The Ultimate Coffee Lover’s Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of The Ultimate Coffee Lover’s Cheesecake. This decadent dessert combines a chocolatey graham cracker crust with a smooth coffee-infused cheesecake filling, harmonizing espresso and optional coffee liqueur for a bold flavor. Perfectly baked to achieve a silky texture with a slight jiggle at the center, this cheesecake is an irresistible treat for coffee fans and dessert lovers alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 0.25 cups coffee liqueur (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or coffee beans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer at medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to mix. Incorporate vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully blended to ensure even flavor.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add Coffee Mixture: Slowly pour in the cooled espresso and, if desired, coffee liqueur. Blend the entire mixture until smooth and lump-free for a consistent coffee flavor throughout.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the coffee cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. Then turn off the oven and leave the door cracked open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven for about 1 hour.
- Chill: After cooling in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and texture set perfectly.
- Serve: Gently remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Optionally garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans. Slice and serve chilled to enjoy the rich coffee-infused cheesecake.
Notes
- Allow the crust to cool before adding the filling to avoid mixing or sogginess.
- Do not overbeat the cream cheese or eggs to keep the texture silky and smooth.
- Using brewed espresso provides the richest coffee flavor, but strong brewed coffee can be a substitute.
- The coffee liqueur is optional but adds depth and complexity to the cheesecake.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks on the surface.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
- Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to slice clean pieces.
Keywords: coffee cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, chocolate crust cheesecake, coffee dessert, creamy cheesecake recipe
