be fudgy, so it will not test completely “done” with a toothpick. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for the brownie base to set properly.
While the brownie base cools, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid a lumpy filling.
In another bowl (or the same bowl, cleaned and dried), beat the chilled whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This will add a lovely lightness to the cream cheese layer.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending well until smooth and homogenous.
Once the brownie layer is completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base.
Cover the cake and refrigerate it until serving time. This allows the cream cheese layer to set and the flavors to meld together. A minimum of 2 hours is recommended, but overnight is even better.
Just before serving, drain the cherry pie filling thoroughly.
If desired, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create a heart shape in the center of the dessert using the drained cherry pie filling. Otherwise, simply arrange the pie filling in a 5-inch wide heart shape in the center of the dessert.
Place the Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Kisses (or regular Hershey’s Kisses) around the edge of the cake.
Cut the cake into wedges and serve with any remaining cherry pie filling on the side.
Cover any leftover dessert and refrigerate.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and filling.
Don’t Overbake: Remember, the brownie base should be fudgy. Overbaking will result in a dry cake.
Chill Time Matters: The refrigeration period is essential for the flavors to meld and the cream cheese layer to set properly. Don’t rush this step!
Presentation is Key: For a more elegant presentation, dust the cream cheese layer with cocoa powder before adding the cherries and Kisses.
Use Quality Cocoa: A good quality cocoa powder will enhance the chocolate flavor of the brownie base.

Serving & Storage Suggestions:

Serve this dessert chilled for the best flavor and texture. Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. While freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese layer, you can keep the brownie base frozen for 1-2 months, and make the cream cheese layer freshly when ready to assemble the cake. Reheating is not necessary; simply allow the dessert to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	668.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	295 g	44%
Total Fat	32.8 g	50%
Saturated Fat	19.2 g	96%
Cholesterol	131.9 mg	43%
Sodium	325.4 mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	88.2 g	29%
Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
Sugars	54.3 g	217%
Protein	7.1 g	14%

Variations & Substitutions:

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
Nut Allergy: Ensure all ingredients are manufactured in a nut-free facility, especially the Hershey’s Kisses.
Seasonal Variation: Substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use regular Hershey’s Kisses instead of Cherry Cordial Kisses?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use regular Hershey’s Kisses. While the Cherry Cordial Kisses complement the cherry filling, the regular Kisses provide a classic chocolate flavor that works just as well.

Q: My brownie base came out too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of a dry brownie base. Make sure to bake for only 25 minutes, or until just set. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. The cake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the cherry pie filling and Hershey’s Kisses just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Q: How can I make the heart shape with the cherry pie filling look perfect?
A: The easiest way is to use a heart-shaped cookie cutter as a stencil. Place the cookie cutter in the center of the cake and carefully spoon the cherry pie filling inside.

Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Freezing is not recommended for the entire assembled cake due to the texture of the cream cheese filling. However, you can freeze the brownie base separately.

Final Thoughts:

This Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme “Cheesecake” is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. Don’t let the long ingredient list intimidate you – it’s surprisingly easy to make! This dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with its rich chocolate base, creamy filling, and burst of cherry flavor. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. And be sure to share your creation and feedback—I’d love to hear your experiences! Pair it with a glass of chilled Moscato for the ultimate indulgence. Enjoy!

Hershey’s Cherry Cordial Creme Cheesecake Recipe