Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake

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Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake. Whipped mascarpone cheese with fresh raspberries over a deep, chocolate ganache topped brownie base.

If I had known you were coming I would have made this elegant Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake.

Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake

How pretty does this cheesecake look?

And you can make it too, with the additional help of an IfIKnewYouWereComing Artisan Chocolate Brownie Baking Box! Alternatively, you can follow my recipe below for an easy brownie base.

A slice of Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake
A slice of Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake

I love the gorgeously dense and fudgey brownie base to this cheesecake. Because chocolate and raspberry flavours work so well together this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake really is a dream dessert.

Why a brownie base?

Recently our youngest daughter revealed that she really didn’t like the traditional biscuit that usually is on the base of a cheesecake. YET she does love the creamy, top part. Therefore this cheesecake was made with her in mind.

Since she absolutely loves brownies I decided to make a cheesecake with a brownie base. Also adding a layer of deep, dark chocolate ganache to the top of the brownie base to stop the base from becoming soggy. While this too adds another chocolate layer!

Each ingredient comes in a separate package all I neede to do was add butter and eggs and follow the recipe!
Each ingredient comes in a separate package all I needed to do was add butter and eggs and follow the recipe!

Brownies this kit form

I was impressed with the ingredient packaging and the instructions provided with the Artisan Chocolate Brownie Bake Box. While baking these brownies was very similar to making my own homemade brownies, except someone had already weighed the ingredients out for me! So all I needed to do was add butter and eggs.

Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake fudgey chocolate base covered in light raspberry mousse cheesecake.
Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake fudgey chocolate base covered in light raspberry mousse cheesecake.

This Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake is utterly stunning to look at and even more delicious to eat.

The whipped, mousse like, raspberry cheesecake layer, isn’t overly sweet. Also, with an added splash of raspberry liquer and vanilla notes from the white chocolate, this dessert is an awesome combination of flavours.

Layered together, with a final swirl of the best quality dark chocolate, this cheesecake may be my favourite dessert yet?!!

Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake

Recipe: Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake serves 10-12

1 Brownie Bake Box from IfIKnewYouWereComing

(alternatively use half of my Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites) recipe

115g Unsalted Butter

2 Large Free Range Eggs

300g/Raspberries I use frozen Raspberries from Waitrose when they are out of season

4tbsp Caster Sugar

2tbsp Framboise – raspberry liquer  – can be substituted for cassis or fresh apple juice

150g Dark Chocolate

300ml Double Cream

500g Tub Mascapone Cheese

100g White Chocolate

Method: Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan, gas mark 6, 400F.

Making the Brownie Base:

  • First of all, line the base of a 10″ (25cm) Springform cake tin with the parchment backed, tin foil provided.
  • Follow the recipe card provided to make the brownies.
  • Pour the brownie mixture into the springform tin and tap against the work top twice to release any trapped air bubbles.
  • Place the tin in the oven and bake according to the instructions – my brownie base took 15 minutes to bake.
  • As soon as the base is  baked remove the tin from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely.
Delicious brownie base studded with dark chocolate chips.
Delicious brownie base studded with dark chocolate chips.

Making the Chocolate Ganache:

  • In a heatproof bowl add 100g dark chocolate and 100ml of double cream.
  • Place the bowl on top of a small saucepan that contains approximately an inch of barely simmering water – this is called a double boiler.
  • Stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is thick and glossy.
  • Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled brownie base.
  • Smooth to an even layer using the back of a metal dessert spoon.
  • Place in the fridge until the ganache has set.
Glossy chocolate ganache not only adds an extra layer of deliciousness, but also stops the brownie base from becoming soggy.
Glossy chocolate ganache not only adds an extra layer of deliciousness, but also stops the brownie base from becoming soggy.

