Description
This Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake is a luscious and visually stunning dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy pink-hued cheesecake filling infused with fresh raspberries, and topped with whipped cream and elegant garnishes. Perfect for special occasions or to impress your guests with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon raspberry puree (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon pink food coloring (adjust to desired shade)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue beating until fully combined and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Raspberries and Puree: Gently fold fresh raspberries into the mixture. For enhanced color and flavor, optionally add raspberry puree.
- Add Food Coloring: Mix in pink food coloring until the cheesecake batter reaches your desired pink shade.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release trapped air bubbles for a smooth finish.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Cool to Room Temperature: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a cold mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Remove Cheesecake from Pan: Carefully release the sides of the springform pan and remove the cheesecake.
- Decorate: Top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and chocolate shavings as desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- Using a water bath can help prevent cracks, but it’s optional for this recipe.
- Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven helps avoid cracking on the surface.
- For a more intense raspberry flavor, raspberry puree is optional but recommended.
- Adjust pink food coloring quantity to achieve preferred shade of pink.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours for optimal setting, overnight recommended.
- Whip cream in a chilled bowl with cold beaters for best results.
- Garnishes like mint and chocolate shavings add color contrast and elegance but are optional.
