I cannot begin to express how much I adore this Coffee Cheesecake! It’s the kind of dessert that makes my heart skip a beat every time I take a slice. Imagine a creamy, dreamy cheesecake infused with rich coffee flavor, nestled in a delectable chocolate cookie crust. Did I mention it gets a lavish topping of silky chocolate ganache, fluffy whipped cream, and delicate chocolate shavings? It’s practically a coffee lover’s dream come true!
My love affair with this cheesecake started a few years ago during a family gathering. My uncle, a true coffee aficionado, had whipped this up for dessert. As soon as I took my first bite, I felt like I was floating in dessert heaven—a perfect balance of sweet and bold, all wrapped in that luscious coffee goodness. I knew I had to recreate it, and I’m thrilled to share my favorite version with you!
What’s in Coffee Cheesecake?
Chocolate Cookie Crust: The base of our cheesecake, made from crushed chocolate cookies (I recommend Oreos for their rich flavor) mixed with melted butter. This crust adds a delightful crunch and a hint of chocolatey sweetness.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! I always use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, velvety texture that makes my cheesecake so creamy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, balancing the strong coffee flavor. You can use a little less if you prefer it less sweet.
Coffee: A strong brewed coffee brings that bold flavor we love! I recommend using a good-quality coffee that you enjoy drinking for the best taste.
Eggs: These bind everything together and give the cheesecake its structure.
Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the filling. I suggest opting for full-fat sour cream for the best texture.
Heavy Cream: We’ll whip this up to create a luxurious topping and rich chocolate ganache.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are melted for the ganache. It adds a decadent finish to our cheesecake!
Is Coffee Cheesecake Good for You?
Now, I won’t claim this coffee cheesecake is a health food—after all, it’s a dessert! But let’s talk about some aspects that might work in our favor.
Cream Cheese: While it’s rich, cream cheese does provide calcium and can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll be happy to know that moderate coffee consumption can have some health benefits, such as improved energy levels and concentration. Just remember, more isn’t always better!
Sugar: The sugar content is not too high if you stick to a reasonable portion size. Just be mindful of that sweet tooth!
In short, while this cheesecake is definitely a treat, enjoying a slice now and then is a delightful way to satisfy cravings!
Ingredients for Coffee Cheesecake
– 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (I love using Oreos)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for decoration
This recipe serves about 10 slices of indulgence!
How to Make Coffee Cheesecake?
1. **Prepare the Crust:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a Mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until fully coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. **Make the Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add the cooled coffee and mix until combined. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. **Incorporate Sour Cream:** Once the mixture is smooth, fold in the sour cream and mix until everything is well combined.
4. **Bake the Cheesecake:** Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 55-60 minutes, until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool inside for about an hour.
5. **Cool In the Fridge:** After it’s cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight!) for the best texture.
6. **Prepare the Ganache:** In a small saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream and chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. **Top the Cheesecake:** Once the cheesecake is set, spread the ganache over the top. Decorate with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings to finish!
Sweet Tips and Twists for Your Coffee Cheesecake Adventure
– **Coffee Variations:** Feel free to explore different coffee flavors—hazelnut or vanilla will change the game entirely!
– **Chocolate Influence:** Wanna make it extra chocolatey? Use a chocolate cheesecake filling instead. Simply add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture!
– **Serving Suggestions:** Pair with a fresh cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I can’t wait for you to try this Coffee Cheesecake! Trust me, once you take that first creamy, coffee-flavored bite, you’ll be hooked. Share your cheesecake success (or any delicious disasters!) with me—I’d love to hear all about your culinary adventures! Happy baking!
