Valentine’s Day Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Servings: 10 Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Introduction

Cheesecake is always a showstopper, but this Valentine’s Day Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake takes romance to the next level. The creamy, velvety cheesecake base is baked on a buttery graham cracker crust, then swirled with a vibrant raspberry sauce that creates a stunning marbled design. Each slice is silky smooth, rich, and bursting with sweet-tart raspberry flavor.

I love this recipe because it feels like the perfect balance of decadence and freshness. The cheesecake itself is luxuriously creamy, while the raspberry swirl adds a bright, fruity contrast. Plus, the swirl pattern makes every cheesecake look unique and beautiful—like edible art, ideal for a romantic occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

  • The raspberry swirl adds a romantic, eye-catching design.
  • It’s creamy, rich, and indulgent, yet perfectly balanced by tart berries.
  • Feels bakery-quality but totally achievable at home.
  • A dessert that’s worth the effort and will wow anyone who tastes it.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

✔️ Gorgeous presentation for Valentine’s or any special occasion.
✔️ Classic creamy cheesecake flavor with a fruity twist.
✔️ Can be made ahead—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
✔️ Customizable with different berries or toppings.

Recipe Details

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Cooling + Chilling Time: 6–8 hours (or overnight)
  • Total Time: About 8–9 hours (including chilling)
  • Servings: 10–12 slices
  • Calories (per serving): ~420 kcal
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Swirl

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Make raspberry sauce and set aside.
  2. Prepare and bake the graham cracker crust.
  3. Beat cream cheese filling until smooth.
  4. Pour filling over crust, swirl with raspberry sauce.
  5. Bake in a water bath until set.
  6. Chill overnight, slice, and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Raspberry Swirl

  1. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until berries break down (5–6 minutes).
  3. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 3: Make Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  3. Blend in sour cream.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Cheesecake

  1. Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry sauce on top.
  3. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Wrap the outside of springform pan in foil (to prevent leaks).
  2. Place in a large roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides (water bath).
  3. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool & Chill

  1. Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
  2. Remove from oven, cool completely, then refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

How to Serve

  • Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water (wipe between cuts).
  • Garnish with fresh raspberries, whipped cream, or white chocolate shavings.
  • Serve chilled with coffee, tea, or champagne for a romantic pairing.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Don’t overmix after adding eggs—this prevents cracks.
  • The water bath helps bake the cheesecake evenly and prevents sinking.
  • Always chill cheesecake fully before slicing for neat, creamy slices.

Variations

  • Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake – Use strawberries instead of raspberries.
  • Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake – Add a layer of melted chocolate on the crust.
  • Mini Cheesecakes – Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
  • No-Bake Version – Use whipped cream + gelatin in the filling and chill instead of baking.

Freezing & Storage

  • Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Electric hand or stand mixer
  • Fine sieve (for raspberry sauce)
  • Roasting pan (for water bath)
  • Toothpick/skewer (for swirling)

Conclusion

This Valentine’s Day Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is a dessert made with love. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and stunning red swirls, it’s both delicious and visually breathtaking. Perfect for sharing with your special someone, this cheesecake transforms a romantic evening into something truly unforgettable.

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Valentine’s Day Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 10 Calories: 420 kcal

Description

Cheesecake is always a showstopper, but this Valentine’s Day Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake takes romance to the next level. The creamy, velvety cheesecake base is baked on a buttery graham cracker crust, then swirled with a vibrant raspberry sauce that creates a stunning marbled design.

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Swirl

For the Crust

For the Cheesecake Filling

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare Raspberry Swirl : In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until berries break down (5–6 minutes). Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds. Set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: Make the Crust : Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
  3. Step 3: Make Cheesecake Filling : In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Blend in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Assemble Cheesecake : Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry sauce on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Step 5: Bake : Wrap the outside of springform pan in foil (to prevent leaks). Place in a large roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides (water bath). Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
  6. Step 6: Cool & Chill : Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Remove from oven, cool completely, then refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Keywords: Valentine’s Day Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q1: Can I skip the water bath?

Yes, but your cheesecake may crack. You can also place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack as an alternative.

Q2: Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, just thaw them first before cooking into sauce.

Q3: How do I know when cheesecake is done?

The edges should be set but the center should still have a slight jiggle—it will firm up while cooling.

Q4: Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Cheesecake is even better the next day, so make it 1–2 days ahead.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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