Description
This Decadent Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake combines a rich chocolate cookie crust with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling infused with dark chocolate and fresh raspberries. Perfectly baked to achieve a silky texture with a slight jiggle in the center, this dessert offers a harmonious blend of tart raspberries and deep cocoa flavors, ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups Crushed Chocolate Cookies (substitute with graham crackers for a classic flavor)
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter (no substitutions recommended)
Filling
- 16 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat brick-style recommended)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor)
- 8 oz Melted Dark Chocolate (60% to 72% cocoa for best balance)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 large Eggs (beat minimally to prevent cracks)
- 1 cup Fresh Raspberries (frozen raspberries can be used but may alter texture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Raspberries: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in fresh raspberries to maintain their shape.
- Assemble and Smooth: Pour the batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside for at least 1 hour to prevent cracking from temperature shock.
- Chill the Cheesecake: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
- Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator, unlatch the springform pan, slice, and serve. Optional: garnish with additional fresh raspberries or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Beating eggs minimally and incorporating them slowly helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface.
- Fresh raspberries are preferred, but frozen raspberries can be used; just be aware they may alter the texture slightly.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven reduces the risk of cracking.
- For a classic crust alternative, substitute chocolate cookies with graham crackers.
- Chocolate with 60% to 72% cocoa provides a well-balanced taste—too dark may be bitter, too light may lack depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dark chocolate, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate crust, baked cheesecake, creamy dessert, chocolate dessert
