Description
This indulgent cappuccino fudge cheesecake features a chocolate wafer crust, rich espresso-infused filling, silky ganache, and a creamy sour cream topping. A bold, multi-layered dessert perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 box (9 oz) chocolate wafer cookies
- 6 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- 7 tbsp hot melted unsalted butter
For the Ganache:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 20 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup Kahlúa (or brewed espresso for non-alcoholic)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ tbsp dark rum (or maple extract for non-alcoholic)
- 1½ tbsp instant espresso powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp light molasses
- 3 large eggs
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups sour cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, blend chocolate wafers, chopped chocolate, sugar, and nutmeg. Add melted butter and pulse to combine. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and chill in freezer.
- For ganache, bring cream to a simmer, then remove from heat. Add chocolate and Kahlúa, whisk until smooth. Pour 2 cups over the crust and freeze for 30 minutes. Set aside remaining ganache.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in flour, then the rum, espresso powder, vanilla, and molasses. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Pour filling over firm ganache in crust. Place springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 60–70 minutes, until center jiggles slightly.
- While cheesecake cools for 15 minutes, mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Spread over cheesecake and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Let cheesecake cool to room temp, then refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, decorate with reserved ganache and espresso beans. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (wrapped tightly).
- For alcohol-free, substitute espresso for Kahlúa and maple extract for rum.
- Serve slightly chilled, not straight from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cappuccino Fudge Cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, layered cheesecake, Kahlúa cheesecake, coffee dessert