Making the raspberry cheesecake filling

  • Place the raspberries, caster sugar and framboise (or apple juice) into a blender.
  • Pulse until you have a smooth, deep cerise, thick raspberry coulis. Set to one side.
  • Break up the white chocolate and place into a heatproof microwaveable bowl.
  • Zap for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate has almost melted.
  • Remove from the microwave and continue stirring until completely melted. Set to one side.
  • In a large bowl add the tub of mascarpone cheese and 200mls of double cream.
  • Using a hand mixer, whisk until fully combined.
  • Pour the raspberry coulis into the cheesecake mix and whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Next pour in the melted white chocolate.
  • Whisk all of the cheesecake ingredients together until light and creamy.
  • Spoon the raspberry cheesecake on to the cold, set, chocolate ganache covered brownie base in the springform tin.
  • Smooth the top of the raspberry cheesecake to ensure a flat, even finish.
  • Cover the cheesecake with cling film and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow to set.
Once you have smoothed the top of the cheesecake you can lick the spoon 😉
Once you have smoothed the top of the cheesecake you can lick the spoon 😉
  • Remove the cheesecake from the fridge.
  • Run a palette knife between the outside edge of the cheesecake and the iside of the springform tin.
  • Place the springform tin centrally on a large tin of beans (or something equally as sturdy).
  • Release the springform catch and gently encourage the sides of the tin to fall away from the base.
  • Place the Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake on to a serving plate or cake stand – the base will still be attached, don’t worry that’s fine.
  • Use a palette knife, that has been kept in a jug of boiling water, to smooth the top and sides of the cheesecake.

Decorating the cheesecake

  • Melt 50g of dark chocolate in a microwaveable, heat proof bowl, as before.
  • Pour the melted chocolate into a small, disposable piping bag.
  • Snip off the very end of the piping bag to create a small hole.
  • Pipe swirls of chocolate all around the edge of the cheesecake and larger loops in the centre. Continue piping over the swirls around the edge until the chocolate is all used.
Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake so beautifully decorated and yet so easy to achieve.
Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake so beautifully decorated and yet so easy to achieve.

Now stand back and look at the beautiful Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake that you have made and decorated.

Such a simple piping technique and yet incredibly elegant. Resulting in a cheesecake that is perfect for adding the wow factor to any dinner party or celebration. Pale pink and chocolate brown are a classic colour combination, ensuring this dessert looks elegantly appetising.

While the taste and texture of the brownie base was perfect, exactly like homemade. So I would definitely recommend it, especially if you bake only at weekends or for special occasions. Also, all the ingredients come pre-weighed, so you can easily make and bake brownies in under 30 minutes!

A delicious dessert with a slice in the foreground.
Chocolate Brownie Base Topped With Raspberry Cheesecake.

If you have enjoyed this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake then you may also like these recipes:

White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

FF Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake
White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake.

Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake

FF Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake
Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake.

Blackberry Nectarine Tart

Blackberry Nectarine Tart
Blackberry Nectarine Tart

 

I like to make cheesecakes all year round. Especially as frozen raspberries ensure that a glimpse of Summer can be seen and enjoyed, in the midst of the colder months. Likewise, fruit tarts can also be easily made using frozen and store cupboard ingredients. Ensuring dessert is only a short bake away!

So, whatever you are making and baking in your kitchens, have fun feasting on all your creations.

Sammie xx

IfIKnewYouWereComing supplied me with the Artisan Chocolate Brownie Bake Box for this recipe. All opinions and views are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

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So Wimbledon starts today here in the UK and that can only mean one, two, oh well maybe a few things. First of all it means Strawberries, beautiful, British, luscious, red, ripe berries. While strawberries are available year round in the supermarkets, eating local, seasonal berries cannot be beaten. And to celebrate these gorgeous fruits I have created this White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake.

FF No Bake White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Which brings me onto my second point; many afternoons will be spent over the next fortnight watching copious amounts of tennis. I kid you not. Because Wimbledon is a national pastime. Will Murray make it through to the final? Will the Williams sisters reign supreme? Second to our preoccupation with the weather (which is actually my third point!), Wimbledon lovingly becomes THE subject of conversation. And taking precedence over my third point. Will the weather hold? Will the roof be closed. So much speculation, umming and aahing takes place during Wimbledon AND it’s FUN!!

Smiling at British eccentricities

I love the way we British, while watching a well known player blast their way through three sets against a relative unknown ALWAYS pull for the underdog. It’s one of the Great British traits I really admire. Yet for two weeks computers, iPhones, TV’s are all tuned to the BBC, for a glimpse of the All England Tennis Club’s freshly prepared, lawn courts, get thoroughly annihilated by some of the worlds top athletes.

FF No Bake Cheesecake
No Bake White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

And Wimbledon is one of the highlights of my year. Can you tell? Since I  had the opportunity to go, back in the day when John McEnroe reigned supreme, I’ve been sold on it ever since. In fact, should you get the opportunity to visit SW19 it’s a wonderful, Wimbledon, experience!

White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake - the perfect dessert for Summer.
White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake – the perfect dessert for Summer.

