Espresso Cheesecake Recipe
This rich and luscious Espresso Cheesecake combines the bold flavors of strong brewed espresso with a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling atop a crunchy Oreo crust. Finished with a silky chocolate ganache and garnished with whole espresso beans, this dessert is perfect for coffee lovers seeking a decadent treat that balances sweet and bitter notes with creamy texture.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 24 Oreos, filling removed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brewed espresso (strong coffee)
- 3 large eggs
Ganache Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Garnish
- Whole espresso beans for topping
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake crust.
- Prepare Crust: Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or placing them in a sealed bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: Mix the Oreo crumbs with melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for baking the cheesecake.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended.
- Incorporate Espresso: Gradually add the brewed espresso, mixing until completely combined with the cream cheese mixture.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each to avoid excess air which can cause cracking during baking.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the outer dish to reach halfway up the pan, creating a water bath to ensure even baking and prevent cracks.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 65 to 85 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, slightly open the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for 1 hour to avoid sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.
- Prepare Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, pour hot heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy chocolate ganache forms.
- Apply Ganache: Let ganache cool slightly for 5 to 7 minutes, then pour over the cooled cheesecake, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Chill Cheesecake: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
- Serve: Remove the springform pan carefully. Garnish with whole espresso beans for a decorative and flavorful finish. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling without lumps.
- Adding eggs one at a time and mixing gently prevents over-aeration which can cause cracking.
- The water bath is essential for even baking and helps avoid cracks in the cheesecake.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the turned-off oven avoids sudden temperature changes that can cause the surface to crack.
- If you don’t have brewed espresso, use strong brewed coffee as a substitute but espresso will give the richest coffee flavor.
- For easier removal, wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil before placing it in the water bath to prevent leaks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: espresso cheesecake, coffee cheesecake, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate ganache cheesecake, coffee dessert