Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

Indulge in a classic, creamy baked cheesecake infused with a vibrant, tangy raspberry swirl. This elegant dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety-smooth vanilla cream cheese filling, and a homemade raspberry sauce that’s swirled to perfection. Topped with fresh, tart raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a beautiful and delicious treat for any occasion. This recipe guides you through creating a bakery-quality baked cheesecake that's rich, decadent, and perfectly balanced.

Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

Full Recipe: Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

This recipe makes a 9-inch (23cm) cheesecake.

Ingredients:

  • For the Graham Cracker Crust:

    • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)

    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

    • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

    • Pinch of salt

  • For the Raspberry Sauce (Swirl):

    • 1 ½ cups (180g) fresh or frozen raspberries (if using frozen, thaw them first)

    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

    • 1 tablespoon water

  • For the Cheesecake Filling:

    • 32 oz (900g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

    • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar

    • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour

    • 4 large eggs, room temperature

    • 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • For Garnish:

    • Fresh raspberries

    • Powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

Equipment:

  • 9-inch (23cm) springform pan

  • Aluminum foil (wide-width is best for waterproofing)

  • Large baking dish (for the water bath)

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the 9-inch springform pan.

    • Wrap the outside of the springform pan with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it goes all the way up the sides. This is crucial for the water bath.

    • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

    • Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared springform pan. Use the bottom of a flat cup or a measuring cup to help press it down.

    • Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling and sauce.

  2. Make the Raspberry Sauce:

    • In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, cornstarch, and water.

    • Cook over medium heat, mashing the raspberries with a fork, until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

    • Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the juice. Discard the seeds and let the sauce cool completely.

  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

    • Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

    • In a large mixing bowl (using a stand mixer or hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

    • Add the granulated sugar and flour to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and smooth, making sure to scrape the sides again.

    • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed until just incorporated after each addition. Do not overmix; you want to avoid introducing air.

    • Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

  4. Assemble and Bake (The Water Bath):

    • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.

    • Drop dollops of the cooled raspberry sauce onto the top of the cheesecake batter.

    • Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the raspberry sauce into the batter in a marble pattern. Be careful not to swirl too much.

    • Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into the larger baking dish.

    • Place the whole arrangement into the preheated oven.

    • Carefully pour boiling water into the larger baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.

    • Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center 2-3 inches of the cheesecake are still slightly jiggly.

  5. Cooling and Chilling:

    • Turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door propped open about an inch. Let it cool in the warm oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.

    • Remove the springform pan from the water bath and take off the foil. Place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature (about 2 hours).

    • Once cool, cover the pan with plastic wrap (ensure it doesn't touch the surface of the cheesecake) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until completely chilled.

  6. Serving:

    • Once fully chilled, run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the springform ring.

    • Slice the cheesecake and garnish with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy!

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