Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert

This creamy raspberry dessert recipe is refreshing and easy to assemble, like other classic American no-bake desserts. Offering a balance of tart and sweet flavors, our raspberry cream cheese dessert combines a smooth and creamy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe impresses with its vibrant flavor and elegant presentation, whether you’re attending a dinner party or wanting to indulge in a delightful treat at home.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert Ingredients

• Graham crackers: Graham cracker crumbs provide a slightly sweet and crunchy foundation that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Buy one of the best graham cracker brands.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar is mixed with the graham cracker crumbs to sweeten the crust; it’s just the right amount to balance the tartness of the raspberries.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a firm and flavorful crust that holds the creamy filling.
• Frozen raspberries: Thawed frozen raspberries provide a burst of tangy flavor in the filling, lending their vibrant color and refreshing taste to the dessert.
• Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin is key in setting the raspberry filling, providing stability without adding additional flavor. It allows the raspberries to shine.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang to the filling, balancing the sweetness of the whipped cream and sugar for well-rounded flavor.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped cream is folded into the raspberry mixture, creating a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich cream cheese.
• Fresh raspberries and mint: These garnishes add pops of color and fresh, vibrant flavors that compliment the creamy dessert.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a large bowl, combine the crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar and the melted butter. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the filling

Drain the frozen raspberries and reserve the juice. In a small saucepan, combine the juice, cold water and gelatin. Let the mixture stand for five minutes, then cook and stir over low heat until the gelatin is dissolved. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Finish the filling

Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the berries and gelatin mixture, and beat on low until blended. Chill until partially set, then gently fold in the whipped cream.

Step 4: Chill the dessert

Spoon the filling into the cooled crust. Chill for six hours or overnight. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it just before serving. Remove the side of the pan and top with fresh raspberries and mint.

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert Variations

• Make a lemony raspberry dessert: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Indulge in a chocolate raspberry dessert: Incorporate 1/4 cup melted chocolate into the crust for a rich, chocolaty flavor that complements the tart raspberries.
• Go big with a berry medley: Substitute half the raspberries with a mix of blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.

How to Store Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert

Store the creamy raspberry dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It will remain firm and fresh when kept chilled. You can also freeze this dessert for up to two months. Wrap the entire dish in storage wrap and then aluminum foil to freeze. This prevents freezer burn. Thaw the dessert in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can you make a cream cheese and raspberry dessert ahead of time?

This dessert can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it an excellent option for entertaining.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert Tips

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

You can use fresh raspberries. Just be sure to adjust the liquid content since fresh raspberries won’t have as much juice as thawed frozen raspberries.

Can I use a different type of crust?

An Oreo cookie crust or a vanilla wafer crust would complement the raspberry filling beautifully.

Can I make this cream cheese and raspberry dessert without gelatin?

You can omit the gelatin but the filling will be softer and less stable. Consider using a whipped topping stabilized with cornstarch for a firmer texture without gelatin.