Decadent and Delicious Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Recipe
My dear coffee lovers, welcome to my world of Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Recipe! If you are madly in love with coffee and chocolate in equal measure, this recipe is perfect for you. Trust me, this recipe will give a new dimension to your dessert table, be it on any occasion. The rich chocolate mixed with the full-bodied espresso flavor bursts in your mouth with every bite, making it irresistible.
I always believe that everything tastes better with a little bit of coffee, and that’s precisely what we achieve with this recipe. As a barista, I often get asked what is the secret ingredient that sets our coffees apart from everyone else’s. And let me tell you- it is the quality of our beans infused into our recipes!
This recipe has room temperature cream cheese blended with heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream. To enhance the flavor profile, we add espresso powder and finely chopped dark chocolate ganache drizzled on top. Believe me when I say that this recipe can give even the fanciest espresso drink a run for its money.
So my dear fellow coffee lovers, let us embark on a journey of flavors that will leave us all wanting more. Let me guide you through the perfect balance of rich chocolate and bold espresso flavors in this Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dearest readers,
If you’re a coffee lover and a cheesecake enthusiast, then this recipe is going to be perfect for you! Allow me to introduce the indulgent Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
This recipe takes the classic cheesecake to the next level by infusing it with rich chocolate and espresso flavors. The creamy texture of the cheesecake filling perfectly complements the crunchy crust that’s made with ground pecans and butter. And as if that’s not enough, we top off the cheesecake with an irresistible chocolate ganache that will melt in your mouth.
What sets this recipe apart is not just its flavor but also its versatility. You can prepare it as one large cake or as mini-cheesecakes for individual servings. You can even use this recipe to make a no-bake or flavored cheesecake by substituting different ingredients as per your liking.
The Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake is perfect for all occasions, from a casual get-together to a lavish dinner party. It’s also ideal for those moments when you need some indulgence in your life – this dessert certainly does not disappoint!
So if you’re ready to have your taste buds dancing with delight, give this amazing recipe a try. I promise you’ll fall in love with it just like I did!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients that you will need to prepare this rich and indulgent chocolate espresso cheesecake recipe. Don’t forget to check your pantry and stock up on the necessary supplies beforehand.
For the crust:
- 2 cups ground pecans
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
For the dark chocolate espresso ganache:
- 5 ounces good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have discussed the reasons why you’ll love this Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake recipe, it’s time to move onto the exciting part: how to make it!
Ingredients
First, let’s gather all our ingredients. It’s important to have everything on hand before starting, as it can get a little chaotic in the kitchen when things start heating up.
For the crust coffee layer, we will need:
2 cups
ground pecans1/4 cup
dark brown sugar1/4 tsp
salt1 stick (8 tbsp)
butter, melted1 tbsp
instant espresso powder
For the chocolate cheesecake filling, we will need:
2 1/2 pounds
cream cheese, at room temperature1 1/4 cups
granulated sugar1/4 cup
packed brown sugar2 tbsp
instant espresso powder5 large eggs
, at room temperature1/4 cup
sour cream, at room temperature3 cups (18 oz)
bittersweet chocolate, chopped3/4 cup
full-fat cream, at room temperature
And for our espresso cheesecake ganache, we will need:
8 oz
semisweet chocolate, chopped1/2 cup
heavy cream2 tbsp
unsalted butter1 tbsp
espresso powder
Prepare the Crust Coffee Layer
The first step is to preheat your oven to 325°F.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ground pecans, brown sugar, and salt until well combined. Add in the melted butter and instant espresso powder, stirring until everything is incorporated.
Grab your 9-inch springform pan and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan (use a measuring cup to ensure it’s packed down tightly).
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fragrant and slightly darker in color. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
To make the filling, start by melting the 3 cups
of chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Make sure to stir occasionally, so that it melts evenly. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Next, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat your cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in your granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add in your instant espresso powder and mix again until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
Beat in one egg at a time, making sure
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to add a personal touch to this recipe, there are a few variations and substitutions you can try out. Here are my recommendations:
1. No-bake chocolate espresso cheesecake: If you want to skip the baking step altogether, you can make a no-bake version of this recipe. Instead of the baked crust, use a cookie crust and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours before serving.
2. Mini chocolate espresso cheesecakes: To make fun and easy-to-share cheesecakes, use a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Just be sure to adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
3. Cheesecake factory-style chocolate espresso cheesecake: The Cheesecake Factory is famous for its rich and indulgent desserts, including their chocolate espresso cheesecake. To get a similar taste at home, add some mascarpone cheese (about half a cup) to the cheesecake filling for extra creaminess.
4. Flavored chocolate espresso cheesecake: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with adding different flavors to this recipe. You could add some orange zest or almond extract to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
5. Espresso cheesecake ganache: To take your chocolate espresso cheesecake to the next level, drizzle it with an espresso-infused ganache instead of plain melted chocolate. Simply heat up some heavy cream and instant espresso powder until boiling and pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Whisk until smooth, then pour over the cooled cheesecake.
With these substitutions and variations, you can create a unique and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Just remember to have fun and enjoy the process!
Serving and Pairing
If you’re serving this rich and decadent Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake to guests, it’s important to keep in mind the flavors that will complement it. The creamy and slightly tangy cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the deep bitterness of espresso and the sweetness of dark chocolate in the ganache topping.
