Creamy Coffee Cheesecake

If you love the bold richness of coffee and the silky indulgence of cheesecake, this Creamy Coffee Cheesecake is your dream dessert. With a smooth coffee-infused filling, buttery cookie crust, and an optional whipped cream topping, it’s the perfect blend of dessert decadence and café elegance—ideal for dinner parties, birthdays, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coffee & Cheesecake in One – A luscious treat for coffee lovers.
Creamy & Smooth – The perfect, rich texture in every bite.
Make Ahead – Great for prepping the night before serving.
Customizable Toppings – Add chocolate, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
Impressive Yet Easy – Looks elegant, but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Coffee Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules or espresso powder
• 2 tbsp hot water (to dissolve coffee)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Sweetened whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
• Coffee beans or crushed biscotti

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Roasting pan for water bath (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or flat glass to pack it tightly.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee
5. In a small cup, stir the instant coffee or espresso powder with 2 tbsp hot water until fully dissolved. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
6. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Beat until fully combined and fluffy.
8. Mix in the vanilla extract and dissolved coffee mixture.
9. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined (don’t overbeat).
10. Fold in sour cream gently until the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
11. Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan.
12. For best results, place the pan in a roasting tray and pour in hot water halfway up the sides (water bath method).
13. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly wobbly.
14. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.

Step 5: Chill & Serve
15. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
16. Before serving, top with whipped cream, chocolate curls, or coffee beans if desired.
17. Slice with a warm knife for clean edges and serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Coffee Cheesecake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Prevents lumps in the batter.
Don’t Overmix – Helps avoid cracks and maintains creamy texture.
Use a Water Bath – Provides gentle, even heat for perfect baking.
Chill Fully – Allows the cheesecake to set properly before slicing.
Customize the Crust – Use chocolate cookies or oreos for a mocha vibe.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Cup of Coffee – A double-coffee treat.
• With Chocolate Sauce Drizzle – For a mocha cheesecake finish.
• With Whipped Cream – Lightens the richness perfectly.
• With Berries – A tart contrast to the creamy filling.
• For Brunch or Dessert Tables – Always a showstopper.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze whole or in slices for up to 1 month. Wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—serve chilled. For a warm contrast, pair with hot espresso.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee powder?
   Brewed coffee is too watery and weak for flavor; stick with concentrated instant coffee or espresso powder.
2. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Yes! It actually tastes better the next day after chilling overnight.
3. What’s a good substitute for sour cream?
   Greek yogurt works perfectly in place of sour cream.
4. Why did my cheesecake crack?
   Overmixing or baking too long are common reasons. A water bath and gentle cooling help prevent cracks.
5. Can I make this without a springform pan?
   Yes, but it’s trickier to remove cleanly. Line a cake pan with parchment for easier lifting.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Coffee Cheesecake is everything you love about your favorite café drink in luscious dessert form. It’s rich, smooth, and bursting with coffee flavor—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Pair it with an espresso, savor each bite, and enjoy the perfect harmony of coffee and cheesecake.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Cuisine: American-European Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – serves 10):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 260mg

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