If you’re a fan of creamy desserts and bold coffee flavor, this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe is your new dream dessert! Picture a silky, espresso-infused filling atop a decadent chocolate cookie crust, all chilled to creamy perfection. Every bite is rich and smooth, with just the right hint of coffee and a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet chocolate base. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want a luxurious treat to share with loved ones, this recipe takes the classic cheesecake to a whole new level—with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Coffee Cheesecake Recipe keeps things simple but packs in all the essentials for a showstopping dessert. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from adding richness and structure to infusing that irresistible aroma of fresh espresso. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is so important:

Chocolate cookies: The foundation of your crust—choose Oreos (with filling removed) or any plain chocolate cookie for deep, chocolatey flavor that complements the coffee beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs, this helps hold the crust together and adds a lovely richness.
Full-fat cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened! This is the secret to that luxuriously smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the cheesecake and balances the boldness of the coffee and tang of the cream cheese.
Sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and extra creaminess, guaranteeing a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the coffee notes.
Espresso powder: The star flavoring, dissolved in hot water to deliver robust coffee flavor without overpowering bitterness.
Hot water: Needed to fully dissolve the espresso powder and infuse the filling.
Salt: Just a pinch, but it brightens and enhances both the sweet and bitter notes.
Eggs: These bind the filling, creating a rich, cohesive cheesecake that slices like a dream.

How to Make Coffee Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This little bit of prep work sets you up for an easy release and a gorgeously smooth bottom crust—no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine your crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter. Stir until every crumb is glossy and just damp. Now, pour the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly (the bottom of a glass is your best friend here). Bake for 10 minutes to help the crust set and allow the chocolate to deepen in flavor, then let it cool while you get the filling ready.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Take your time scraping down the sides—this ensures a velvety texture with no lumps in sight. The cream cheese is really the heart of this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe, so make sure it’s ultra creamy before moving on.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Mix

Pour in the granulated sugar and beat again until the mixture is perfectly blended and smooth. This helps dissolve any grittiness and creates that signature cheesecake sweetness we all crave.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Dissolve the espresso powder in hot water, then add it to the batter along with sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated and your batter smells absolutely divine. The coffee aroma takes center stage, giving your filling its sophisticated edge.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently and scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. This step is key—don’t overbeat! Too much air can cause cracks or a soufflé-like texture. The goal is a thick yet pourable filling that holds together beautifully once baked.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth

Pour your luscious batter over the cooled crust. Gently tap the springform pan on the counter a few times to pop any little air bubbles (the secret to that perfectly flat top).

Step 8: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The edges should be set, but don’t fret if the center still has a slight jiggle—that’s exactly what you want for the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 9: Cool Gradually

Turn the oven off, crack the door, and leave the cheesecake inside for an hour. Letting it cool slowly like this helps prevent dreaded cracks on top and keeps your Coffee Cheesecake Recipe looking bakery-perfect.

Step 10: Chill Completely

Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 6 hours—or, even better, overnight. Patience pays off with a set, sliceable, and extra-flavorful dessert.

How to Serve Coffee Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

This Coffee Cheesecake Recipe is a showstopper on its own, but a finishing touch goes a long way. Try a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a bit of extra glamour and flavor.

Side Dishes

For a special occasion, serve your cheesecake with fresh berries or a vibrant raspberry sauce to cut through the richness. A little bowl of mixed fruit or a plate of almond biscotti on the side also rounds out the dessert experience with some bright, crunchy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the Coffee Cheesecake Recipe into small squares for a tasting platter, or stack rounds with alternating layers of chocolate shavings. For something extra fun, serve in individual mason jars or ramekins for effortless, elegant single servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of Coffee Cheesecake Recipe are honestly a gift for your future self. Wrap the pan (or individual slices) tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors become even more robust as they sit, making every bite just as dreamy as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this cheesecake easily—just cool it completely, then wrap tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and your Coffee Cheesecake Recipe will taste as fresh as the day you made it.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to warm individual slices. But if you love a very soft texture, let your slice sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Resist the urge to microwave—slow thawing preserves the perfect texture!

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee, but espresso powder gives a much bolder, richer coffee flavor. If you use instant coffee, increase the amount slightly to achieve the same robust taste.

Why did my cheesecake crack on top?

Cracking usually happens when the cheesecake cools too quickly or if the batter is overmixed. Letting your cheesecake cool gradually in the oven and not overbeating when adding the eggs are both crucial tips you’ll find in this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe.

Can I make this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and double-check that your other ingredients are free from gluten. Everything else in the Coffee Cheesecake Recipe is naturally gluten free.

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?

The edges will look set, and the very center will still jiggle slightly. That gentle wobble means your cheesecake is beautifully creamy and not overbaked.

Is it possible to halve the recipe?

You can! Halve all ingredients and use a 6-inch springform pan. Adjust the baking time down (start checking around 35–40 minutes). Smaller, but just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe becomes a standout in your dessert collection, whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for an unforgettable treat. Give it a try and watch your family and friends swoon over each creamy, chocolatey, coffee-kissed bite!

Coffee Cheesecake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 7 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 1 9-inch cheesecake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Coffee Cheesecake. A decadent dessert that combines the bold flavors of espresso with a luscious cream cheese filling, all nestled on a chocolate cookie crust.

Instructions

PREHEAT AND PREP THE PAN: Set the oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
MAKE THE CRUST: Combine the crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
PREPARE THE FILLING: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
ADD SUGAR AND MIX: Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined and smooth.
INCORPORATE LIQUID INGREDIENTS: In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in the hot water. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, espresso mixture, and salt to the batter. Mix until well blended.
ADD EGGS: Add the eggs one at a time, beating slowly and scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Mix just until incorporated. Avoid overbeating to prevent adding too much air into the batter.
POUR AND SMOOTH: Pour the batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles.
BAKE THE CHEESECAKE: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The edges should be set and the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
COOL GRADUALLY: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool slowly. This helps prevent cracking.
CHILL COMPLETELY: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of espresso powder to suit your taste.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Coffee Cheesecake, Dessert, Cheesecake Recipe, Coffee Dessert