Espresso Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Espresso Beans Recipe
This rich and creamy Espresso Cheesecake combines the bold flavor of strong brewed espresso with a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling resting atop a buttery Oreo cookie crust. Finished with a luscious chocolate ganache topping and optional espresso bean garnish, this dessert is perfect for coffee lovers seeking an indulgent treat with a sophisticated twist.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- 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
Cheesecake 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
Ganache Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Garnish (Optional)
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Oreo crumbs: Crush the 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: Combine Oreo crumbs with melted butter in a bowl and mix thoroughly until all crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Form crust: Press the Oreo mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust base.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for the cheesecake baking.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Incorporate the granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese and beat until fully blended and creamy.
- Incorporate espresso: Gradually add the brewed espresso into the mixture and continue mixing to combine thoroughly without overbeating.
- Add eggs carefully: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each to avoid incorporating air which can cause cracking.
- Pour filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top using a spatula for an even surface.
- Prepare water bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water. This water bath helps maintain even heat and prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 65 to 85 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken.
- Cool cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven for one hour to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
- Make ganache: In a heatproof bowl, pour hot heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Apply ganache: Allow the ganache to cool for 5 to 7 minutes, then pour it evenly over the cooled cheesecake and spread with a spatula.
- Chill cheesecake: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so it can set properly.
- Serve: When ready, carefully remove the springform pan and garnish the cheesecake with whole espresso beans for an elegant finish. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Removing the Oreo filling ensures the crust binds better and avoids excess sweetness.
- Using a water bath when baking prevents cracks by providing gentle, even heat around the cheesecake.
- Gently mixing eggs minimizes air incorporation which reduces cracking during baking.
- The ganache topping adds a rich chocolate layer that complements the espresso flavor perfectly.
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate overnight to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
- If you don’t have espresso, strongly brewed coffee can be used as a substitute.
Keywords: espresso cheesecake, cream cheese dessert, Oreo crust cheesecake, coffee flavored cheesecake, chocolate ganache topping