Perfect for the holidays or just to amaze your family and friends this Amethyst Cheesecake Torte made by combining cranberries and blueberries is just what you're looking for. The beautiful color and tart-sweet flavor of the berries goes perfectly with this creamy cheesecake.
What could be better for your holiday table than my Amethyst Cheesecake Torte a delicious blend of blueberries and cranberries topping a creamy cheesecake.
When life gets becomes overwhelming, I take solace in my kitchen, finding my balance. And when I really need to cheer myself up, I bake. There’s just something so therapeutic about sugar and butter.
I saw this delicious creation on the cover of Palate magazine and knew I had to make it. It was a combination of cranberries and blueberries that the article referred to it as an Amethyst Pie, because of the amazing color of the filling. I tried to recreate that pie, and even though I wasn’t too sure about the accuracy of the recipe, I followed it exactly. I have to tell you it was a complete failure…..sigh The worst part is as I was making it, I knew it wasn’t going to work, but hoping it would. Unfortunately, there was nothing to save from that failure, but it had possibilities!
So when things don’t go as planned, you adapt. I always have cream cheese in the fridge and whipping together a small cheesecake was easy enough to do. Opting for a traditional graham cracker crust for this torte, I added a little twist using chocolate graham crackers. They not only added a different flavor but a little contrast in color. (Don’t worry if you can’t find chocolate, regular graham crackers will work just as well)
As luck would have it my Amethyst Cheesecake Torte tasted as good as it looked! The creamy cheesecake against a not too sweet chocolate crust and that delicious combination of berries cooked down to that amazing color…..sigh It was a beautiful thing!
If you’re looking for more holiday desserts check out these recipes.
Amethyst Cheesecake Torte
Ingredients
Chocolate Crust
- 1 1/2 packages chocolate graham crackers *regular graham crackers can be used
- 4 oz butter
Cheesecake
- 24 ounce cream cheese softened,
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
Amethyst Topping
- 8 oz frozen blueberries do not thaw
- 6 oz fresh or frozen cranberries do not thaw; about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp . fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp . finely grated lemon peel
Instructions
Chocolate Crust
- place chocolate graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor and process into a fine meal. Place in a mixing bowl
- Add melted butter and mix together to make the crust
- Press mixture onto bottom and up the side of the deep tart pan or springform pan
- Bake in 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, until firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Cheesecake
- In your stand mixer add cream cheese and beat just until smooth
- Slowly add in the sugar, scrape down the sides of bowl
- Add in flour, salt, eggs, and vanilla mix for 2 -3 minutes until well blended and smooth.
- Pour cheesecake mixture into prepared crust and place in 350 degree preheated oven for one hour.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on wire rack
- Place in refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is better)
Amethyst topping
- Combine all ingredients in large saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens and begins to boil (this will take 10 -12 minutes) make sure to keep stirring the mixture
- Continue cooking until mixture begins to boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer berry mixture to glass or ceramic dish; cool completely (mixture will thicken)
- After the mixture has cooled completely,spread evenly over the top of the cheesecake, leaving about 1/2 inch of the cheesecake showing.
Jan Hanbury says
Hi Chef!
I enjoyed a simple creamed cheese formed torte at my son’s wedding. There were small berry looking fruit and pecans, both in the middle and on top. Mildly sweet with a very mild tang, I suspect the berries(?) may have been macerated, but with what? The combination was wonderful! I can’t find anything but the norm online. All suggestions appreciated.
Jan
Chef Dennis Littley says
you’re probably right about the berries, but without tasting them I wouldn’t have a clue to what they used.
Ann says
Frankly speaking, I was surprised when I read that something did not work out for you! But really, masterpieces do not always work out the first time. Your blog is always full of creative ideas and great recipes, you are a professional! Thank you! This Amethyst cheesecake is one of my favourite ones, I adore cranberries.
Natalie says
Just looking at these pictures makes me drool. It looks super delicious and so full of flavor. I must make this for my family. Can’t wait.
Jo says
I love the combination of raspberries and blueberries. This torte sounds perfect for the holidays. Creamy and berries combination on top is just heaven.
[email protected] says
First, let me say that your Amethyst Cheesecake Torte is absolutely beautiful, and I agree that sugar and butter are therapeutic. I love to bake when life is stressful. I feel for your frustration when a recipe doesn’t work correctly, especially when you followed the directions accurately. I’m glad you were able to move forward and create a recipe that worked. I love the combination of berries and chocolate, so that chocolate graham cracker crust was spot on. Amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Amy says
I love the combination of raspberries and blueberries. This cheesecake is perfectly creamy and the berries smothered on top is just heaven. Thanks for the recipe!
Leanne says
Cheesecakes are always such a great dessert to serve guests. But this one in particular is stunning! It would make such a lovely presentation at a holiday gathering! Thanks for sharing!
