Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake (Print-Friendly Version)

Silky cheesecake swirled with dark chocolate and raspberries, topped with smooth ganache and a fresh fruit finish.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Crust

01 - 113 grams unsalted butter, melted
02 - 36 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed

→ Chocolate Raspberry Filling

03 - 120 grams fresh raspberries
04 - 2 teaspoons espresso powder
05 - 198 grams granulated sugar
06 - 340 grams semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
07 - 71 grams light brown sugar, packed
08 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 2.5 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
10 - 170 grams heavy cream, at room temperature
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 - 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
13 - 680 grams full-fat cream cheese, softened

→ Chocolate Ganache

14 - 57 grams unsalted butter, cubed and softened
15 - 283 grams heavy cream
16 - 226 grams semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

→ Garnish (optional)

17 - 0.5 teaspoon cocoa powder
18 - 1 cup chocolate sauce
19 - 120 grams fresh raspberries

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Wrap a 23-cm springform pan in several layers of foil to prevent water leakage. Grease the base and sides thoroughly. Preheat oven to 175°C.
02 - Combine finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the base and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 10 minutes at 175°C. Remove and allow to cool on a rack. Reduce oven temperature to 165°C.
04 - Gently heat water in a saucepan until just simmering. Place a heatproof bowl over the water, ensuring it does not touch the liquid. Add chopped chocolate and espresso powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Keep warm over the water.
05 - In a food processor, blend softened cream cheese until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape the sides. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder, blending until fully incorporated. Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, pulsing after each addition.
06 - With processor running, slowly pour in room temperature heavy cream and vanilla extract. Blend briefly, around 20 seconds, until just mixed.
07 - Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the cream cheese batter, stirring until the mixture is completely homogenous and glossy.
08 - Pour half the batter over the cooled crust. Evenly distribute raspberries across the surface. Cover with remaining filling, ensuring berries are fully enclosed.
09 - Place the foil-wrapped pan in a large roasting tin. Carefully pour very hot water into the roasting pan to a depth of approximately 2.5 cm. Bake at 165°C for about 70 minutes, until edges are set and centre jiggles slightly.
10 - Remove from water bath and partially peel foil to allow steam to escape. Run a thin knife around the edge to loosen. Cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
11 - Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before removing from the pan or slicing.
12 - Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat cream in a saucepan until just below boiling, then pour over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Add soft butter and stir until melted. Allow to sit at room temperature until slightly thickened.
13 - Spread ganache in an even layer over the chilled cheesecake using a spatula. Allow to set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
14 - Use a sharp, thin knife, cleaning between cuts, to portion. Top each slice with chocolate sauce, fresh raspberries, and a dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
02 - Select chocolate containing 55–70% cocoa solids for optimal balance.
03 - Chill thoroughly before slicing to ensure tidy portions.
04 - Add fresh garnishes immediately before serving to maintain texture.
05 - A food processor, powerful blender, stand mixer, or hand mixer may all be used.