What could be better for your holiday table than my Amethyst Cheesecake Torte, a delicious blend of blueberries and cranberries topping a creamy, rich, and smooth cheesecake.
When life 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)
Ingredients to make the Amethyst Cheesecake Topping
Making the topping first gives it time to fully cool. While fresh berries are always best, frozen make a good substitute.
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Keep stirring the mixture as it cooks.
Continue with a light boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer the berry mixture to glass, or ceramic dish; cool completely (mixture will thicken).
How do I make a chocolate crust for the cheesecake?
- 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 the mixture onto the bottom and up the side of the deep 9-inch tart pan or springform pan
- Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes until firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
**If the mixture seems a little dry, add more melted butter. You should be able to form a crust.
How do I make Amethyst Cheesecake?
- Add the cream cheese to the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat just until smooth.
- Slowly add in the granulated sugar, then scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix for 2 -3 minutes until well blended and smooth.
Pour the amethyst cheesecake batter into the prepared crust and place the pan on the center rack of a350 degree F. preheated oven for 50-60 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- When the cheesecake is completely cooled, add the cranberry-blueberry topping.
- Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is better).
The combination of the cream cheesecake with a crunch of a chocolate crust goes so well with the sweet-tart cranberry-blueberry topping. I promise your friends and family are going to love my Amethyst Cheesecake!
Allyson Paruzynski
May I ask what size deep
Tort pan or spring form
Pan? Thank
You!
Chef Dennis Littley
I used 9.5 x 2 inch tart pan with a removable bottom. A 9 inch springfield will also work
Mary
What size package is the Graham wafers please and what brand do you recommend.
Also could I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Many thanks and greetings from Ontario, Canada
Chef Dennis Littley
they are 5 ounce packages and I use Nabisco. Yes you can use a hand mixer
Jo
That cheesecake looks absolutely delicious! Anything with berry toppings are my kids favorite, and this cheesecake torte would be a sure hit in the family.
Veronika Sykorova
Omg you had me at the chocolate crust. Ive never tried that! I need to make this asap, it’s perfect for the winter holidays with the cranberries too. Yum
Tammy
This looks so beautiful! It’s a tradition in my family to have cheesecake for special occasions and holidays…this is one I will have to try soon!
Veronika
I need a slice of this torte right now! It will be perfect for the holiday celebration! Although, you even don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delicious dessert!
Kathryn Donangelo
WOW! What a delicious dessert. Cheesecake is one of my favorites and my favorite is the berry topping and the chocolate graham cracker crust- this was a perfect combination! I will be serving this for the holidays and I know it will be a hit!
Lynndee
That looks so divine and so festive. I have never made one before. I’d love to make one this Christmas.
Catalina
This looks like a very festive and delicious holiday cheesecake torte! A must try for sure!
rika
That’s one of the most beautiful cakes I’ve ever seen! I love cheesecake, one of my favorite desserts!
Swathi
This is delicous amethyst cheesecake torte I love it. I need to try it.
Leslie
I wouldn’t change a thing about this! Perfection!
Valerie Skinner
This looks like such a festive cheesecake! I love that there are cranberries AND blueberries to balance out the tart of each berry. I may just eat this for breakfast.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
WOW!!! That’s all I can say! This is so beautiful and I am in LOVE with the flavors of the amethyst filling! This is a MUST make for the holidays! Those flavors are outstanding!!!
Nyxie
This looks amazing! I know if I served one of these after dinner I’d be bound to impress!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
This torte looks so fancy and delicious. I love the combo of blueberries and cranberries in this! Mouth-watering pictures too!