Shelley says
I just love your story about how this gorgeous torte sprang out of the flames of abject failure …how you were HOPING that cover-photo recipe would somehow actually work, even though all your years of cooking experience told you that the recipe wouldn’t succeed. And so … you salvaged the situation and created something even better! Brilliant! And seriously – as soon as I saw the combination of cranberries along with blueberries, I totally thought that was a brilliant idea, too – the wonderfully sweet blueberries are such a lovely thing to pair with the tartness of cranberries! Terrific recipe – and so reassuring to know that THIS ONE will actually work! 😉
Candice says
I tested this one out this week for Thanksgiving, and it was perfect! Creamy, great balance of tart, and sweet. Can’t wait to make it again for guests this year!
Marisa F. Stewart says
This dessert screams special occasion. It is a showstopper and deserves to be presented at the end of a holiday meal. We do love our cheesecake and the cranberry/blueberry topping is perfect for the season.
Danielle says
I love both reasons to make this torte – to enjoy the holiday AND to amaze friends. Definitely a great option to keep on hand – thank you for sharing it!
Analida Braeger says
I have to have some sort of berries or berry compote to add to the top of my cheese cake, This recipe is perfect with a nice balance of creamy cake with some acidity from the fruit! Excellent recipe!
Anna says
My husband is a cheesecake expert (at eating not making 😂), and he said this was the best he has ever had! I followed the recipe exactly (except I used honey grahams). My mom hates cheesecake and she said this was amazing! She even got a second piece! Highly recommend this recipe!!!
Terri Steffes says
Mmmmm! This looks divine. Something you would see in a fancy bakery. I’ll take a piece, do you deliver to Missouri?
Lisa Murano says
That torte looks amazing! I can’t wait to make this to go with my Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Lisa
Nikka Shae says
Sweets are my weakness and this cheesecake looks to pretty to eat! Don’t be fooled as I want a piece now!
Marysa says
That sounds delicious, and it is beautiful too! I think the cranberries are a perfect combination for cheesecake. Gives it that tartness to balance with the sweet cheesecake.
Ricci says
Oh my goodness, this cheesecake looks amazing! I would love to try something like this one day!
Emily says
Oh yum! I really want to make this! I feel like I always make the same desserts and this is a new one to try, thank you!
Lisa Martin says
Your cheese cake looks amazing. Can’t wait to try it, it is by far my favorite dessert!
Pam says
I hate when I follow a recipe and it doesn’t work out. That said, I am always happy to make cheesecake and this a,ethyst cheesecake looks delicious.
Ashley says
Can you come make this for our Thanksgiving? It looks amazing!
Tonya Wilhelm says
This torte sounds perfect for the holidays. I love a good cheesecake.
Gisele says
This cheesecake not only looks beautiful but sounds absolutely delicious. Thank you for this recipe.
Amber Myers says
I am drooling. I just LOVE cheesecake, and this one looks amazing. And it’s pretty. I must try it soon.
Jeanette says
There is not one person in my family that would hate this! We all love cheesecake anyway, but this one looks especially delicious.
Theresa says
You can never go wrong with cheesecake! I’ve never put cranberries on mine, but definitely trying your recipe for the holidays. It’s so pretty and festive, and looks delicious too!
Sarah Bailey says
I have really got into cheesecake over the past year or so, so this right up my street – it sounds like it would be absolutely amazing! I need to try and make one myself.
Melissa Chapman says
I do love a good cheesecake and the topping of those great berries looks amazing. I know I would be the hit of Thanksgiving if i bring this.
Alli Smith says
I’m over here drooling and wishing I had a bite. I love the color and cheesecake is a favorite dessert. I like that you used chocolate graham crackers to give it a different taste. Yum!
candy says
I always make a cheesecake for every occasion. It is a favorite of one of my sons. He would enjoy this one very much.
Supriya Kutty says
I’ve been wanting to make these forever! My hubs is a huge cheese cake fan! I’m bookmarking them for the weekend. It’s actually been way too long since I’ve made it.
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the cheesecake!
sanam says
This looks so delicious! I’m going to make the crust and the cheesecake tonight and the topping tomorrow. I don’t have any blueberries or cranberries though, so I’m going to use blackberries instead. Hope it turns out fine. I don’t have any corn starch though, can I use rice flour instead?
Cathy says
Cheesecake was awesome! Thank you! The chocolate crust, creamy cheesecake and the cranberry/blueberry topping made for such great flavors.
Chef D says
I’m so happy to hear that it worked out well for you! Thanks so much for letting me know. Tell your daughter she’s always welcome to stop in for lunch, I always treat our returning girls anytime they stop by.
