Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as chocolate graham crackers or Oreos, without filling)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup strongly brewed espresso (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
For the Espresso Ganache Topping:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
Optional Garnishes:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Whipped cream
- Coffee beans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and instant espresso powder.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, flour, brewed espresso, and instant espresso powder. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking dish. Fill the larger dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Remove from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight).
Step 4: Make the Espresso Ganache Topping
- Heat the heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil).
- Pour over the chopped dark chocolate and espresso powder, letting it sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Dust with cocoa powder or add chocolate curls for decoration.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream or coffee beans as an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cooling and chilling Time: 6+ hours (preferably overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 27g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g