Description
An Oreo crust, an espresso-spiked batter and served with a Kahlúa whipped cream. This espresso cheesecake sure satisfies our sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the crust
- 200 g (about 20) chocolate sandwich cookies (such as a dark chocolate cream cookie)
- 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
- 500 g (17.6 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 250 g (8.8 oz) crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/4 cups caster (superfine) sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (or ground coffee granules)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
Coffee cream:
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar (confectioner's sugar), or to taste
To garnish:
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans
Instructions
For the crust:
- Pulse the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form (or seal in a bag and crush with a rolling pin). Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs look like wet sand.
- Press firmly into the base of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
For the cheesecake:
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, crème fraîche, flour, and salt on medium speed, scraping down the sides frequently, until very smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps (strain through a sieve if needed).
- Add the sugar and continue beating until well blended and smooth.
- Add the vanilla and instant espresso powder and beat until blended, about 30 seconds.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Do not overbeat once the eggs are in or the cheesecake will puff and crack as it cools.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake until the center jiggles like jelly when nudged, 55–65 minutes. The cake will be slightly puffed around the edges and the center will still look moist.
- Set on a rack and cool completely, then cover and refrigerate until well chilled — at least 8 hours and up to 3 days.
For the coffee cream:
- Combine the cream, coffee liqueur, and icing sugar in a bowl and whip until the cream is firm and holds its shape when piped. Store in the fridge until needed.
To serve:
- Unclasp and remove the side of the springform pan. Run a long, thin spatula under the crust and carefully slide the cake onto a flat serving plate.
- Pipe the coffee cream on top (keep the remainder to serve alongside), scatter over the chocolate-covered espresso beans, and serve. To cut cleanly, run a thin knife under hot water, wipe dry, and heat after every slice.
Notes
For a stronger coffee hit, increase the espresso powder from 2 to 3 teaspoons. The crème fraîche keeps the cheesecake lighter and more tangy than a standard cream cheese version — it’s a worthwhile swap.
- Category: Baking, Dessert