If you’re dreaming of a luscious, creamy dessert that captures the very essence of summer, this Blackberry Cheesecake truly delivers in every bite. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a satiny smooth cream cheese filling infused with vibrant blackberry puree, and a crown of glossy blackberries and jam on top. It’s as stunning to look at as it is flavorful, with each layer offering its own irresistible taste and texture. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, Blackberry Cheesecake is the kind of showstopper you’ll want to come back to again and again!

Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’re moments away from creating a Blackberry Cheesecake that’s as impressive as anything from a fancy bakery. Each component brings something special—think tangy cream cheese, floral berries, and the iconic crunch of graham cracker crumbs!

Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our crust, delivering irresistible crunch and a touch of honey-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of blackberries for a perfect bite.
Unsalted butter (melted): Holds the crust together and adds luxurious richness.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of classic cheesecake, so be sure to use full-fat and let it come to room temperature for the silkiest texture.
Large eggs: Give structure and that signature custardy finish to your Blackberry Cheesecake.
Vanilla extract: Warms up the flavors and rounds out the tang of the cream cheese and berries.
Sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and helps create an ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Blackberry puree (strained): Intensifies the color and gives the filling its beautiful fruity flavor; just blend and strain fresh berries to avoid pesky seeds.
Fresh blackberries: For topping and an extra pop of juicy sweetness.
Blackberry jam (melted): Drizzled on top, it glazes the cheesecake with a shimmering, fruity finish.
Fresh mint (optional): The perfect refreshing and eye-catching garnish to complement those jewel-bright berries.

How to Make Blackberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and get your springform pan ready by lining the bottom with parchment paper. This little trick makes serving your finished Blackberry Cheesecake much easier and keeps the crust from sticking. While the oven heats, grease the sides of your pan with a bit of butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and that fragrant melted butter. Mix until everything looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass, making sure you get into every edge for an even layer. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it turns lightly golden and your kitchen starts to smell divine. Remove and let the crust cool while you move on to the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Blackberry Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and lump-free—a hand mixer or stand mixer is perfect for this step. Add the sugar, blending until creamy, then beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed, scraping down the sides as needed. Add your vanilla, sour cream, and the beautifully strained blackberry puree, making sure everything is fully incorporated and streak-free. The batter should be luscious and pale purple, promising big berry flavor in every slice.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the silky filling over your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula so it’s nice and even. Wrap the bottom of your pan in a double layer of foil—this is your shield against leaks—then set the whole thing in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water to about halfway up the cheesecake pan’s sides. This water bath helps bake the Blackberry Cheesecake gently, preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy, tender texture. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight wobble when you jiggle it.

Step 5: Cooling and Chilling

Turn off the oven and crack the door, letting your cheesecake cool gently in place for about an hour. This gradual cooling prevents dramatic temperature changes that can cause cracks. Afterward, transfer the cheesecake (still in its pan) to the fridge and let it chill for at least four hours, or ideally, overnight. Patience is a virtue here—the flavors intensify and the texture becomes even silkier!

Step 6: Add the Blackberry Topping

Once your cheesecake is chilled and set, carefully release it from the springform pan and transfer it to your serving plate. Arrange the fresh blackberries on top, then drizzle with melted blackberry jam for a jewel-toned, glistening effect. If you like, tuck a few sprigs of fresh mint around the berries for a bright pop of green and a subtle freshness that makes every plate look fancy.

How to Serve Blackberry Cheesecake

Garnishes

Garnishes make your Blackberry Cheesecake extra special. Aside from those plump, fresh blackberries and a generous drizzle of melted jam, a few mint leaves add a refreshing color contrast. You can also dust the finished cheesecake with a touch of powdered sugar or a swirl of extra blackberry puree for even more wow factor.

Side Dishes

Blackberry Cheesecake is rich and elegant, so simple sides work best. Offer lightly whipped cream for even more creamy bliss, or keep things fruity with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side. If you want to serve drinks, an herbal tea or a glass of sparkling wine complements the dessert beautifully without overpowering its delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

This cheesecake looks gorgeous on its own, but there are plenty of fun ways to present it. Try slicing it into mini bars for a dessert buffet, or plating individual slices with a fresh berry coulis and a tiny bouquet of mint. For a dramatic twist, create a marbled look by swirling extra blackberry puree through the filling before baking—each slice will reveal an edible work of art!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Blackberry Cheesecake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the cheesecake (or individual slices) with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to five days, making this dessert a wonderful make-ahead treat for parties or whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Blackberry Cheesecake freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the cooled, un-topped cheesecake tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to two months. For best texture, wait to add the blackberry topping until after thawing and just before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat this luscious dessert—cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled. If you’ve frozen slices, set them in the fridge overnight or for a few hours until completely thawed and creamy once again. Add your garnishes just before serving for the freshest presentation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work perfectly, especially for the puree in the filling. Just be sure to thaw them completely and strain well to remove any extra moisture before blending and straining for the puree.

What if my cheesecake cracks?

No worries if it cracks—a drizzle of blackberry jam and lots of fresh berries on top will cover any imperfections beautifully. For prevention, always bake in a water bath and cool your Blackberry Cheesecake gradually in the oven as described above.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this Blackberry Cheesecake?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the regular ones, and double-check all other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free. Your cheesecake will be just as delicious and crowd-pleasing!

How do I make the blackberry puree smooth?

After blending your blackberries, make sure to press the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove all the seeds. This step ensures your Blackberry Cheesecake filling stays perfectly creamy and seed-free.

Can I swirl extra blackberry puree for a marbled look?

Definitely! Drop spoonfuls of extra puree over the filling and use a skewer or knife to gently swirl it into the batter for a striking marbled effect. This adds visual flair and even more berry flavor to each slice.

Final Thoughts

This Blackberry Cheesecake is a celebration of summer berries and creamy decadence, wrapped up in one unforgettable dessert. I truly hope you’ll give it a try, whether to wow guests or simply to treat yourself to something special—you’ll be glad you did!

Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Blackberry Cheesecake, a perfect blend of sweet blackberries and luscious cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup blackberry puree, strained to remove seeds

For the topping:

1 cup fresh blackberries
1/4 cup blackberry jam, melted
Fresh mint, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, add sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and blackberry puree. Pour over crust.
Bake: Place the pan in a water bath and bake until just set. Cool and refrigerate.
Finish: Top with fresh blackberries, melted blackberry jam, and mint.