With its bottom layer fudgy like a brownie and its creamy cheesecake layer filled with cherry pieces, this combination receives rave reviews.
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
Chocolate Layer:2. In saucepan, melt butter and chocolate with water over medium heat until smooth. Let cool slightly. Place cake mix in large bowl. Add melted chocolate mixture; beat to combine. Beat in egg. Stir in nuts. Spread batter in prepared pan.
Cheesecake Layer:3. Rinse cherries; pat dry. Coarsely chop. In bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in almond extract and chopped cherries. Pour over chocolate layer; spread level to edge.
4. Bake in 350 degrees F oven until center is set, but jiggles when pan is tapped, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack 10 minutes. Spread 1 cup reserved cherry syrup over top. Let cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Store in fridge up to 1 week.