The Ultimate Coffee Lover’s Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This ultimate coffee lover’s cheesecake combines rich espresso flavor with a creamy, velvety texture. It’s a perfect dessert for coffee fans seeking a decadent treat with a subtle chocolate twist.

A three-layer round cake is shown close-up with a smooth bottom layer of dark brown crumb crust, a thick middle layer of creamy off-white mousse with a soft texture, and a thin top layer of shiny caramel-colored glaze. The top is sprinkled lightly with fine cocoa powder. In the center, there is a small mound of dark chocolate shavings mixed with whole dark roasted coffee beans. The cake sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Chocolate shavings or coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well, then press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
  3. Step 3: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Step 6: Slowly pour in cooled espresso and coffee liqueur if using. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  7. Step 7: Pour the coffee cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 55-60 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and leave the door cracked, allowing cheesecake to cool slowly inside for about 1 hour.
  9. Step 9: Chill cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
  10. Step 10: Remove from pan carefully. Garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

  • Use strong brewed espresso for the richest coffee flavor, or substitute with high-quality instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
  • For an adult twist, add coffee liqueur like Kahlúa; omit for a kid-friendly version.
  • Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when slicing.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or serve chilled—it’s best enjoyed cold to maintain its creamy texture and coffee flavor.

How to Serve

A single slice of cheesecake is shown with three layers: a thick dark brown crumbly base at the bottom, a thick creamy off-white middle layer with a smooth texture, and a thin light brown glossy top layer. The top of the cheesecake is decorated with dark chocolate shavings piled in the center and a small yellow flower on the side. Around the slice on the white marbled plate are scattered more chocolate shavings and a few whole dark brown coffee beans. The photo has a close-up view focusing on the textures and details of the dessert, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! Cheesecake actually tastes better when made a day ahead as the flavors develop. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate until serving.

What can I use instead of a springform pan?

A regular 9-inch cake pan will work, but lining it with parchment paper will help you remove the cheesecake more easily.

Print

The Ultimate Coffee Lover’s Cheesecake Recipe

Indulge in the rich, velvety texture of the Ultimate Coffee Lover’s Cheesecake, a decadent dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the bold flavors of espresso and coffee liqueur. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts, this cheesecake features a chocolatey graham cracker crust and a smooth coffee-infused filling, baked to perfection and chilled for a luscious finish.

  • Author: Tim
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish

  • Chocolate shavings or coffee beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
  2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
  3. Beat the Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy to ensure a lumpy-free filling.
  4. Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing, then incorporate vanilla extract and salt until well blended.
  5. Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time on low mixer speed, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing the batter.
  6. Mix in Coffee: Slowly pour the cooled espresso and optional coffee liqueur into the mixture and blend until smooth and creamy without lumps.
  7. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the coffee-infused filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  8. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, leaving the cheesecake inside to cool slowly for 1 hour.
  9. Chill: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set and develop flavors fully.
  10. Serve: Remove the cheesecake carefully from the springform pan. Garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans if desired. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich coffee flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven to prevent cracking.
  • If you do not have coffee liqueur, you can omit it; the espresso alone provides strong coffee flavor.
  • For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight before serving.
  • Use a water bath if you want an even creamier texture and to reduce the risk of cracks.

Keywords: coffee cheesecake, coffee dessert, espresso cheesecake, coffee lover dessert, baked cheesecake, chocolate crust cheesecake

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