I know that most of you are here looking for Dorie’s Caramel-Peanut-Topped Brownie Cake. I’m sorry to disappoint, but this week I had a more pressing obligation. Sunday was my mother’s birthday. It was one of those milestone birthdays to boot. I can’t tell you which milestone, for fear of getting cut out of the will, but trust me, it was a biggie. Mom doesn’t care for chocolate cake or peanuts, so this week’s TWD cake was pretty much out. What she does love, however, is cheesecake. So, that’s what I made for her - a raspberry swirl cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust to be exact.
I used Dorie’s Tall and Creamy Cheesecake recipe as the inspiration for my cheesecake, so I did at least try to stay within the spirit of the assignment.
For my cheesecake, I substituted mascarpone cheese for one quarter of the cream cheese called for in the recipe. I also used creme fraiche in place of the sour cream. For the swirl, I used a product called Red Raspberry Ecstasy from Maury Island Farm. It is a dessert topping made with only red raspberries and sugar. It really lives up to its name! Before serving, I drizzled the cake with a little melted bittersweet chocolate and used that as my “glue” for securing some fresh berries on top.
As you would expect, this cheesecake was pure heaven! It was rich and impossibly creamy, yet still had some lightness of texture. Mom loved it and so did everyone else!
If you’d like to see some great interpretations of Dorie’s Caramel-Peanut-Topped Brownie Cake, click on over to the Tuesdays with Dorie Blogroll.
Tall and Creamy Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake (Printable Recipe)
Adapted from Baking From My Home to Yours, by Dorie Greenspan
Ingredients:
For the crust:
2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup creme fraiche
1/2 cup raspberry dessert topping
Method:
To make the crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Butter a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom of the pan in a double layer of aluminum foil.
Stir the crumbs, sugar and salt together in a medium bowl. Pour over the melted butter and stir until all of the dry ingredients are uniformly moist. Turn the ingredients into the buttered springform pan and use your fingers to pat an even layer of crumbs along the bottom of the pan and about halfway up the sides.
Place the springform on a baking sheet and bake on a center rack in the oven for 10 minutes. Set the crust aside to cool while you make the cheesecake.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
To make the cheesecake:
Put a kettle of water on to boil.
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone at medium speed until it is soft and creamy, about 4 minutes. With the mixer running, add the sugar and salt and continue to beat another 4 minutes or so, until the cream cheese mixture is light. Beat in the vanilla. Add the eggs one by one, beating for a full minute after each addition. Reduce the mixer speed to low and stir in the creme fraiche.
Put the foil-wrapped springform pan in a large roasting pan.
Give the batter a few stirs with a rubber spatula, and scrape it into the springform pan. The batter will reach the brim of the pan.
Spoon the raspberry topping over the top of the batter and give it a few swirls around with a knife. Be careful not to swirl too much.
Put the roasting pan in the oven and pour enough boiling water into the roaster to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, at which point the top will be browned (and perhaps cracked) and may have risen just a little above the rim of the pan. Turn off the oven and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon. Allow the cheesecake to sit in its water bath for another hour.
After 1 hour, carefully pull the setup out of the oven and lift the springform pan out of the roaster. Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Let the cheesecake come to room temperature on a cooling rack.
When the cake is cool, cover the top lightly and chill the cake for at least 4 hours, although overnight would be better.
To serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and set the cake, still on the pan’s base, on a serving platter. Cut the cheesecake using a long, thin knife that has been run under hot water and lightly wiped. Keep warming the knife as you cut slices of the cake.
Enjoy!
Filed Under: Baking, Cakes and Cupcakes, Desserts, Family, Recipes
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On October 07, 2008 at 6:49am, The Food Librarian said...
Oh my goodness! This looks incredible! Happy B-Day to your mom! What a perfect perfect birthday cake.
On October 07, 2008 at 6:53am, Grace said...
best birthday cake ever. seriously, this looks like it was made by either a well-oiled machine or a perfectionist.
On October 07, 2008 at 7:04am, Patricia Scarpin said...
