Description
Bold espresso meets rich, silky cream cheese in this creamy coffee cheesecake—an indulgent make-ahead dessert perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso or cooled brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat again. Mix in eggs one at a time, then sour cream, heavy cream, flour, vanilla, espresso, and salt until fully combined. Stir in optional liqueur and spices if using.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour batter into crust. Wrap the pan with foil and place it in a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Cool in oven with the door cracked for 1 hour.
- Chill: Remove and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Garnish with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and coffee beans if desired. Slice with a hot knife for clean edges.
Notes
For a no-bake version, use whipped cream instead of eggs and omit baking—chill for 6+ hours. Use espresso powder for stronger flavor. Cheesecake keeps 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy coffee cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, coffee dessert, cheesecake with coffee, baked cheesecake