Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake

Oh, let me tell you about Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake—it’s not just a dessert, it’s an experience. Imagine biting into a creamy, velvety cheesecake with a hint of tang from fresh raspberries, and just the right amount of sweetness to make your taste buds do a happy dance. And the best part? That gorgeous pink hue! It’s like a little piece of edible magic on your plate. Perfect for a special occasion, or honestly, any day that could use a little extra indulgence.

Trust me, this cheesecake is a total showstopper. It’s elegant enough to impress your guests but easy enough to make that you won’t be in the kitchen all day. So, let’s dive into why you’re going to fall head over heels for this dessert!

Why You’ll Love Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those moments of joy. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cheesecake is the perfect way to elevate any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Luxurious Flavor: The tangy-sweet raspberries pair beautifully with the rich cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s smooth, creamy, and irresistible.

Beautiful and Elegant: That gorgeous pink color isn’t just for show—it’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’ll be the star of any dessert table!

Simple to Make: Even though it looks fancy, this cheesecake is actually really straightforward to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a cheesecake that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.

Versatile: You can make this cheesecake for birthdays, holidays, or a casual Sunday treat. The best part is, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.

Make-Ahead: Perfect for those times when you need to prepare a dessert ahead of time. Just let it chill in the fridge, and you’re all set for your event!

Ingredients in Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Crust:

• Graham crackers: The base of this cheesecake. Simple, buttery, and the perfect foundation for the creamy filling.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to complement the crust and bring it all together.
• Butter: For binding the crust ingredients and giving it a rich flavor.

Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese: The creamy, tangy star of this cheesecake. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, decadent texture.
• Sour cream: Adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to perfection.
• Eggs: To bind the filling and help it set beautifully in the oven.
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that brings everything together.
• Raspberry puree: Fresh or frozen raspberries blended into a smooth puree, adding that burst of flavor and the pink color.
• Food coloring (optional): For that stunning pink hue. You can skip this if you prefer a more natural color.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this gorgeous, velvety cheesecake:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cheesecake will bake evenly.

Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix it until everything is moistened and the texture is like wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased springform pan, making sure to pack it down firmly. Bake it for about 10 minutes, then let it cool while you work on the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well-combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Add the Raspberry Puree

Once the filling is smooth and creamy, add in the raspberry puree and a few drops of food coloring (if using). Stir until the mixture is a beautiful pink color and everything is evenly combined.

Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Make sure the top is even.

Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Don’t worry if it cracks slightly—this is normal! Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen it.

Chill the Cheesecake

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then cover it and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if you can wait that long!). The cheesecake needs to set and chill before serving.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once it’s chilled and set, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice it up, garnish with fresh raspberries or whipped cream if you like, and get ready to enjoy every velvety bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)

How to Serve Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake

This cheesecake is already a showstopper on its own, but here are some ideas to take it up a notch:

Top with Fresh Raspberries: A few fresh raspberries on top not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness to balance the creamy cheesecake.

Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream will add a luxurious touch to each slice.

Drizzle with Raspberry Sauce: For even more raspberry goodness, drizzle some homemade or store-bought raspberry sauce over the top before serving.

Pair with a Cup of Coffee: This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a light afternoon tea for an elegant dessert experience.

Additional Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother filling without any lumps.

Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs to the cheesecake mixture, mix gently and just enough to incorporate. Overmixing can lead to a less creamy texture.

Bake in a Water Bath: If you want to prevent cracks in your cheesecake, consider baking it in a water bath. Simply wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water. This helps regulate the temperature and keeps the cheesecake moist.

Customize the Crust: Feel free to swap out graham crackers for crushed cookies like Oreos or even a mix of graham crackers and ground almonds for a more unique crust.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen raspberries for the puree?
A1: Yes! Frozen raspberries work perfectly. Just thaw them and puree them before using.

Q2: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cheesecake actually benefits from chilling overnight, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert.

Q3: How do I store leftover cheesecake?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q5: How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
A5: Simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and make sure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.

Q6: Can I add other fruits to the cheesecake?
A6: Yes! You can add other fruit purees, like strawberry or blueberry, to the filling for a fun twist.

Q7: What should I do if the cheesecake cracks?
A7: Cracks are normal, especially if the cheesecake is baked at a higher temperature. Just top with fresh fruit or whipped cream to hide any imperfections!

Q8: How can I make the filling extra smooth?
A8: Make sure your cream cheese is softened and mixed thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. This will prevent any lumps from forming.

Q9: Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?
A9: A springform pan is best for cheesecakes because it allows for easy removal, but you can use a regular cake pan. Just be sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Q10: How do I serve this cheesecake for a crowd?
A10: You can cut it into small, bite-sized squares for an elegant dessert platter or serve it in large slices for a more indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. With its stunning pink hue and fresh raspberry flavor, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself to something special, this cheesecake will always bring a little extra joy to your day. Enjoy every velvety bite!

Print