Happy birthday to your mom! I wish her many more milestones to come, Susan!
And this cheesecake… Wow! My birthday is in November… 😉
On October 07, 2008 at 7:08am, LyB said...
Pure heaven for sure! Your mom is one lucky birthday girl.
On October 07, 2008 at 7:14am, Jescel said...
oh my.. i’m sure your mom was in cheesecake heaven.. that cake lookes divine!
On October 07, 2008 at 7:17am, squawmama said...
Good Morning… I will be definately making this one… Not only is Cheesecake one of my favorites but Raspberry too.. Just sounds like it is to die for.. YUMMO! Please wish your Mom HAppy Birthday for me…
Hugs,
Donna
On October 07, 2008 at 7:33am, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
Oh wow. This looks delcious. You are certainly excused from any TWD obligations for a birthday. It’s the season for it. My Dad’s birthday was Saturday (celebrated on Sunday).
On October 07, 2008 at 7:58am, joanne at frutto della passione said...
Talk about a happy birthday! That cake looks amazing!
On October 07, 2008 at 8:05am, Hillary said...
I don’t think your mom could have found a better birthday cake…that is outstanding!
On October 07, 2008 at 8:12am, the italian dish said...
My husband will LOVE this!
On October 07, 2008 at 8:14am, Deborah said...
What a gorgeous cheesecake!!
On October 07, 2008 at 8:31am, Rachel said...
What a beautiful cake! It looks professionally done!
On October 07, 2008 at 8:35am, alexandra's kitchen said...
oh my, that crust is unbelievable! I much prefer a chocolate cookie crust to a graham cracker crust. And baking for mom sounds like a perfect excuse for missing TWD or anything really!
On October 07, 2008 at 8:38am, mimi said...
cheesecake is my favorite and this looks impossibly delish!! will you make it for my birthday too?! 😉
On October 07, 2008 at 8:43am, Peter M said...
Best wishes for mom and what are you waiting for, cut the cake…I’ll eat a piece in 1/2 hr. to savour it.
On October 07, 2008 at 8:46am, Jodie said...
Any way your mom will share a piece with me?
On October 07, 2008 at 9:13am, Proud Italian Cook said...
My eyeballs almost poped out when I saw that last picture!!! You are a dream daughter!
On October 07, 2008 at 10:50am, Patsyk said...
Is there any left? Can you PLEASE send me a slice?
Looks absolutely decadent and worthy of a special birthday!
On October 07, 2008 at 11:07am, Choosy Beggar Tina said...
That is fabulously gorgeous. I’m not a baker, and if I manage to make something edible I’m always a bit surprised. If I made something that was edible AND gorgeous I think I would keel over from the shock.
On October 07, 2008 at 11:39am, Sandy Smith said...
Oh, sigh. Now THAT’s what I call Oven Love.
Beautiful!
On October 07, 2008 at 11:48am, Zoe Francois said...
Oh, that is creamy and dreamy. It looks amazing and I wish I had some right now.
On October 07, 2008 at 11:51am, Judy@nofearentertaining said...
Yum!!! That cheesecake looks so good. Lucky Mom!!!
On October 07, 2008 at 11:55am, Heather said...
Dang, I wish I had a daughter like you! I love the lattice you did with the chocolate - very classy touch, Susan!
On October 07, 2008 at 12:20pm, Katrina said...
That looks beautiful and decadent!
On October 07, 2008 at 1:42pm, Mike of Mike's Table said...
That’s a beauty of a cheesecake-it looks very professional and very birthday-worthy….now I want cheesecake right now
On October 07, 2008 at 1:47pm, Nina Timm said...
Oh wow! You must have added a few dollars to your inheritance with this cheesecake!!!
On October 07, 2008 at 1:47pm, Helene said...
Oh my, what a beautiful cheesecake.
On October 07, 2008 at 1:49pm, Bridgett said...
Just one word: Gorgeous!
On October 07, 2008 at 2:22pm, Nicole said...
