Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

About Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cheesecake with the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries. This cake features a beautifully layered structure with a moist crumb base, creamy cheesecake filling, and a distinctive crumb topping that adds a delightful texture contrast. With every bite, you are greeted with a luxurious fusion of sweet and tart, making it an irresistible treat.

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What You’ll Need for Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

Complete Ingredients List

• For the Crumb Cake Base:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk

• For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries, lightly mashed

• For the Crumb Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• For Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives. Substitute buttermilk with almond milk combined with a little vinegar.
• For Sugar-Free Adjustments: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in the same quantities as the sugar in the recipe.
• For Added Flavor Varieties: Consider adding a splash of orange zesty or extract to the cheesecake layer for a citrus twist. Alternatively, you can add caramel swirls for an enhanced indulgence.

How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Cake Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until combined. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the mashed raspberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture but not completely pureed; small chunks will add delightful bursts of flavor.

Step 3: Layering the Cake

Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Next, carefully spoon the raspberry cheesecake filling over the chocolate batter, spreading it gently to create an even layer.

Once the cheesecake is evenly distributed, pour the remaining chocolate batter on top of the cheesecake layer, ensuring it covers the cheesecake completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this crumb mixture generously over the top of the layered cake.

Step 5: Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential to set the cheesecake layer perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

This delicious Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake can be served at a variety of temperatures, but many prefer it chilled for a refreshing taste. Serve it at room temperature if you enjoy the rich flavors more pronounced. To plate, cut the cake into neat slices using a sharp, warm knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

While this dessert stands beautifully on its own, you can elevate it with various toppings. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a couple of whole raspberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely visual appeal. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or raspberry sauce will provide an additional layer of flavor, making each bite even more satisfying. Consider pairing the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the richness with creamy sweetness.

Storing & Preserving Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

Best Storage Methods

After completely cooling, you can store the Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake either at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference. If left at room temperature, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh for 2-3 days. For longer preservation, place it in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

If you’ve made a larger batch or have leftovers, consider freezing the cake for future enjoyment. Wrap slices in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature. Reheating can also be done in a microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a warm dessert.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

One of the most frequent mistakes when making this cake is overmixing the batters, which can lead to a dense texture. Ensure you incorporate ingredients just until combined. Also, be cautious with baking time; it’s better to check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid drying out the cake.

Helpful Tricks for Success

For a beautifully risen cheesecake layer, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to mix smoothly without lumps. A food processor can be handy for achieving a lump-free filling quickly. Additionally, keeping all ingredients at room temperature will yield better results, allowing for even mixing and baking.

Fun Variations of Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

To switch things up, consider adding different fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or cherries to the cheesecake layer. Experimenting with spices like cardamom or nutmeg can impart a new flavor profile. For chocolate lovers, adding chocolate chips to the crumb topping or cake batter will enhance the decadence.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For vegan variations, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, use plant-based cream cheese, and non-dairy butter. To create a keto-friendly version, substitute flour with almond or coconut flour and use low-carb sweeteners for the sugar.

FAQs

What If My Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If the cake comes out too dry, it’s likely that it was overbaked. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier. If you find that the cheesecake layer hasn’t set, make sure the ingredients were mixed properly and at room temperature to help with even baking.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! The cake can be made up to 24 hours in advance. If you plan to do so, store it in the fridge, covered well to prevent it from drying out. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you find certain ingredients hard to acquire, feel free to swap out the cocoa powder with carob powder or elimination of eggs can be achieved with applesauce or aquafaba. Always remember that these substitutions may alter the final flavor and texture slightly, so experiment to find the best version for your taste buds.

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