Description
The Espresso Lover’s Dream Cheesecake blends the bold, intense flavor of freshly brewed espresso with the rich, velvety creaminess of classic cheesecake. Perfectly balanced and easy to make with simple pantry staples, this dessert delivers deep coffee notes wrapped in a luscious texture, ideal for any occasion or everyday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 shots (about 2 oz) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even, sturdy base for the cheesecake.
- Brew the Espresso: Brew one or two strong espresso shots using your preferred method. Allow the espresso to cool slightly to avoid curdling the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla extract, and the cooled espresso, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the espresso-infused batter over the prepared crust. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and develop flavors fully.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid trapping air that can cause cracks.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor; avoid instant coffee to prevent bitterness.
- Chill the cheesecake long enough for flavors to meld and texture to properly set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: espresso cheesecake, coffee dessert, creamy cheesecake, baked espresso dessert, coffee lover cheesecake
