Preheat the oven to 300F/149C. Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch (23-cm) spring form with 2 layers of extra-wide foil in preparation for the water bath. Next, prepare the graham cracker crust. Place the crackers into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Pour in the melted butter and pulse again until the crumbs are well coated. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the spring form pan, creating a level crust.

Next, prepare the cheesecake batter. Place the softened cream cheese into a mixer bowl and beat on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cream cheese is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl often. Next, add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix for 3 to 4 minutes, scrapping down the sides of the mixing bowl often.

Add the sugar and melted white chocolate next. The white chocolate needs to be just melted and still warm; see my notes in the above post. Melt the chocolate in the microwave with the power level set to 50%, stirring every 30 seconds. Mix in the white chocolate and sugar for 1 minute, scrapping down the sides of the mixing bowl halfway through.

Fold in the raspberries by hand using a spatula. Pour the prepared batter over the graham cracker crust and level the top using a spatula.

Place the cheesecake into a larger baking pan and fill it with about an inch of water. This water bath will keep the top of the cake level and prevent cracks from forming. Watch my video recipe to see how it’s done.

Bake the cheesecake at 300F/149C for 2 hours. The middle will be slightly wobbly, and the sides will be more firmly set. Turn the oven off and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon. Allow the cheesecake to cool down slowly for a few hours down to room temperature. Place the cheesecake into the refrigerator to cool overnight, or for at least 6 hours.

For the homemade raspberry sauce: place the berries and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer the berries for 5 to 8 minutes, until a smooth jam forms; stir occasionally. Strain the prepared jam through a fine mesh strainer arranged over a mixing bowl, until just the seeds remain. Transfer the prepared sauce into a small bowl or measuring cup.

For whipped cream: place chilled heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Start whisking on low speed, gradually moving to high speed and whisk for 3 to 5 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream into a pastry bag tipped with a closed star tip; I used Ateco #847.

Once cheesecake has chilled, gently remove the springform and transfer the cheesecake onto a stand. Watch my video recipe to see how it’s done! Add a few spoonful’s of the prepared raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecake, then garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Serve with extra raspberry sauce and a generous amount of whipped cream on the side of each slice.