Indulge in the exquisite layers of this Elegant White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, where creamy white chocolate meets the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries. This luxurious dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cheesecake filling, and a vibrant raspberry sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and decadent taste.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped and melted (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- White chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding to the cheesecake mixture.
- Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully.
Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring gently until the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then add it to the saucepan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds if desired. Allow it to cool.
Step 5: Serve
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Drizzle the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake and garnish with fresh raspberries and white chocolate shavings.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this elegant treat!