yeah, the cherry variant sounds like a regular German cheesecake, which is moister and more fluffy, but very, very yummy in its own right!

For the Käseplootz, substituting dried currants (esp. red ones) sounds taste very intriguing. As long as the raisin substitute is not too moist, it ought to work: dried cranberries or blueberries as well, maybe; though I really couldn't say if those would harmonize with the cake's flavour as well as the currants.)

I often just leave out the raisins anyway, since my flatmates don't like them :)