OMG! I want cheesecake soooo badly now. I am dying for it.
On October 07, 2008 at 2:41pm, Browners said...
This looks and sounds utterly incredible! I can’t wait to bake one of these bad boys for myself. What a lucky Mum!
On October 07, 2008 at 3:44pm, MaryBeth said...
Your cheesecake looks amazing, it is simply beautiful. I surly bet it tastes as good as it looks.
On October 07, 2008 at 5:05pm, Darius T. Williams said...
You knwo - I must say - you definitely didn’t disappoint with this!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
On October 07, 2008 at 5:31pm, Simply...Gluten-free said...
Lucky MOM! ANd your pictures? Seriously, to die for!
On October 07, 2008 at 5:41pm, Y said...
Happy Birthday to your mom! and what a heavenly way to celebrate!
On October 07, 2008 at 5:52pm, Heather said...
how lovely! looks super tasty! happy birthday mom! she’s got a great daughter
On October 07, 2008 at 7:13pm, Andrea said...
I have to agree with your mom. I’d take a slice of that over regular cake and buttercream any day! Lovely.
On October 07, 2008 at 7:34pm, TeaLady said...
Cheese cake is my absolute favorite dessert and yours looks yummy! I will have to try dorie’s recipe.
On October 07, 2008 at 9:39pm, Anonymous said...
Oh My Gosh!!! Have to try it - next special occasion.
On October 07, 2008 at 10:01pm, Cathy said...
This looks unbelieveably delicious! This must have been the best birthday cake ever. SO much better than the caramel peanut topped brownie cake. I hope your mom had a great birthday!
On October 07, 2008 at 10:09pm, Kalyn said...
What a beautiful cheesecake for your mom, good job!
On October 07, 2008 at 11:12pm, Brilynn said...
That looks phenomenal! Definitely something my dad would like, he loves chocolate and raspberry combos.
On October 08, 2008 at 1:26am, noble pig said...
I know Mom wouldn’t mind if I had a piece, it’s so lovely..Happy Birthday!
On October 08, 2008 at 2:56am, Mochachocolata Rita said...
wow susan! the cake is gorgeous!
i am still sad about the tainted dairy products here…it makes me cautious when thinking about baking…i used to use “meng niu” milk when i bake…i know i just used max 1/3 cup…but still…it’s tainted. it’s so unexpected…i just don’t know how to be more careful anymore.
oppps, sorry for rambling. the cake looks gorgeous and i am sure my sous chef will go crazy over this.
On October 08, 2008 at 3:43am, canarygirl said...
Oh my GAWD. Your mom is no dummy. That looks like paradise!!
On October 08, 2008 at 4:46am, Rose&Thorn said...
Your cake has everyone in the office licking my screen! That cake is the devil on a plate.
On October 08, 2008 at 5:50am, Amanda said...
HOLY MOLY. Could this be any more beautiful!?? What a presentation, I can only IMAGINE how fabulous it must taste!
On October 08, 2008 at 8:50am, Linda said...
WOW… your mom must have been delighted to celebrate her b-day with this dessert! This cheesecake recipe is a terrific one (coincidentally, I made it a few mos ago for my friend’s mom’s b-day), and I really liked your suggestion on the raspberry swirl…must find this product.
On October 08, 2008 at 8:52am, marysol said...
If it were up to any of us, the birthday girl wouldn’t have had a bite of her cheesecake without having to fight us for it. Looks delicious.
On October 08, 2008 at 12:03pm, Teresa Cordero Cordell said...
What a wonderful cheesecake. And your photos are fantastic. I’ll have to try the recipe. My family loves cheesecake. Thank you for the great post.
On October 08, 2008 at 4:13pm, CookiePie said...
Beautiful cake! And happy birthday mom!!!! (If this is what you do for birthdays, mine is coming up next month… in case you were wondering…
On October 08, 2008 at 5:06pm, Debbie said...
