Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate cookies (like Oreos or digestive biscuits)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Espresso Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Coffee Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso, cooled
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Coffee beans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Espresso Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and cooled espresso, mixing until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and fold it into the batter gently to avoid overworking.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a large roasting pan.
- Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath will prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent sinking.
Step 4: Add the Ganache Topping
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering (do not boil).
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, then mix in the brewed espresso.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cheesecake. Spread evenly with an offset spatula.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4–6 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and coffee beans for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g