Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
This Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake features a creamy, smooth cream cheese base with vibrant raspberry puree swirled throughout. A buttery graham cracker crust adds a perfect crunchy contrast to the silky cheesecake. Baked in a water bath to ensure a moist and delicate texture, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or any time you crave a luscious, fruity cheesecake treat.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Raspberry Puree
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Combine the crumbs with melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
- Make raspberry puree: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and cook over medium heat until the raspberries break down and release their juices. Push the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, creating a smooth puree. Let the puree cool completely before using.
- Mix cheesecake batter: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and continue to mix until fully incorporated. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing gently. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each to avoid overbeating.
- Layer and swirl: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Spoon half of the cooled raspberry puree over the batter in dollops. Using a toothpick or skewer, create swirls by gently dragging through the puree and batter. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and raspberry puree to create a decorative swirl effect on top.
- Bake in water bath: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with foil to prevent leaks and place it in a larger baking dish. Fill the larger dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath. Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when moved.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set and enhance the flavor and texture before serving.
Notes
- Using a water bath ensures gentle and even baking, which prevents cracking and fluffy texture.
- Softened cream cheese at room temperature blends more smoothly into the batter, avoiding lumps.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight gives it the best texture and flavor.
- Fresh raspberries are ideal, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Wrap the springform pan bottom tightly with foil to prevent water from leaking into the batter during baking.
Keywords: Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake, Cheesecake recipe, Raspberry cheesecake, Baked cheesecake, Dessert, Cream cheese dessert