Espresso Cheesecake Recipe
This rich and creamy Espresso Cheesecake combines a smooth cream cheese filling infused with bold espresso flavor on a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. Finished with a luscious chocolate ganache and optional espresso bean garnish, this indulgent dessert is perfect for coffee lovers looking to impress at any gathering.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 24 Oreos, filling removed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brewed espresso (strong coffee)
- 3 large eggs
Chocolate Ganache
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Topping
- Whole espresso beans for garnish
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust: Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Then, reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for baking the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Incorporate granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, mixing until blended well.
- Mix in Espresso: Gradually pour in the brewed espresso and mix until fully combined to infuse the cheesecake with coffee flavor.
- Add Eggs Carefully: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to minimize air incorporation and reduce cracking.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the outer dish to create a water bath that ensures even baking and prevents cracks.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 65–85 minutes or until the edges are set while the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside the oven for 1 hour to avoid sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.
- Make Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, pour hot heavy cream over chocolate chips. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Apply Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool for 5–7 minutes, then pour it evenly over the cooled cheesecake and spread with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let it fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the springform pan carefully, garnish with whole espresso beans if desired, and serve the cheesecake chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use strong brewed espresso to infuse a pronounced coffee flavor.
- Remove Oreo cream filling before crushing for optimal crust texture.
- Adding eggs one at a time and mixing gently helps prevent cracks during baking.
- Slow cooling in the oven helps maintain a smooth surface without cracks.
- Use a water bath to ensure even baking and creamy texture.
- The cheesecake sets best if refrigerated overnight.
- Chocolate ganache can be adjusted in thickness by varying the ratio of cream to chocolate chips.
- Whole espresso beans add a decorative touch and extra coffee aroma but are optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: espresso cheesecake, Oreo crust cheesecake, coffee cheesecake, chocolate ganache cheesecake, baked cheesecake dessert