Introduction
This is the dessert for the serious chocolate lover.
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a study in sophisticated contrast. You have the deep, bitter earthiness of high-percentage dark chocolate playing against the bright, acidic punch of fresh raspberries. It is indulgent without being cloying, heavy yet refreshing.
Unlike a standard chocolate cheesecake that can sometimes feel dry or chalky, this recipe uses a “Ganache-Base” method. We melt real chocolate into the batter rather than relying solely on cocoa powder, creating a texture closer to a truffle than a cake. Topped with a vibrant, ruby-red raspberry reduction that cuts through the fat, it is the ultimate romantic dessert for Valentine’s Day or a dinner party finale.
Ingredients List
Quality chocolate is non-negotiable here.
The Midnight Crust
- 24 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (Oreos): Whole cookies, filling included.
- 5 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Melted.
The Truffle Filling
- 24 oz (3 blocks) Cream Cheese: Full fat, room temperature.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar.
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate (60%–70% Cacao): Chopped and melted.
- Note: Do not use chocolate chips; they contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. Use baking bars (like Ghirardelli or Lindt).
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Sifted.
- 4 Large Eggs: Room temperature.
- ¾ cup Sour Cream: Room temperature. (Adds moisture and tang).
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract.
The Raspberry Sauce (Coulis)
- 12 oz (2 cups) Raspberries: Fresh or frozen.
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar.
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice.
- 1 tsp Cornstarch + 1 tbsp Water: To thicken.
Sensory Note: The filling is dense and velvet-smooth, coating the mouth like ganache, while the raspberry sauce provides a sharp, fruity “zing” that cleanses the palate.
Timing
This is a slow-bake, slow-cool process.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cooling/Chill Time: 6+ hours
- Total Time: ~8 hours (mostly passive)
Data Insight: Dark chocolate solidifies as it cools. This means a dark chocolate cheesecake will set firmer than a vanilla one. You must pull it from the oven when the center is still very jiggly (more so than you think) to prevent a dry, cracked texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: The Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch Springform Pan.
- Pulse the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
- Mix with melted butter.
- Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set. Cool slightly.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- Melt the chopped dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Cool: Let it cool until it is lukewarm/tepid.
- Warning: If you pour hot chocolate into the cream cheese, the cheese will melt and the eggs will scramble.
Step 3: The Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (2 minutes).
- Mix in the cocoa powder and sour cream.
- Pour in the cooled melted chocolate and mix until combined.
- The Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on LOW speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix!
Step 4: The Water Bath Bake
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in double layers of heavy-duty foil.
- Pour the batter over the crust.
- Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with boiling water halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Doneness Test: The edges should be set, but the center 2-3 inches should wobble like Jell-O.
Step 5: The Slow Cool
- Turn off the oven. Crack the door open 1 inch. Leave the cake inside for 1 hour.
- Remove, run a knife around the edge, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
Step 6: The Raspberry Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes until berries break down.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and boil for 1 minute until thickened.
- Strain: Press through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds (optional, but recommended for elegance). Cool completely.
- Serve: Pour the sauce over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.
Nutritional Information
A rich slice of luxury. Below is the estimated breakdown per slice (serves 12).
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 520 kcal | 26% |
| Total Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 16% |
| Sugars | 32g | – |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
Variations for the Recipe
- White Chocolate Raspberry: Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate and omit the cocoa powder for a sweeter, creamier version.
- The Swirl: Instead of a sauce topping, drop dollops of raspberry purée onto the raw batter and swirl with a knife before baking. (Note: It’s harder to see the red swirl against dark chocolate batter).
- Drunken Raspberries: Add 1 tbsp of Chambord (Raspberry Liqueur) or Grand Marnier to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- The Garnish: Fresh mint leaves and whole fresh raspberries placed in a circle around the edge.
- The Drink: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a hot Espresso.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grainy Chocolate:
- The Issue: Seized chocolate.
- The Fix: Ensure your bowl and spoon are bone dry when melting the chocolate. Even a drop of water can make it clump.
- Cracked Surface:
- The Issue: Overbaking or cooling too fast.
- The Fix: Use the water bath and the “oven door crack” cooling method.
- Sinking Fruit:
- The Issue: Putting the sauce on a warm cheesecake.
- The Fix: Both the cake and the sauce must be completely cold before assembly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store loosely covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cheesecake without the sauce. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Conclusion
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a showstopper. It creates a perfect harmony between the bitter, the sweet, and the tart. While it requires patience to bake and cool properly, the result is a professional-grade dessert that creates a “silence at the table” moment as everyone takes their first bite.
Ready to melt? Chop that chocolate! If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating below and let us know: did you strain the seeds out of the sauce? Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more decadent dessert pairings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk chocolate?
A: You can, but it will be very sweet. If you do, reduce the sugar in the filling to ½ cup.
Q: Do I really need a water bath?
A: For chocolate cheesecake, yes. Chocolate is sensitive to heat. Without the water bath, the edges will dry out and turn crumbly before the center is cooked.
Q: Can I use frozen berries for the sauce?
A: Absolutely. Frozen berries actually break down faster and release more juice, making them perfect for sauce.
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