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This cheesecake blends strong espresso flavor with a silky smooth filling and a crunchy Oreo base. It's an ideal sweet treat for folks who love coffee and want something rich yet easy to make at home. The mix of bold coffee bitterness and sweet cream cheese creates a cozy, classy dessert.
I whipped up this cheesecake for a family get-together on a whim and it quickly became everyone’s favorite dessert to ask for again
What You Need
- Three packages cream cheese: full fat is best for thick, creamy filling that doesn’t run
- Half cup heavy cream: adds smooth richness, aim for cream with 36 percent fat or more
- Three large eggs: use room temperature to mix in smoothly and help set the filling
- One cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: adds a nice sweet and bitter taste, dark chocolate chips work well too
- One cup granulated sugar: sweetens gently, avoid swapping with other sugars for best texture
- Four tablespoons unsalted butter: melted to bind and flavor the crust, fresh butter gives the best taste
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: warms things up, pure vanilla gives the best depth
- Two cups Oreo crumbs: crushed finely for a crunchy, chocolaty crust
- One third cup brewed espresso: gives that real coffee punch, fresh espresso is best but strong coffee can work
How To Make It
- Get The Oven Ready
- Heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so the crust can bake nicely
- Prepare Oreo Crumbs
- Pulse Oreos in a processor till fine then stir in melted butter so it all sticks together
- Press And Prebake Crust
- Firmly press the mixture at the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then cool fully to avoid soggy crust
- Turn Oven Down And Set Water Bath
- Lower oven to 325 degrees and pop the pan inside an oven-safe bag. This stops water from seeping in while baking
- Make Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese until super smooth. Mix in sugar, vanilla, and espresso for that deep coffee flavor
- Fold In Eggs
- Add eggs one by one, stirring just enough to combine. Don’t overmix or the cheesecake might crack
- Pour Filling On Crust
- Gently pour the mix on the cooled crust and smooth out the top
- Set Up Water Bath
- Put your springform pan in a bigger pan then pour in about an inch of hot water. This helps cook it softly and keeps cracks away
- Bake Slow And Steady
- Bake for 65 to 85 minutes until the center barely jiggles but mostly feels firm. This makes the texture nice and velvety
- Cool In Oven
- Turn the oven off, crack the door a bit, and let the cake cool inside slowly for about an hour or more. This stops sudden temp changes that can cause cracks
- Finish Cooling And Chill
- Take it out and cool completely at room temp. Wrap loosely and chill overnight for the best texture
- Loosen And Serve
- Run a knife around edges to loosen, take off the springform sides, then cut into 12 nice slices
I really enjoy the espresso flavor here because it’s bold but doesn’t overpower the smooth cheesecake. This dessert takes me back to relaxed Sundays with family and the comforting smells of coffee and chocolate filling the kitchen. Serving this chilled treat always feels special and cozy.
Keeping Leftovers
Keep leftover cheesecake in an airtight box or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. It stays good for about five days and the flavors get richer. Avoid freezing because it messes with the cream cheese texture, but you can freeze small slices if wrapped very well.
Swapping Ingredients
If you want a milder crust, try graham cracker crumbs instead of Oreos and add a bit more butter so they hold together. You can swap the brewed espresso for instant espresso powder, just mix the powder with some hot water first. Heavy cream can be switched with full-fat sour cream for a tangy twist, but texture will differ a bit.
Serving Tips
Sprinkle cocoa powder or add some chocolate curls on top for a fancy touch. A spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream helps balance the richness. Pair each slice with a small cup of coffee to finish your meal on a perfect note.
Seasonal Flavors
In cold months add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon into the filling for cozy spice. When spring rolls around, fold in some orange zest to brighten up the coffee taste. Summer calls for fresh berries on the side to contrast the creamy richness.
This cheesecake is a wonderful combo of coffee, chocolate, and creamy goodness that wins over anyone who tastes it. It’s a great treat to keep ready for parties or weekend indulgences.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What kind of coffee works best here?
Freshly pulled espresso works great to give a bold coffee flavor that mixes nicely with the creamy cheesecake.
- → Why bake the cheesecake in a water bath?
The water bath keeps the heat even and gentle so the cheesecake stays soft and won’t crack or dry out.
- → Can I swap the Oreo crust for something else?
Sure! You can try graham crackers or digestive biscuits if you want a more classic crust taste and feel.
- → How can I keep the cheesecake from cracking on top?
Be sure to cool it slowly right in the oven after baking and don't overbake to keep the surface smooth and crack-free.
- → What do the chocolate chips add?
They bring a sweet and slightly bitter touch that pairs well with the espresso and creamy layers for a nice flavor mix.