Chocolate Berry Crumb Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 🍫 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 🍯 1 cup sugar

• 🍭 ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 🧂 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 🧂 ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt

• 🥚 1 large egg

• 🥛 ½ cup milk

• 🧈 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ☕ ½ cup hot water (for extra richness)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 🍯 ½ cup sugar

• 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 🍯 ¼ cup sour cream

• 🥚 1 egg

• 🍓 ½ cup fresh berries (or more for garnish)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 🍯 ½ cup sugar

• 🍪 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 🧂 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

4. Gradually stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin—this is perfect! 🍫

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

2. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and egg, mixing until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the fresh berries, keeping them slightly whole for added texture. 🍇🍰

4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the pan.

Make the Crumb Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon until a crumbly mixture forms.

2. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Bake the Cake:

1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a little cheesecake filling is fine).

2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.