1️⃣ Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil.

2️⃣ In a bowl, mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.

3️⃣ In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, then melted chocolate. Beat until creamy.

4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.

5️⃣ Pour batter into crust. Place pan in a larger roasting pan and fill halfway with hot water.

6️⃣ Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool 1 hour. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

7️⃣ Before serving, whip cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe around edges of cheesecake.

8️⃣ Spoon cherry filling into the center and sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.