For an indulgent dessert experience, serve a slice of this chocolate espresso cheesecake with a hot cup of freshly brewed espresso or coffee. If you prefer something lighter, you can also pair it with a simple cup of tea.
When it comes to presentation, you can keep it simple with just the cheesecake topped with ganache or add fresh raspberries or strawberries on top for a pop of color and brightness. Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream also make great accompaniments if you’re looking for a richer, more decadent treat.
If you want to take things up a notch and create a full menu around this dessert, consider pairing it with other coffee-flavored desserts like mini espresso custards or tiramisu. You can also complement its richness with light and refreshing salads or appetizers, such as a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or listeria-stuffed cherry tomatoes.
No matter how you serve it, your guests are sure to be impressed by the complex flavor profile of this rich and velvety Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Oh, dear reader, how thrilled I am to share with you my knowledge on how best to preserve your delectable Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake. Listen closely, for these tips will have your dessert tasting just as splendidly as the moment it graced your taste buds.
Firstly, if you wish to make the cheesecake in advance, you may do so up to two days ahead of serving. Simply wrap the cooled cheesecake (still in its springform pan) in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Do not add toppings or garnishes until right before serving.
When it is time to relish in your creation, remove the cheesecake from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before indulging. Trust me, this will enhance its texture and flavor.
In terms of storing leftover cheesecake, again it is best to keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, I recommend taking out only the amount that will be consumed and allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
What about reheating? Unless you want a warm and gooey slice of cheesecake – which by all means can be quite decadent – avoid reheating in the oven or microwave as it can dry out the texture and affect the overall taste. Instead, savor it cold or allow it reach room temperature once again before nibbling on your last bit of heaven.
My friends, with these tips firmly planted in your mind, I do hope you have many enjoyable moments with your Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake. Whether made in advance or last-minute, preserved or reheated, one thing remains certain: every bite will taste like a small slice of heaven on earth!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking cheesecakes, the slightest mistake can ruin the entire dish, turning it into a bland and tasteless dessert. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process, several factors are involved in achieving a perfect chocolate espresso cheesecake. Therefore, to assist you in creating the finest dessert, I have compiled some tips and tricks that will undoubtedly help you achieve an impeccable result.
Firstly, it is crucial to use good quality chocolate for the filling and ganache. Using cocoa solids with 70% or more will provide an exquisite taste that high-quality chocolate usually offers. A variety of brands are available in the market that will enable you to give your dessert a rich, chocolaty flavor.
Secondly, having your ingredients at the correct temperature is critical to ensure a well-mixed batter. Make sure to keep your cream cheese at room temperature before starting with the recipe as adding cold cheese could result in lumps on your cheesecake.
Another pro-tip is to accurately measure all of your ingredients before starting with the preparation process. Taking care while measuring will assist you greatly in obtaining flawless results.
When mixing ingredients for the filling, be cautious not to overbeat them. Overbeating results in incorporating more air into the mixture, expanding when baked and often leading to cracking.
Lastly, when topping your chocolate espresso cheesecake with a ganache layer or whipped cream, make sure to handle it delicately. Swiftly spreading over may reduce its thickness and create unwanted marks on top of your cake.
In conclusion, following these tips will ensure you get an excellent chocolate espresso cheesecake every time you make one. Baking requires precision and patience; hence keep practicing until you achieve perfection.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chocolate espresso cheesecake recipe is a delicious and decadent dessert that is sure to impress any coffee and chocolate lover. With its rich and smooth texture, the combination of cream cheese and dark chocolate flavors, and the added espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor, this dessert is truly a delight for your taste buds.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow with simple instructions, but it also allows for substitutions and variations to tailor it to your liking. Whether you prefer a no-bake or mini version of this cheesecake or want to experiment with different types of crusts, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Furthermore, the chocolate espresso cheesecake can be paired creatively with other desserts or coffee blends to create an unforgettable experience. Finally, you can make this ahead of time, store it properly in the refrigerator, and reheat it without losing its flavor or texture.
As a barista and lover of all things coffee and chocolate, I highly recommend trying out this recipe. It is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties or just when you crave for something sweet and satisfying. So why wait? Indulge yourself with a homemade chocolate espresso cheesecake today!
Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups ground pecans
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafers
- 3/8 cup butter
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temp
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temp
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 1/3 cup espresso
Glaze
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 ounces semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- Crust: Stir together ingredients.
- Press on sides of springform pan and refrigerate.
- Drizzle 3 oz.melted semisweet chocolate over it. (This 3 oz. is optional, and it's not included in the ingredients above).
- Filling: Cream cream cheese.
- Add brown sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.
- Add vanilla, coffee, cooled chocolate, and sour cream, separately.
- Blend after each addition.
- Place the cheesecake in water bath with foil around pan.
- Bake at 300F for 1 hr.;.
- reduce to 275F for 1 hr; reduce to 250F for 30 minute.
- Glaze: After cheesecake has cooled, melt ingredients in microwave and pour warm over cooled cheesecake.
- Now I usually don't add the chocolate drizzle over the bottom, and I just make a plain chocolate crust (without the nuts).
- But I promise you, this is the best chocolate cheesecake I've ever eaten.
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