The Best Dark Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake
The Best Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that perfectly balances the richness of velvety dark chocolate and the bright, tart burst of fresh raspberries. Featuring a silky smooth chocolate cheesecake filling atop a crunchy chocolate cookie or graham cracker crust, this elegant yet simple dessert is perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat-yourself moment.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free and Vegan
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookie crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or powdered sugar), adjust to taste
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers or chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form a firm, tasty base. Chill the crust while preparing the filling to help it set properly.
- Melt the Dark Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate using a microwave or double boiler, stirring frequently to achieve a smooth and glossy texture. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the cheesecake filling but remains pourable once combined.
- Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese until silky and lump-free. Add sugar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the melted dark chocolate while mixing on low speed to maintain a smooth batter that is uniformly tinted with rich chocolate color.
- Fold in Fresh Raspberries: Gently fold most of the fresh raspberries into the batter, reserving a few for garnish. This ensures bursts of sweet and tart flavor throughout the cheesecake while keeping the raspberries intact.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F (163°C) until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, approximately 50-60 minutes. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Notes
- Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a smoother, lump-free batter.
- Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracking by maintaining a moist oven environment.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause cracks.
- Use fresh raspberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen raspberries are not recommended.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight to intensify flavors and perfect texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: dark chocolate cheesecake, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate raspberry dessert, creamy cheesecake, elegant dessert