Espresso Cheesecake Recipe
A rich and creamy espresso cheesecake featuring a crunchy Oreo crust, smooth espresso-flavored filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking an indulgent dessert with a delightful balance of bitterness and sweetness.
- Author: Leo
- 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
Cheesecake 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 crust.
- Prepare Oreo Crust: Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by crushing in a sealed bag. Combine crumbs with melted butter and mix until evenly moistened.
- Form Crust: Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually blend in brewed espresso.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to keep the batter smooth and to prevent cracking.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the outer dish to create a water bath, ensuring even baking and preventing cracks.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 65–85 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool Slowly: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to avoid sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.
- Make Ganache: Heat heavy cream until hot and pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Apply Ganache: Cool ganache for 5-7 minutes, then pour over the cooled cheesecake. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Remove the springform pan carefully, garnish with whole espresso beans if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Use a water bath to prevent cracking by insulating the cheesecake from direct heat.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to further reduce cracking risks.
- Brew a strong espresso or use concentrated coffee to get the best flavor impact.
- The ganache topping can be substituted with whipped cream for a lighter version.
- Refrigeration overnight improves flavor and texture melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: thirty-six g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: espresso cheesecake, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate ganache cheesecake, coffee flavored cheesecake, creamy cheesecake dessert