Decadent Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
This Decadent Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolate and vibrant raspberries. It’s creamy, smooth, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies (Substitute with graham crackers for a classic flavor)
- 5 tablespoons melted butter (No substitutions recommended for optimal texture)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (Use full-fat brick-style for best results)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (Brown sugar can be used for a deeper taste)
- 8 ounces melted dark chocolate (Opt for chocolate with 60% to 72% cocoa for best results)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (No alternatives suggested)
- 3 large eggs (Beat minimally to prevent cracks)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (Frozen can be used in a pinch, but may alter texture)
- 1 cup whipped cream (Adds a light and airy touch)
- ½ cup chocolate drizzle (Melted dark chocolate works beautifully)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Combine crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter in a bowl until well mixed. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan to create a solid crust.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed, and gently fold in the fresh raspberries.
- Step 5: Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Step 6: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly when you take it out.
- Step 7: After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing your cheesecake to cool for 1 hour. Then, chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Step 8: Once chilled, release the springform pan gently, slice the cheesecake, and garnish with additional raspberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Tips & Variations
- Use graham crackers instead of chocolate cookies for a lighter crust flavor.
- Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a richer taste.
- Frozen raspberries are a convenient substitute but may change the cheesecake’s texture slightly.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream to add a light, airy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
- Opt for dark chocolate with 60% to 72% cocoa to balance bitterness and sweetness perfectly.
Storage
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, reheat slightly at room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the raspberries and cream cheese.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used if fresh are unavailable, but they may release more moisture and slightly affect the texture of the cheesecake.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Beat the eggs minimally and incorporate them gently. Also, letting the cheesecake cool slowly in a slightly open oven helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
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Decadent Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this Decadent Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, a rich and creamy dessert that combines a chocolate cookie crust with luscious cream cheese filling, melted dark chocolate, and fresh raspberries. Baked to perfection and finished with a silky whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, this cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies (Substitute with graham crackers for a classic flavor)
- 5 tablespoons melted butter (No substitutions recommended for optimal texture)
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese (Use full-fat brick-style for best results)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (Brown sugar can be used for a deeper taste)
- 8 ounces melted dark chocolate (Opt for chocolate with 60% to 72% cocoa for best results)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (No alternatives suggested)
- 3 large eggs (Beat minimally to prevent cracks)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (Frozen can be used in a pinch, but may alter texture)
Toppings
- 1 cup whipped cream (Adds a light and airy touch)
- ½ cup chocolate drizzle (Melted dark chocolate works beautifully)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later.
- Prepare the crust: Combine crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter in a bowl until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even, solid base for the cheesecake.
- Make the filling base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy using a mixer. Then gently fold in the melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract to incorporate the rich flavors evenly.
- Add eggs and raspberries: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid overbeating, which can cause cracks. Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to break them up too much to preserve texture and appearance.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool gradually: After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing it to set fully and develop a rich texture.
- Serve and garnish: Once chilled, gently release the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake with a warm knife for clean cuts and garnish with additional fresh raspberries or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- For best results, use dark chocolate with 60% to 72% cocoa content for a balanced chocolaty richness.
- If using frozen raspberries, thaw and drain them to reduce excess moisture in the cheesecake.
- To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing and bake at a low temperature as recommended.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven before chilling to further minimize cracks.
- Use a warm, wet knife to slice the cheesecake for neat pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dark chocolate cheesecake, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate raspberry dessert, baked cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake recipe, homemade cheesecake