Recipe : White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Serves 8-10

275g/10oz Digestive Biscuits – or Graham Crackers

125g/5oz Unsalted Butter

750g/Approx 1.5lb Mascarpone Cheese

2tbsp Icing Sugar

1tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – or 2tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey 

50ml/Splash of Whole Milk

200g/7oz Good Quality White Chocolate

250g/9oz Fresh Ripe Strawberries

Method : White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

You will need a 25cm/10″ Springform Cake Tin for this recipe.

Since it can be quite difficult to remove the cheesecake from the base of the pan, I cover the base with aluminium foil and click into place.

Covering the base of the pan with foil protects it from knife marks!
Cover the base of the pan with foil to protect it from knife marks

Making the cheesecake base:

  • First of all, place the biscuits into a thick, sealed freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin, until they are broken and look like sand.

Place the digestive biscuits into a sealed freezer bag.

  • Bash the biscuits with a rolling pin until they are completely broken up and resemble sand.

Bash the biscuits with a rolling pin, until they are broken up and resemble dry sand.

  • Put the butter into a small saucepan and melt over a low heat. As soon as it is melted turn off the heat. Tip in the biscuit crumbs and mix thoroughly. The mixture should resemble damp sand.
  • Press the biscuit base into the tin using the back of a spoon to create a compact, even layer.
  • Refrigerate for an hour.
Tip the damp sand mixture into the springform pan.
Tip the damp sand mixture into the springform pan.
Press the mixture down evenly with the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for an hour to set.
Press the mixture down evenly with the back of a spoon. And refrigerate for an hour to set.

Making the cheesecake filling:

  • Next for the cheesecake filling – melt 75g/3oz white chocolate in the microwave, remove before completely melted and stir. The residual heat will ensure all the chocolate melts. So be careful, white chocolate is the easiest chocolate to overheat.
  • Into a large bowl add the mascarpone cheese, icing sugar, vanilla bean paste and a splash – 1tbsp of milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Into a large bowl add the Mascarpone, icing sugar, vanilla bean paste and a splash of milk. Whisk to thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients.

  • Pour the cooled, melted white chocolate into the mascarpone mix and whisk until silky smooth.

Pour in the cooled, melted white chocolate. Whisk until the cheesecake mixture is silkily combined.

Resist the urge to sit in the kitchen floor and eat the contents of this bowl with a spatula!!

  • Spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the biscuit base and smooth the top.

Add the cheesecake mixture to the top of the biscuit crust and smooth.

  • Pop the cheesecake in the fridge while you sit on the kitchen floor and lick the bowl and spatula clean. Mmmm not too shabby!

Decorating the cheesecake:

  • Melt the rest of the white chocolate, as before and set aside to cool a little.
  • Also pick two strawberries for the centre of the cheesecake. Hull and halve the rest of the strawberries.
Arrange your strawberries in a pretty pattern, or just tumble them on top - it's your cheesecake!!
Arrange your strawberries in a pretty pattern, or just tumble them on top – it’s your cheesecake!!
Using a fork drizzle the melted white chocolate from side to side.
Using a fork drizzle the melted white chocolate from side to side.
Continue drizzling until your White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is complete.
Continue drizzling until your White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is complete.
  • Finally place the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set (overnight would be better – but who are we kidding?).
  • Run a palette knife around the edge of the cheesecake and release from the tin.
  • Finally place the cheesecake onto a plate or cake stand.
FF White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
No Bake White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Crunch base with a soft, light, vanilla topping.
Crunch base with a soft, light, vanilla topping.

Slice the cheesecake using a sharp knife. And serve on dessert plates with an accompanying fork.

Cover with cling film and keep refrigerated. Eat within 3 days.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake then you may also like these:

Raspberry Topped Lemon Curd Pavlova

FF White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Raspberry Topped Lemon Curd Pavlova

White Chocolate Drizzle Strawberry Cream Cake 

FF White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
White Chocolate Drizzle Strawberry Cream Cake

Chocolate Honeycomb Sponge Cake 

FF White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
Chocolate Honeycomb Sponge Cake

While Wimbledon certainly is a highlight of my year, gathering with family to watch the final together is the biggest thrill. Because sharing time together is what matters most. Also, making memories and creating experiences that our children will tell their children about, is absolutely the heart of who I am as a parent. And I firmly believe that all food tastes better when shared. So getting together with friends and family turns simple food into a feast!

So whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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