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Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press into the pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing well. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the raspberry purée: If using fresh raspberries, blend them until smooth, then strain to remove the seeds. If using frozen, thaw and blend until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Layer the filling: Pour half of the cheesecake filling into the crust, smoothing the top.
- Add raspberry purée: Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry purée over the filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the cheesecake.
- Add the remaining filling: Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and repeat the swirling process with the remaining raspberry purée.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Prepare a water bath: Place the springform pan into a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Chill: Remove from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the pan: Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Garnish and slice: Top with fresh raspberries, whipped cream, and mint leaves if desired. Slice and serve.