If you’re a fan of coffee and cheesecake, this Espresso Coffee Cheesecake with Ganache is a dessert that will satisfy your cravings in the most indulgent way possible. The combination of rich espresso, creamy cheesecake filling, and a smooth ganache topping creates a dessert that is both luxurious and irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to serve at a gathering or simply want to enjoy a slice of pure indulgence, this cheesecake is sure to impress. The deep, bold flavor of espresso paired with the velvety ganache creates a sophisticated dessert that balances sweetness and coffee bitterness beautifully.
I recently made this cheesecake for a family gathering, and the addition of the espresso not only enhanced the flavor but also gave the cheesecake a unique twist that was loved by all. Let’s walk through the ingredients, preparation steps, and a few tips for creating this stunning dessert.
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Espresso Coffee Cheesecake with Ganache: A Decadent Delight for Coffee Lovers
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and decadent espresso coffee cheesecake with a smooth, velvety ganache topping. The perfect dessert for coffee lovers.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- For the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- For the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and sugar, then mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Dissolve the espresso powder in a small amount of hot water (about 1 tablespoon), then add it along with the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the espresso powder until fully dissolved.
- Once the cheesecake has chilled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for another hour to set the ganache.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of espresso powder in the cheesecake filling.
- Make sure the cheesecake is fully cooled and set in the fridge before adding the ganache.
- If you prefer a lighter crust, use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of the cheesecake. They provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth, creamy filling. You can substitute them with digestive biscuits or any other cookies of your choice.
- Butter: Melted butter helps to bind the graham cracker crumbs together and creates a firm base for the cheesecake. It adds richness and flavor to the crust.
- Cream cheese: The main ingredient in the filling, cream cheese gives the cheesecake its creamy, tangy texture. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
- Granulated sugar: Used to sweeten the cheesecake filling. You can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference.
- Eggs: Eggs help to set the cheesecake and give it a smooth, firm texture once baked.
- Espresso: The key flavoring for this cheesecake, espresso adds a rich coffee flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling. You can use espresso powder or freshly brewed espresso.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor of the cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Added to the cheesecake filling for a bit of tang and extra creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Used in the ganache topping to give it a smooth, glossy finish. The cream creates a luxurious texture that perfectly complements the espresso flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: The star of the ganache topping, providing a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the espresso in the cheesecake.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease the sides of a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and espresso.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set the ganache.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 slices of delicious cheesecake. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a baking time of 1 hour. Allow at least 4 hours for chilling, preferably overnight, for the cheesecake to fully set.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
While this Espresso Coffee Cheesecake with Ganache is already a decadent treat, here are a few variations and customizations you can try:
- Add a coffee liqueur: For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, to the cheesecake filling. This will enhance the coffee flavor and add a subtle richness.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the graham cracker crust with gluten-free cookies or even almond flour for a gluten-free alternative. Make sure the cream cheese and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Swirl in chocolate: Before baking, you can swirl melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling for a marbled effect. This adds an extra layer of flavor and looks beautiful when sliced.
- Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the cheesecake, and perhaps a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings to enhance the presentation.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of Espresso Coffee Cheesecake with Ganache:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein (g) | 6 |
| Carbs (g) | 37 |
| Fat (g) | 33 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 18 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 30 |
| Sodium (mg) | 350 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the smoothest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This prevents lumps and ensures a creamy texture.
Don’t Overbake the Cheesecake
Keep an eye on the cheesecake while it’s baking. It’s done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. Overbaking can lead to cracks and a dry texture.
Set the Ganache
Make sure to chill the cheesecake after adding the ganache. This will ensure that the ganache sets and gives you that perfect glossy finish.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, this cheesecake needs to be chilled for several hours, so it’s ideal to prepare it the day before serving.
Can I use decaffeinated coffee for the espresso?
Absolutely! If you want to enjoy the coffee flavor without the caffeine, you can easily swap regular espresso for decaf.
How can I make the ganache thicker?
If you prefer a thicker ganache, simply use more chocolate relative to the heavy cream.
Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
How long will the cheesecake last in the fridge?
This cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, provided it is stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of crusts, such as an Oreo cookie crust, or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cheesecake?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I add a fruit topping to this cheesecake?
Yes! A berry compote or fresh strawberries would be a great addition to balance the richness of the cheesecake and ganache.
Conclusion
Espresso Coffee Cheesecake with Ganache is a luxurious dessert that combines the bold flavor of espresso with the smooth richness of cheesecake and ganache. Perfect for coffee lovers and cheesecake fans alike, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for special occasions or a comforting treat to enjoy anytime. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this decadent dessert is sure to impress.
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