If you’re ready to indulge in something truly luscious, this Coffee Cheesecake is about to be your new obsession. Any coffee lover or cheesecake fan will fall head over heels for the creamy, satiny filling laced with real espresso and nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe delivers all the elegance you’d expect from a classic cheesecake but with a deep, captivating coffee flavor that makes every bite feel like your favorite café treat transformed into dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list — each ingredient is simple, purposeful, and works its magic to create the most irresistible Coffee Cheesecake. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation for that classic buttery, crunchy crust that sets off the creamy filling perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and cheesecake filling, perfectly balancing the boldness of the coffee.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together and brings rich flavor; using unsalted helps you control the taste.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of every cheesecake, providing a luxuriously smooth and tangy base.
- All-purpose flour: Just a tablespoon helps stabilize the filling so every slice holds together beautifully.
- Large eggs: These give the cheesecake its structure and help achieve that custardy, velvety texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a little tang and keeps the filling extra creamy and light.
- Strong brewed espresso (cooled): Infuses the cheesecake with real, robust coffee flavor right down to the last bite.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, adding depth and warmth to each slice.
- Instant espresso powder (optional): If you crave bolder coffee notes, an extra spoonful will intensify the flavor with ease.
- Whipped cream or chocolate shavings (for garnish): The perfect finishing touches for a bit of flair and extra indulgence.
How to Make Coffee Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup sugar and the melted butter until all the crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer, then bake for 10 minutes to set the crust. Let it cool while you move on to the creamy filling.
Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. Don’t rush this step! Taking the time here ensures your Coffee Cheesecake will have that dreamy, silky texture that makes homemade cheesecake so irresistible.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and the tablespoon of flour to the cream cheese, mixing well to combine. Crack in the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed — this helps create a uniform, custard-like consistency without any streaks.
Step 4: Add Coffee, Sour Cream, and Flavor
Now for the best part! Stir in the sour cream, strong brewed espresso, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder if you want an extra bold coffee kick. Mix just until everything is incorporated and the batter looks smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over your cooled crust, smoothing the top. For a perfectly baked Coffee Cheesecake, place the springform pan into a larger baking dish and add hot water to the outer dish to create a gentle water bath — this helps prevent cracks and gives the filling a luxurious texture. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let your cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent those pesky cracks. Finish by refrigerating the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight, so it can set up into sliceable, creamy perfection.
How to Serve Coffee Cheesecake
Garnishes
For an extra touch of decadence, pipe or dollop some whipped cream onto each slice, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, or even dust a little espresso powder on top. Garnishes not only make your Coffee Cheesecake look like it came straight from a fancy bakery, but they also add delightful contrast and color.
Side Dishes
A silky slice of Coffee Cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a handful of chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you’re serving dessert after dinner, a cup of rich espresso or a chilled coffee liqueur makes a fun and fitting pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by cutting your cheesecake into small bars or bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter for a casual gathering. Or, drizzle with homemade caramel or mocha sauce to elevate each slice. You can even serve mini cheesecakes in individual ramekins if you’re going for a café-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It stays luxuriously creamy, and you might even find the flavors deepen after a day or two!
Freezing
If you want to savor your Coffee Cheesecake even longer, it freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, simply let refrigerated or frozen slices sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. No need to reheat — this actually helps the flavors shine and ensures the filling remains smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Coffee Cheesecake without a springform pan?
Absolutely! While a springform pan makes for easy release and pretty presentation, you can use a deep pie dish or even a square baking pan. Just be sure to line with parchment for easy removal and adjust the baking time as needed.
How do I get a super-smooth cheesecake filling?
The key is to start with all your ingredients at room temperature, especially the cream cheese, and to beat until completely smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl often and avoid over-mixing once the eggs are added to prevent incorporating too much air.
How strong is the coffee flavor?
The coffee flavor is noticeable but balanced. For a subtler touch, stick to just the brewed espresso. For a bolder statement, definitely add the instant espresso powder, or adjust to your personal taste.
Can I use decaf espresso?
Definitely! If you want to enjoy your Coffee Cheesecake any time of day without any late-night jitters, substitute brewed decaf espresso and decaf instant espresso powder. The flavor will be just as rich and full-bodied.
What is the best way to cut clean slices?
To get neat, bakery-worthy slices, run a sharp knife under hot water then wipe it dry before each cut. This helps the knife glide cleanly through the creamy filling without sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Cheesecake truly merges the best of both worlds — a creamy, dreamy dessert with the depth and sophistication of real coffee flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply to treat yourself, don’t wait to experience just how crowd-pleasing and unforgettable it really is. Try it once, and it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Coffee Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and cream cheese with this decadent Coffee Cheesecake. A perfect blend of espresso, sweetness, and velvety smoothness, this dessert is a coffee lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream or chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, brewed espresso, vanilla, and espresso powder.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust, place in a water bath, and bake for 55–65 minutes. Cool in the oven before refrigerating.
- Serve: Chill for at least 4 hours, then garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder.
- Use decaf coffee for a caffeine-free version.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
