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Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Chocolate raspberry cheesecake is a rich, indulgent dessert combining creamy cheesecake and a tangy raspberry topping. Perfect for special occasions, it balances sweetness with freshness in every bite.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 full-size package of Oreo cookies 36 sandwich cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/2 cup 113 grams unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake:

  • 2 cups 340g semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds 680g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup 198g granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup 71 grams light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 and 1/2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 4 large eggs plus 2 egg yolks at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup 170g heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 120 grams fresh raspberries

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 and 1/3 cups 226g semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 and 1/4 cups 283 grams heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup 57g unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes

For Garnish (optional):

  • 1 cup 120 grams fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup chocolate sauce use your favorite store-bought variety
  • 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder

Instructions
 

For the Crust:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the exterior of the pan with multiple layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This is important because the pan will be placed in a water bath, so ensure it is securely wrapped from all sides.
  • In a large bowl, combine the crushed cookie crumbs with melted butter and mix thoroughly.
  • Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside on a cooling rack. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.

For the Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake:

  • Fill a medium-sized pot one-third of the way with water and bring it to a low simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl that fits snugly on top of the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the simmering water.
  • Once the water is simmering, add the chopped chocolate and espresso powder into the bowl over the pot. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula until the chocolate is fully melted. Remove the pot from heat but leave the bowl of chocolate over the hot water. Set it aside until ready for use.
  • In a food processor, pulse the cream cheese until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, for about 2 minutes. Add both sugars and cocoa powder, and continue to beat until smooth. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing until just combined.
  • Slowly add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated, about 20 seconds.
  • Fold the melted chocolate into the batter. The batter will become quite thick.
  • Remove the bowl from the food processor and stir the mixture a few times with a rubber spatula to ensure it is evenly blended.
  • Pour half of the batter over the partially baked crust. Arrange raspberries in a single layer, then pour the remaining batter over the top, ensuring all raspberries are covered.
  • Place the springform pan into a roasting pan or large baking dish. Add enough hot water to the roasting pan to reach about 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan.
  • Bake the cheesecake in the water bath for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
  • Remove the pan from the water bath and place it on a wire rack. Carefully peel off the aluminum foil, and immediately run a knife around the sides of the pan to prevent cracking.
  • Cool the cheesecake completely in the pan, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours before removing it from the pan and slicing.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • Add the chopped chocolate to a medium bowl and set it aside.
  • In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a rolling boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat immediately. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate pieces and let it sit for 1 minute.
  • Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and glossy.
  • Add the butter and stir with a spatula until the butter is fully melted. The ganache will become dark and glossy. Set it aside at room temperature until needed.
  • Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and allow it to set for about 1 hour.

To Garnish & Serve:

  • To serve, slice the cheesecake using a thin-bladed sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts.
  • Top each slice with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a few raspberries, and a light dusting of cocoa powder. If presenting the cheesecake whole, drizzle the chocolate sauce over the entire cake, then top with raspberries and cocoa powder.
  • Store any leftovers loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

If you don’t have a food processor, you can substitute with a high-powered blender, or use an electric stand mixer or hand mixer instead.
I recommend using chocolate with a cocoa content between 55% and 70% for the best flavor and texture.
Be sure not to skip the chilling phase! If you slice into the cheesecake before it has chilled properly, it will have a consistency more like a lava cake.
This cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it keeps best without any toppings (other than the ganache).