Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe from Moldova

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 25 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a decadent and rich dessert that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet raspberries, and indulgent chocolate. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping treat.

History

The exact origins of Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake are unclear, but cheesecake itself has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of chocolate and raspberries to the classic cheesecake recipe adds a modern twist and creates a delicious flavor combination that is sure to please any dessert lover.

Ingredients

1.5 cups Creme-filled Cookie crumbs
2 tbsp margarine, Melted
32 oz (907 g) cream cheese, Softened
1.25 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate Chips
0.33 cup Strained raspberry preserves
6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate Chips
0.25 cup whipping cream

How to prepare

To make the crust, finely crush 18 cream-filled cookies to obtain cookie crumbs. Melt 6 oz (170 g) of chocolate chips and let it cool slightly. Combine the cookie crumbs with melted margarine and press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine 24 oz (680 g) of cream cheese and sugar. Mix at medium speed using an electric mixer until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the crust.
In another bowl, mix the remaining 8 oz (227 g) of cream cheese with the melted chocolate until well blended. Add red raspberry preserves and mix well.
Drop rounded measuring tablespoonsfuls of the chocolate cream cheese batter over the plain cream cheese batter. Do not swirl the batters together.
Bake the cheesecake at 325°F for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Once baked, loosen the cake from the rim of the pan and allow it to cool before removing the rim.
In a saucepan, melt chocolate pieces and whipping cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Spread this mixture over the cheesecake and chill.
If desired, garnish with additional whipped cream, raspberries, and fresh mint leaves.

Variations

Try using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Add a swirl of raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecake before baking for a more pronounced raspberry flavor.
Top the cheesecake with chocolate ganache instead of melted chocolate for a glossy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough cheesecake.

- Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the chocolate topping to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh raspberries for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a perfect ending to a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a water bath while baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracks in the cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent it from sinking in the middle.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use graham cracker crumbs instead of creme-filled cookie crumbs for the crust.

- Substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

- Use strawberry preserves instead of raspberry preserves for a different fruit flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the chocolate topping just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Serve on a decorative cake stand for a stunning centerpiece.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with a glass of port or a rich dessert wine for a luxurious and indulgent dessert experience. Coffee or tea also make great accompaniments to this decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 520 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 38g per serving

Saturated Fat: 21g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 9g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy, eggs, and wheat

Summary

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, raspberries, and creamy cheesecake. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this decadent treat in moderation for a special occasion or as a sweet ending to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret's house for a little get-together. Margaret was known for her exquisite desserts, and that day she had outdone herself with a decadent chocolate raspberry cheesecake.

As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to have the recipe. Margaret laughed and said it was a family secret passed down through generations. But she could see the gleam in my eye and finally agreed to share it with me.

The next day, I set to work in my own kitchen, determined to recreate the incredible dessert. I gathered all the ingredients and followed Margaret's instructions to a tee. The cheesecake turned out perfectly – rich and creamy with a burst of tangy raspberries and a hint of chocolate.

From that day on, the chocolate raspberry cheesecake became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Everyone raved about it, and I was proud to have a signature dessert that was loved by all.

But as much as I enjoyed making the cheesecake, it wasn't until years later that I truly understood the significance of that recipe. Margaret passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. In the midst of my grief, I found solace in the kitchen, baking her beloved cheesecake and remembering the joy she brought to my life.

I realized then that recipes are more than just ingredients and instructions – they are a connection to the past, a way to honor those we have lost, and a way to create new memories with those we hold dear.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for chocolate raspberry cheesecake with friends and family, passing on Margaret's legacy one slice at a time. Each time I make it, I think of her and the moments we shared in her kitchen, laughing and baking together.

And so, as I write down the recipe for chocolate raspberry cheesecake, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the friend who inspired it all. May this dessert bring as much joy to your table as it has to mine, and may it serve as a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.