If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both elegant and bursting with flavor, this White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe is guaranteed to wow everyone at your table. Combining the luscious, creamy richness of white chocolate with the bright, tangy sweetness of raspberry sauce swirled through a chocolate cookie crust, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake offers a stunning presentation and unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crumbly chocolate cookie crust that provides a deep cocoa contrast to the silky white chocolate-infused filling, crowned by that vibrant raspberry sauce that adds a pop of color and tartness.
- Raspberries (12 ounces, frozen or fresh): The star of the raspberry sauce, offering natural tartness that pairs beautifully with sweet white chocolate.
- Sugar (½ cup for sauce, 1 cup for filling): Balances the tartness and sweetens the creamy cheesecake batter.
- Water (3 tablespoons, divided): Helps dissolve sugar and thicken the raspberry sauce perfectly.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the raspberry sauce to a luscious consistency without overpowering the fresh flavor.
- Chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (2 ½ cups): Creates that irresistible chocolate crust which grounds the cheesecake.
- Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crust crumbs together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): The luscious melted white chocolate infused throughout the cheesecake batter.
- Cream cheese (3 packages, 8 oz each, softened): Delivers the creamy texture and tangy depth a cheesecake needs.
- Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Provide structure and smoothness to the batter.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): A subtle aromatic note that enhances both the raspberry and white chocolate flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds sweetness and complexity to the filling.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps stabilize the cheesecake for a perfect slice.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Adds creaminess while balancing the sweetness and keeps the texture silky smooth.
- Fresh raspberries and white chocolate curls: For garnish, adding beautiful visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor.
How to Make White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce
Start the process by making a vibrant raspberry sauce that will infuse the cheesecake with bursts of tart fruit flavor. Combine the raspberries with sugar and most of the water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, mashing occasionally until it reaches a rolling boil. Reduce to a simmer, then thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Pass the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer to remove seeds, giving you a smooth, jewel-toned sauce that can be made ahead and refrigerated. This sauce is the delicious heart of the recipe.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Next, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter to form the crust. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. This chocolatey base not only provides a sturdy platform for the cheesecake but also complements the sweetness of the filling with a rich, slightly crunchy contrast. Adjust the pan size if needed, keeping in mind that different sizes affect cheesecake thickness and baking times.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Gently melt your white chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring regularly to achieve a smooth, velvety melt. This luscious chocolate will incorporate beautifully into the cream cheese filling, offering a silky texture and subtle sweetness that makes this cheesecake unforgettable.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
Beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until perfectly smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to ensure even incorporation. Then stir in the almond and vanilla extracts, sour cream, and finally the flour. Slowly drizzle in the melted white chocolate while mixing on low speed to maintain a smooth consistency without overworking the batter. This luscious filling is the creamy foundation of the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Marble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the raspberry sauce over the surface and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining batter and an additional 2 tablespoons of sauce, swirling once more. This technique creates those iconic ribbons of raspberry that make this recipe both stunning and flavorful.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake in a Water Bath
Wrap the springform pan with two layers of heavy-duty foil to prevent water leaks. Place it inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water around the pan, reaching about two-thirds up the sides, creating a gentle water bath. Bake in a preheated 350 ℉ oven for 70-80 minutes, until the cheesecake is just set with a slight jiggle in the center and the edges turn lightly golden. The water bath is key to achieving an ultra-creamy cheesecake texture without cracks.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Leave the cheesecake in the water bath for 30 minutes to finish setting, then carefully remove it from the foil and transfer to a cooling rack. Once it reaches room temperature, refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up to perfection. Patience here results in a sliceable, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
How to Serve White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve this divine cheesecake, top each slice with fresh raspberries and delicate white chocolate curls. These garnishes not only enhance the plate’s appearance with vivid color and elegant texture but also boost the flavor with fresh fruity tang and creamy white chocolate notes. A drizzle of the remaining raspberry sauce adds a final pop of color and sweetness that makes every bite special.
