Can you add coffee to cheesecake?

Absolutely. Coffee adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of cheesecake. Whether you use espresso powder, brewed coffee, or a coffee extract, incorporating coffee into your cheesecake enhances its richness without overpowering the creamy base. It pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese, making every bite of coffee cheesecake more indulgent.

Does Cheesecake Factory have a coffee cheesecake?

While the Cheesecake Factory doesn’t offer coffee cheesecake as a regular menu item, they’ve introduced seasonal or specialty versions featuring espresso and chocolate infusions. If you're craving that rich flavor, this homemade coffee cheesecake recipe is a perfect copycat alternative—and possibly even better.

Do coffee and cream cheese go together?

Yes, and the combination is a match made in dessert heaven. Cream cheese offers a smooth, slightly tangy texture, while coffee delivers a bold and bitter edge. When combined in a coffee cheesecake , they balance each other to create a rich, flavorful experience that isn’t too sweet or too sharp.

What are the three types of cheesecake?

The main types of cheesecake are: Baked Cheesecake – A classic method that creates a dense and creamy texture. No-Bake Cheesecake – Uses whipped cream or gelatin to set without baking. Soufflé Cheesecake – A light, fluffy version made with whipped egg whites, often found in Japanese cuisine. Our coffee cheesecake is a baked version, known for its rich flavor and firm, sliceable texture.

What does coffee do to cake?

Coffee enhances the overall flavor of cakes by amplifying chocolate notes and adding a deep, slightly bitter edge that balances out sweetness. In a coffee cheesecake , it enriches the entire dessert, offering complexity and aroma that make it stand out.

What not to do when making cheesecake?

Here are common mistakes to avoid: Overmixing the batter , which can cause cracks. Using cold ingredients , which lead to a lumpy texture. Skipping the water bath , making the cake bake unevenly. Overbaking , resulting in a dry and dense cheesecake. Rushing the cooling process , which increases the chance of splitting or deflation. Following proper steps ensures your coffee cheesecake comes out smooth, creamy, and flawless every time.

Coffee Cheesecake – The Best Bold & Creamy Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Coffee Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker or chocolate cookie crumbs; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional); 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter; ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 24 oz cream cheese (3 blocks, softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup heavy cream; 1½ tablespoons instant espresso powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; Whipped cream; Chocolate ganache or drizzle; Espresso bean crumbles; Cocoa powder for dusting

Description

This coffee cheesecake blends the bold flavor of espresso with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving a slice of caffeinated indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker or chocolate cookie crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

For the Filling:

24 oz cream cheese (3 blocks, softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup heavy cream
1½ tablespoons instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:

Whipped cream
Chocolate ganache or drizzle
Espresso bean crumbles
Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9” springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease sides.
Make the crust: Combine cookie crumbs, sugar, espresso powder, and butter. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Pour filling into crust. Smooth the top and tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
Bake: Place the pan in a water bath (optional but recommended). Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve: Add toppings and slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumps.
For stronger flavor, increase espresso powder to 2 tablespoons.
No water bath? Place a pan of water on the lower oven rack instead.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
For mocha variation, add ½ cup melted dark chocolate to the filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: coffee cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, mocha cheesecake, baked cheesecake, cheesecake with coffee, dessert with espresso, creamy cheesecake, rich cheesecake, homemade cheesecake