Cathy says
I will let my daughter know! She will be back home at Christmas, again, so I am sure she will take you up on the offer! I know she misses all your great recipes. She has turned into a great little baker herself, and has won some local baking competitions.
Cathy says
Hi Chef Dennis – I should have waited for your super fast reply, but I didn’t think you would reply so fast. I used a 9″ springform pan, and it seems to have baked nicely. I should have had the crumb crust up higher on the pan, as I only had it up about one inch.
My topping was starting to burn, so I added one cup of water. The cranberries didn’t burst like I would have expected, but they are all soft. It has jelled nicely. I will put the topping on late tonight and serve it tomorrow. Thanks from a mom of a 2008 Mountie mom who misses your cookies and peanut butter pie (and yes, I make your PB pie, but have been told it is not as awesome as yours!)
Cathy says
Chef Dennis, making this today, for Dinner tomorrow. have a few questions. What size springform pan? How high up did you place the cookie crumb crust? Should any water be added to the topping? Can’t wait to make this and eat it! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.
Chef D says
hi Cathy I actually used a high tart pan, that’s how I got the fluted edge, but a standard 10 or 11 inch springform pan will work. I ran the crumb topping up about two inches and just carefully dusted off the parts that were too high so it looked even. And no water is necessary, I was hesitant at first but it cooked down perfectly. Good luck with your cheesecake and please let me know how it turns out.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
I too think there is a lot of comfort found in baking. This cheesecake is gorgeous, and the name so well deserved!
La Cuineta Divertida says
Is very good recipe. This is beautiful dessert. Sylvie.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
This sounds soooo fabulous!
fatpiginthemarket says
Sugar and butter are definitely therapeutic. I’m in love with the colors in this dessert…and the flavors.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Gorgeous torte, I love the chocolate and cranberries!
Lynn says
I know you made it through the first storm, now hope you make it through voting day and the second storm! (I know you will 😉 I’ve got a pile of pomegranates. Although they’d be Amethyst on the top, not sure about the crunch factor of the seeds. Have you ever used them on / in your desserts? I tell you, your desserts push my sweet tooth button! Guess I better get out on that bike ride I’d planned today (it’s 80F here…)
Chef D says
hi Lynn
yes I have used pomegranate seeds but you really have to enjoy eating them, otherwise they end up on the side of the plate. now your just teasing me, 80’s….sigh
Jane says
Chef Dennis, that is indeed a gorgeous dessert.
And, I know just what you mean. Like you, when I really need to cheer myself up, I also find solace in the kitchen and, invariably, I bake. I love visiting your blog, especially when you make sweets. 🙂
RavieNomNoms says
What a spectacular dessert!! I love all the glorious berries on top!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
This is a beautiful dessert to prepare during the holiday season.
Muna Kenny says
I’m glad that you are safe and have survived this storm, I’ve seen how much damage it has caused and it wasn’t easy to watch.
Your creation looks so comforting to my soul, and I’m sure it tastes amazing.
Take care Chef!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
I’m glad to hear you survived Sandy. I’m in northwestern NJ in the Highlands and lost power, cable, internet for 7 days thanks to uprooted evergreens landing on wires…everywhere. Thank goodness we installed a generator 2 months ago so we went relatively unscathed but many friends have passed through these doors this past week trying to provide food, shelter and showers for those still without power so I can attest to coming together in times of crisis. This cheesecake looks wonderful and I love the combination of blueberries and cranberries for the topping. Thank you for sharing!
Betty Ann @Mango_Queen says
Glad to hear your area was not as badly affected by Sandy! This recipe is wonderful and the photos are out of sight! I love the chocolate crust and the cheesecake with fruit on top ~ oh my !! Thanks for sharing this recipe and for all the Google “plusses”, Chef Dennis!
Cher says
I saw your picture of this last night – and wow…that is a beauty.
Glad to hear you are well through the storm – so many people’s lives in uproar right now. Keeping everyone Downstate and in affected areas in my thoughts.
Elin says
Chef Dennis…saw this on facebook and I could not resist it by to drop by no matter how busy I am :p who could resist this anyway ! Cranberries are in season now and I still have two packets from last November in the freezer LOL! so I can afford to make this cheescake torte . Thanks for sharing the recipe and a prayer is said for those who have lost so much because of the devastating Sandy. Hope things will be back to normal soon.
Regards,
Elin
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I’m so glad that you’re safe. It sounds like an absolute mess down there… my thoughts are with you.
If there’s something to make you feel better, I think cheesecake could certainly do it.
Heather @ Bake, Run, Live says
That looks gorgeous, Chef Dennis! I don’t really care for blueberries, but I would guess the tartness of the cranberries would keep the blueberry flavor in check.
I have already started to plan Thanksgiving dinner (and dessert!). Part of the dessert menu will include my cinnamon with candied pecan ice cream!