Creamy, tangy, and bursting with juicy berry flavor, Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser dessert that satisfies both chocolate lovers and cheesecake fans alike. Imagine a moist chocolate cake base dotted with swirls of bright raspberry jam, topped by a rich, velvety cheesecake layer and finished with a buttery crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. I first encountered this delightful mashup at a friend’s bridal shower, where guests couldn’t stop talking about the luxurious contrast of flavors and textures.
What makes this Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake special is its simplicity: one pan, pantry staples, and under 20 minutes of prep deliver show-stopping results. Whether you’re hosting a birthday brunch or need a fuss-free weeknight treat, this recipe promises quick assembly and big payoff. Plus, it’s family-friendly—kids adore the fruity swirls and crumbly topping, while adults appreciate the sophisticated cheesecake finish.
If you’ve tried our popular Brownie Bottom Mini Cheesecakes, you know how effortless dessert perfection can be. This crumb cake offers the same easy cleanup and flavor-packed punch, with a bright raspberry twist. With a positive note on every slice, you’ll be excited to bake, share, and savor each decadent bite.
What Is Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake? (Brownie Bottom Mini Cheesecakes • Cheesecake Wiki)
Have you ever wondered why we call it Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake? The name hints at each layer: a tender chocolate cake base, a creamy cheesecake middle, a vibrant raspberry swirl, and a buttery crumb top. But why the mouthful? It’s all about honesty—every delicious component gets its due credit!
Legend says a baker once mixed leftover chocolate cake crumbs with cheesecake batter and raspberry jam, accidentally inventing this four-in-one treat. As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this mash-up name makes sure everyone knows exactly which love-infused layers await. Ready to try it out? Let’s bake your new favorite dessert!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake
- Ultimate Flavor Fusion
Chocolate cake, tangy cheesecake, fresh raspberry—this crumb cake hits all the right taste notes. You get rich cocoa depth balanced by bright berry zing in every forkful. - Budget-Friendly Baking
Skip specialty bakeries. This recipe uses basic ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, cream cheese, and frozen or jarred raspberries—so you save money while impressing guests. - Customizable Toppings & Add-Ins
Sprinkle chopped dark chocolate, toasted almonds, or coconut flakes over the crumb. For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or swirl in white chocolate chips.
If you enjoyed our One-Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake, you’ll love how easily this crumb cake comes together. Gather your whisk and spatula—you’re one bake away from homemade dessert bliss!
How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake
Quick Overview
This Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake shines with minimal fuss. In about 20 minutes of hands-on prep and a 45-minute bake, you’ll have a multi-layered dessert ready to cool. The standout features? A creamy cheesecake swirl and a crisp crumb topping that hold their shape beautifully.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake
- Cake Base: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup melted butter, ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, ¾ cup milk
- Cheesecake Layer: 8 oz cream cheese (room temp), ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Raspberry Swirl: ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves (thawed if frozen)
- Crumb Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal. - Make Crumb Topping
In a bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside. - Prepare Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding dry mix and milk in three parts, mixing until just combined. - Assemble Cake & Cheesecake Layers
Spread half the chocolate batter in the pan. Dollop the cheesecake mixture (beaten cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla) evenly over it. Spoon remaining chocolate batter on top. Drop tablespoons of raspberry jam over the cheesecake layer and use a knife to swirl gently. - Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top. - Bake & Cool
Bake 40–45 minutes until the center is set and crumbs are golden. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack to let layers firm up before slicing.
Serving, Top Tips & Storage for Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake
What to Serve With Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake
- A scoop of vanilla or raspberry ice cream for extra creaminess
- Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish
- A hot espresso or fruity herbal tea to complement the tartness
Top Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake
- Room-Temp Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are room temperature for smooth cheesecake batter.
- Even Swirls: Don’t over-mix the raspberry jam swirl—light touches preserve distinct layers.
- Crispy Crumbs: Use cold butter and handle crumbs minimally to maintain texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months.
- Thaw & Serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge. For a fresh-baked feel, warm a slice 10 seconds in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
A: Yes—cook fresh raspberries with a tablespoon of sugar until saucy, then cool before swirling.
Q: How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
A: Don’t overbeat the cream cheese mixture and avoid opening the oven during baking.
Q: Is this crumb cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but expect a slightly different crumb texture.
Q: Can I halve this recipe for a smaller crowd?
A: Absolutely—use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust bake time to 30–35 minutes.
Our Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake crumb cake proves that layered desserts can be both elegant and effortless. With a tender chocolate base, luscious cheesecake, bright raspberry swirl, and buttery crumbs, each slice offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet solo treat, this crumb cake brings gourmet appeal to your home kitchen. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and watch this recipe become your new go-to dessert!