Side Dishes
Pair this cheesecake with light accompaniments like a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or fresh whipped cream to keep the focus on the dessert’s richness. A glass of sparkling rosé or a cup of quality coffee is also delightful alongside this decadent treat, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation twist, try making mini versions of this cheesecake in muffin tins for individual servings. Alternatively, serve a slice atop a delicate shortbread cookie or styled on vibrant dessert plates with artistic swirls of raspberry sauce and a sprinkle of edible flowers. These creative touches elevate your gathering and make the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe a centerpiece worthy of any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 5 days, maintaining that creamy texture and fresh flavors. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy hosts.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes well wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze in whole or portioned slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain its creamy texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so simply serve cold. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, let slices come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and cause the white chocolate to separate.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen for the sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries work beautifully and might even enhance the brightness of the sauce. If using frozen, just thaw slightly before cooking.
What does the almond extract add to the cheesecake?
The almond extract brings a subtle, warm aroma that highlights and balances the sweetness of white chocolate and the tartness of raspberry for a more complex flavor profile.
Is the water bath necessary for this cheesecake?
While you can bake without it, a water bath ensures a moist, crack-free cheesecake with an ultra-smooth texture — highly recommended for this recipe.
Can I substitute the cookie crust with a graham cracker crust?
You can! Grahams will provide a different, but delicious, flavor and texture contrast. Just use about the same quantity of crumbs and butter to bind it together.
How do I make white chocolate curls for garnish?
Place a bar of white chocolate in a slightly warm spot for 5-10 minutes to soften just enough, then run a vegetable peeler down its length to create curls. This adds a lovely elegant touch to your cheesecake slices.
Final Thoughts
Honest to goodness, this White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a celebration every time you make it. The combination of creamy white chocolate, vibrant raspberry sauce, and a rich chocolate crust is simply irresistible. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging your own sweet tooth, this cheesecake is a fantastic choice. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get ready to create dessert magic that everyone will adore!
Print
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 14 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake features a creamy and decadent filling made with melted white chocolate and swirled with fresh raspberry sauce, all resting on a rich chocolate cookie crust. Finished with fresh raspberries and white chocolate curls, it’s the perfect special-occasion dessert that combines tangy fruitiness with smooth sweetness and a crunchy base.
Ingredients
Raspberry Sauce
- 12 ounces raspberries, frozen or fresh (you may want a few extra fresh, for garnish)
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons water (divided)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Crust
- 2 ½ cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 25 Oreos)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sour cream
Garnishes
- Fresh raspberries
- White chocolate curls (see note for tip)
Instructions
- Prepare Raspberry Sauce: Place frozen berries, sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, mashing the berries with a spoon until the mixture boils. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce: Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon water with cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce and continue stirring for about 1 minute until slightly thickened. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and set aside. This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Make Crust: Combine the chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Note: Using 8-12 inch pans is possible, adjusting baking time for thickness.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Eggs: Preheat oven to 350 ℉. If eggs are not room temperature, place them in warm water for 5 minutes to warm.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in almond extract, vanilla extract, and sour cream until just combined. Add flour and mix until combined. With mixer on low speed, slowly drizzle in melted white chocolate and mix to combine.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour half the batter over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of raspberry sauce over the top and gently swirl with a knife. Pour remaining batter on top and repeat the process with another 2 tablespoons of sauce, swirling gently.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the springform pan on 2 layers of heavy-duty foil, wrapping up the sides to prevent water leaks. Place wrapped pan into a larger shallow roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about two-thirds up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake: Bake for 70-80 minutes, until the cheesecake is set on top, lightly golden at the edges, and has a slight jiggle when shaken.
- Cool in Water Bath: Remove pans from the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the water bath for 30 minutes. Carefully remove from foil and set pan on a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for 6-8 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Remove the sides of the springform pan gently. Cut cheesecake into 10-12 slices. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce drizzled on top and garnish with fresh raspberries and white chocolate curls if desired.
Notes
- Store finished cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
- To make white chocolate curls, slightly warm a bar of white chocolate (for example, place on top of the fridge for 5-10 minutes) to prevent it from crumbling. Use a vegetable peeler to shave curls from the long side of the bar.
- Using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream provides the best texture and flavor. Reduced fat may be substituted, but avoid fat-free versions.
- If adjusting pan size (8-12 inches), baking time may need to be modified accordingly.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or omit it.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
