Espresso Cheesecake 🍰
A rich and decadent Espresso Cheesecake, featuring a classic OREO cookie crust, a creamy coffee-infused filling, and a luscious dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions!
Equipment
- Springform Pan
- Food Processor
- Stand Mixer
- Hand Mixer
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups crushed OREO cookies (about 20 cookies, not double-stuffed)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 0.25 tsp salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz softened cream cheese (3 packages)
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup strong espresso or coffee cooled to room temperature
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 large room-temperature eggs
Ganache
- 4 oz bittersweet or dark chocolate roughly chopped (high-quality bars are best)
- 4 oz heavy cream
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz softened cream cheese (for optional frosting)
- 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter (for optional frosting)
- 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract (for optional frosting)
- 0.75-1 cup powdered sugar (for optional frosting)
Garnish
- Whole espresso beans (optional, for garnish)
- dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Make Crust: In a food processor, pulse about 20 OREO cookies until you have 2 cups of fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and a pinch of salt, then pulse again until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of your prepared pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl (using a stand or hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese for at least 5 minutes until it's super smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Sugar & Flour: Mix in the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until just combined.
- Add Espresso: Pour in the cooled espresso or strong coffee and mix gently until it's just incorporated. Scrape the bowl again.
- Add Cream & Vanilla: Beat in the heavy whipping cream and pure vanilla extract for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is well blended.
- Incorporate Eggs: Gently add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill Pan: Pour the creamy filling over your cooled crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter 10 to 15 times to release any air bubbles.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 200°F (95°C) and continue baking for another 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Slowly: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes. After that, slightly crack the oven door and allow it to cool for an additional 15 minutes. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, until it's perfectly set.
- Prepare Ganache: Once the cheesecake is chilled, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream to a boil (either on the stove or in the microwave). Carefully pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Top with Ganache: Gently pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread it evenly.
- Optional Cream Cheese Frosting: If you're adding the frosting, combine softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until fully combined and smooth. Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip and pipe it around the outside of the cheesecake.
- Garnish & Serve: For a delightful finish, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings and a few whole espresso beans on top before serving. Enjoy this luxurious treat!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 628kcal
Total Carbs: 47g
Net Carbs: 46g
Fats: 46g
Protein: 8g Feel free to omit the optional cream cheese frosting for a slightly less sweet and rich experience.
Calories: 628kcal
Total Carbs: 47g
Net Carbs: 46g
Fats: 46g
Protein: 8g Feel free to omit the optional cream cheese frosting for a slightly less sweet and rich experience.