Your cheesecake looks fabulous…and I love raspberries. It looks so pretty with the chocolate. Hey, I was laughing when I saw your apple cake because the SAME THING happened to me last week. I LET IT COOL in the pan completely and it STILL broke apart. It had sealed itself to the bottom. It just can’t be both of us….it HAS to be the cake!!!! LOL!!!
On October 08, 2008 at 7:32pm, Veronica said...
MMMM cheesecake. MMMMMMM
On October 08, 2008 at 8:47pm, Cakelaw said...
This looks gorgeous! Happy belated birthday to your Mom.
On October 08, 2008 at 9:16pm, Jennifer said...
Wow, that looks amazing!
On October 08, 2008 at 9:57pm, Tartelette said...
Happy belated birthday to your mom! What a great cheesecake to celebrate!
On October 09, 2008 at 7:24am, Ivy said...
Congrats Susan for winning the Joust. Happy belated birthday to your mom and this cheesecake looks delicious.
On October 09, 2008 at 7:25am, maggie said...
Oh wow, this is great looking. I’ve never made cheesecake, but this inspires me.
On October 09, 2008 at 7:45am, Prudy said...
It’s a lovely lovely cake- a perfect birthday gesture.
On October 09, 2008 at 8:11am, Bellini Valli said...
Rasberries and chocolate are still one of my favourite combinations Susan:D
On October 09, 2008 at 9:56am, RecipeGirl said...
It’s gorgeous! What a terrific birthday treat. I’m with Mom… cheesecake is my absolute favorite. I’d take it over chocolate cake any day!
On October 09, 2008 at 10:43am, Cyndi said...
Oh man…..that closeup shot makes me want to dig my finger in and eat it!
On October 09, 2008 at 11:25am, Gretchen Noelle said...
Oh my, good gracious does this ever look good! Hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration with Mom!
On October 09, 2008 at 2:42pm, Karen said...
Absolutely beautiful cheesecake! I bet it was yummy, too!
HB Mom!
On October 10, 2008 at 1:51pm, nicisme said...
I’m a bit bored by all those brownie cakes, this is more up my street. Happy birthday to your mom!
On October 11, 2008 at 12:53pm, Lori Lynn said...
Happy Birthday to your mom. Today is my mother’s birthday as well. But, unlike you, I told the whole world how old she is on my blog today. 29 again.
Gorgeous cheesecake!
On October 11, 2008 at 9:05pm, AmyRuth said...
Looks beautiful and your description sounds very tempting. Yumm
AmyRuth
Happy Birthday to your Mom
On October 11, 2008 at 11:26pm, Laura said...
This is simply gorgeous. And mascarpone? YUM.
BTW, my book (Sunday Night Football Cookbook) came-thank you thank you thank you!
On October 12, 2008 at 6:43am, Dawn said...
That is a simply stunning looking cake!
On October 12, 2008 at 9:30pm, Megan said...
this might be the best looking cheesecake i have ever seen! and the fact that it’s got chocolate and raspberries is a definitely plus in my book
On October 13, 2008 at 12:27am, Manggy said...
Happy birthday to your mom! My goodness, Susan, I think you’ve achieved cheesecake Nirvana with this one! Simply perfection!
On October 14, 2008 at 5:50am, Sarah said...
Now THAT is a milestone cheesecake and a half! I could devour that right now and feel no shame! Hope that your mom had a terrific b-day
On October 19, 2008 at 4:50pm, Da Bee's Knees said...
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I made a variation on the theme for out dinner tonight. I gave linky love on my blog.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
On November 13, 2008 at 4:25am, Jo. said...
your cheesecake loooks really really delicious.
On December 13, 2008 at 3:50pm, Anonymous said...
Hi, i just made this cake yesterday.
i substituted the creme fraiche for sour cream. it worked fine.
the cake tasted delicious
thanks for the recipe
On November 22, 2010 at 7:52am, Eric said...
Had to try this cheescake after seeing, was one of the best I have ever had. I had to use graham cracker crust, and a different kind of fruit topping, but was still fantastic. Will be making again for Thanksgiving
Thanks so much for posting!