Creamy Coffee Cheesecake Recipe
This creamy coffee cheesecake combines the rich flavors of espresso and smooth cream cheese with a crunchy Oreo crust, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and light espresso-infused whipped cream. Perfect for coffee lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike, this recipe uses a water bath baking method to ensure a silky, crack-free texture.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups (335g) Oreo crumbs (about 30 Oreos)
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons instant coffee/espresso granules
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (30ml) hot water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Chocolate Ganache
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate
- 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee/espresso granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides. Combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove and let cool. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to protect it from water during the water bath.
- Prepare for water bath: Set the foil-wrapped pan aside.
- Reduce oven temperature: Lower oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Make filling base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until fully combined and smooth to avoid air incorporation that causes cracks. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Add sour cream: Mix in sour cream on low speed until combined.
- Dissolve coffee: Stir espresso granules into hot water until dissolved. Add this coffee mixture and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low until combined.
- Add eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition. Scrape the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the batter over the cooled crust in the prepared pan.
- Water bath setup: Place the springform pan inside a larger pan. Pour warm water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan, making sure the water does not touch the foil edge.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggle in the center.
- Initial cooling: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes to slowly continue cooking and cooling.
- Further cooling: Crack the oven door open and let the cheesecake cool for an additional 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath, unwrap it, and refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight until fully firm.
- Remove from pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Make ganache: Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in the microwave until just boiling, pour over the chocolate, let sit 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Apply ganache: Pour the ganache over the cheesecake and spread evenly using an offset spatula, adding texture if desired. Refrigerate while preparing whipped cream.
- Make whipped cream: In a large bowl, whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, instant coffee granules, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate cheesecake: Pipe the whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake. Use a piping tip such as Ateco tip 844 for decoration.
- Storage: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover well in the refrigerator. Best consumed within 4-5 days.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for smooth batter.
- Using low speed when mixing reduces air incorporation which helps prevent cracking in the cheesecake.
- Wrapping the springform pan with foil prevents water from the water bath from leaking into the cheesecake.
- The water bath baking method creates gentle and even heat, resulting in a creamy texture without cracks.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to minimize cracking on the surface.
- Espresso granules add a subtle coffee flavor without making the cheesecake bitter.
- The whipped cream topping is flavored with espresso and vanilla to complement the cheesecake perfectly.
- Chocolate ganache adds richness and balances the coffee flavor.
- Refrigerate cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor development.
Keywords: coffee cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate ganache cheesecake, coffee dessert, water bath cheesecake