Description
A creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with a gory “blood” of mixed berries. The deep red berry sauce drips down the sides for a spooky, dramatic Halloween presentation. Perfect for parties or a hauntingly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (9-inch cheesecake):
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
For the “Bloody” Berry Topping:
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, cherries)
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Step 2: Make Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, beating gently.
Mix in vanilla and sour cream/heavy cream.
Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: Bake Cheesecake
Bake 50–60 minutes, until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make Berry “Blood”
In a saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat until berries release juices and soften.
Optional: add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cool slightly.
Step 5: Decorate
Spoon berry mixture over chilled cheesecake, letting it drip down the sides.
Optionally, add plastic spiders, candy bones, or edible decorations for extra spooky effect.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cheesecake can be prepared a day ahead; add berry topping just before serving.
- Extra Gory Effect: Use raspberry puree or a mix of red and black berries for a darker, more dramatic “blood.”
- Mini Version: Make in cupcake liners for individual servings with berry drips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cheesecake / Halloween
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
