Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
This Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake features a luscious chocolate cookie crust paired with a creamy, tangy raspberry-infused cheesecake filling. Lightly tinted with red food coloring for a beautiful pink hue, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Red food coloring (optional, a few drops)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cheesecake evenly.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air and maintain a smooth texture in the cheesecake.
- Incorporate Raspberries and Flavorings: Gently fold in the raspberries, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and if desired, a few drops of red food coloring to achieve the classic pink velvet tone. Take care to not overmix to keep some raspberry texture.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly, indicating the cheesecake is just the right consistency.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking and allow gradual cooling.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let it fully set and flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- If using frozen raspberries, thaw and drain excess juice before adding to the filling to prevent watery cheesecake.
- Red food coloring is optional but recommended for the classic pink velvet appearance.
- For a firmer crust, you can chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
- Use a water bath during baking to reduce cracking if desired.
- Remove cheesecake from the springform pan carefully after chilling to preserve the crust integrity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: pink velvet cheesecake, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate cookie crust, raspberry dessert, creamy cheesecake, springform pan dessert