Creamy Raspberry Cheesecake (Printable)
Luscious velvety cheesecake with fresh raspberry swirl and buttery graham crust
# What You Need:
→ Crust
01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 - 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
10 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
11 - 2 tsp lemon juice
12 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
→ Raspberry Swirl
13 - 2 cups fresh raspberries
14 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
15 - 1 tsp lemon juice
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool while preparing the filling.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until raspberries break down and mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Push through a fine sieve to remove seeds; set aside to cool.
04 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour; beat until just combined.
05 - Pour half the cheesecake filling over the crust. Drizzle half the raspberry sauce over the filling and gently swirl with a skewer or knife. Add remaining filling and repeat with remaining raspberry sauce, swirling again.
06 - Place springform pan in a large roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
07 - Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour in oven.
08 - Remove from oven and water bath, then chill in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight before unmolding. Serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The water bath technique creates the silkiest texture you've ever experienced
- Raspberries cut through the richness perfectly, making each bite feel light and refreshing
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients aren't optional here, cold cream cheese creates tiny lumps that never disappear
- Overbeating the eggs adds too much air, which makes the cheesecake puff up and then collapse dramatically
03 -
- Make this a day ahead because the flavors develop and the texture becomes even creamier
- If you notice tiny cracks on the surface, don't worry, the raspberry swirl will hide them beautifully