Description
Creamy Coffee Cheesecake is a rich and velvety dessert that perfectly combines smooth cream cheese with the bold, aromatic flavor of strong brewed coffee. This elegant yet comforting cheesecake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness, perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and an optional subtle chocolate undertone, it is ideal for any occasion—from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With simple ingredients and customizable options, this cheesecake promises a luscious texture and sophisticated taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers finely and mix them with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the base of a springform pan and chill it in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
- Brew strong coffee: Make freshly brewed coffee that is strong and aromatic but not bitter. Allow it to cool completely before adding it to the cheesecake batter to maintain the perfect texture.
- Mix cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps, setting the stage for a flawless filling.
- Add coffee and flavorings: Slowly incorporate the cooled coffee along with vanilla extract and, if using, cocoa powder. Mix until fully combined and fragrant, infusing the batter with rich coffee essence.
- Incorporate eggs and cream: Add eggs one at a time, beating gently to avoid overmixing, then fold in sour cream or heavy cream to achieve that signature velvety texture.
- Bake low and slow: Pour the batter over the chilled crust and bake at moderate temperature (around 325°F/160°C), ideally in a water bath, until the cheesecake is set but still creamy in the center. Let it cool gradually to prevent cracks.
- Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbeat the eggs to prevent too much air which can cause cracking during baking.
- Bake in a water bath to add moisture for even cooking and crack-free cheesecake.
- Cool gradually inside the oven with the door slightly ajar to avoid sudden temperature changes and cracking.
- Chill well before slicing to enhance texture and make clean slices easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: coffee cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, coffee dessert, no crack cheesecake, easy cheesecake, rich dessert
