Raspberry cheesecake is a luscious dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the vibrant, tart flavor of fresh raspberries. Whether I’m making it for a holiday gathering or a quiet weekend treat, this dessert always delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this raspberry cheesecake stands out on the dessert table. The swirls of raspberry sauce not only look stunning, they add a bright, fruity contrast to the creamy filling. It’s smooth, decadent, and the crust gives just the right crunch. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, which makes entertaining so much easier.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Graham crackers or digestive biscuits, crushed
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Cream cheese, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Sour cream
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Vanilla extract
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Fresh or frozen raspberries
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Lemon juice
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Cornstarch
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Water
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.
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In a large bowl, I beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and mix until creamy.
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I mix in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract.
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For the raspberry sauce, I combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a cornstarch-water mixture in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
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Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, and spoon raspberry sauce in dollops on top. I use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter.
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Bake for about 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly.
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Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Servings and timing
This raspberry cheesecake yields about 12 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
Variations
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I sometimes add white chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter twist.
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Instead of swirls, I’ve topped the finished cheesecake with a thick raspberry layer for a bolder fruit presence.
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I’ve used chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers for a richer flavor.
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I occasionally swap raspberries with blueberries or strawberries, depending on what’s in season.
storage/reheating
I store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If I want to keep it longer, I wrap slices individually and freeze them for up to 2 months.
To enjoy, I thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge. Cheesecake doesn’t need reheating and tastes best chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
I bake it in a water bath and avoid overbaking. Letting it cool gradually and running a knife around the edge also helps prevent cracking.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, I use frozen raspberries often. I thaw them first and cook them down into a sauce just like fresh ones.
What kind of pan should I use?
A springform pan is ideal. It allows me to release the cheesecake without damaging the sides.
How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
I check that the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly. It continues to set as it cools.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often make it a day in advance since chilling overnight gives the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This raspberry cheesecake is a beautiful, delicious dessert that I always enjoy making and sharing. With its creamy filling, tangy raspberry swirls, and crunchy crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Whether I serve it plain or dressed up, it never lasts long on the table.
PrintRaspberry Cheesecake
Raspberry cheesecake is a creamy, decadent dessert with a graham cracker crust, rich filling, and tart raspberry swirls. It’s beautiful, flavorful, and perfect for any special occasion or casual indulgence.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for raspberry sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and mix until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, 2 tbsp sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch mixed with water. Simmer until thickened. Let cool.
- Pour cheesecake batter over crust. Add raspberry sauce in dollops on top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
- Cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Add white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
- Top with a thick raspberry layer instead of swirling for a bold look.
- Try a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor base.
- Swap raspberries with seasonal berries like blueberries or strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
