Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
An elegant and rich Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated summer dessert. Features a chocolate cookie crust, a velvety dark chocolate filling studded with fresh raspberries, and is baked to creamy perfection using a water bath.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 min
- Total Time: 5 hr 30 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups Crushed Chocolate Cookie Crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
1/2 cup Melted Butter or Ghee
16 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, room temperature
1 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar optional)
8 oz High-Quality Dark Chocolate (60-72% cocoa), melted
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
3 large Eggs, room temperature
1 cup Fresh Raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs with melted butter/ghee and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Pre-bake for 10 min. Cool and reduce oven to 300°F.
- Melt chocolate and let cool slightly. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mix. Blend in melted chocolate on low.
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix. Gently fold in fresh raspberries.
- Wrap springform pan bottom/sides in foil. Pour filling over crust. Place pan in roasting pan, add hot water to reach halfway up sides.
- Bake at 300°F for 55-65 min until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, and cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from water bath, run a knife around edge, and cool completely on a rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight best) before serving.
Notes
- For a no-bake version: Use an unbaked crust. Increase cream cheese to 24oz, omit eggs. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and fold in 1.5 cups whipped heavy cream with the chocolate, then add berries. Chill 6+ hours.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- The water bath is crucial for preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy texture. Seal the pan well with heavy-duty foil.
- Chilling overnight is highly recommended for the best flavor and sliceable texture.
- Garnish with fresh whipped cream, extra raspberries, and chocolate shavings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g