Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

The Dreamiest Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe Ever

The rich, velvety espresso chocolate cheesecake promises a decadent culinary adventure that tantalizes sophisticated palates.

Dark, intense coffee notes intertwine seamlessly with deep chocolate undertones, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Smooth cream cheese provides a luscious canvas for these bold flavors, elevateing an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Passionate bakers understand the delicate art of balancing robust espresso with silky chocolate nuances.

Each carefully crafted slice represents a harmonious blend of complex tastes and textures that dance across your tongue.

Creamy, indulgent layers promise a sophisticated dessert that elevates any gathering or personal moment of sweet indulgence.

This recipe whispers of elegance, comfort, and pure gastronomic pleasure.

Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake for a Rich Finish

  • Intensify Coffee Flavor: This espresso chocolate cheesecake delivers a powerful coffee punch by incorporating brewed espresso directly into the creamy filling, creating a bold and rich dessert experience for serious coffee lovers.
  • Achieve Luxurious Texture: The carefully crafted method of baking in a water bath ensures an ultra-smooth, silky cheesecake without unsightly cracks, promising a professional-quality dessert that melts perfectly in your mouth.
  • Master Decadent Chocolate Finish: The homemade chocolate ganache topping transforms an already delicious cheesecake into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dessert with a glossy, rich chocolate layer that provides an indulgent final touch.
  • Impress with Simple Technique: Despite looking complicated, this recipe uses straightforward steps like using Oreo cookies for the crust and a simple ganache technique, making it approachable for home bakers wanting to create a stunning dessert.

What You Need for Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Oreo Crumbs: Classic chocolate cookie base that provides a rich, crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds a smooth, rich texture.
Cheesecake Base Ingredients:
  • Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that creates the classic dense and smooth cheesecake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and helps balance the rich cream cheese flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall dessert profile.
  • Brewed Espresso: Provides a deep, intense coffee flavor that complements the chocolate notes.
  • Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, stable cheesecake structure.
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, glossy ganache with a rich and silky consistency.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Delivers a deep chocolate flavor with a balanced sweetness for the topping.

How to Make Bold and Creamy Espresso Cheesecake

Step 1: Crush Cookie Base

  • Gather these ingredients
  • Oreo cookies
  • Unsalted butter

Pulse cookies in food processor until fine crumbs form. Mix crumbs with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into springform pan creating an even layer. Bake base for 10 minutes at 350°F. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

  • Collect these ingredients
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Strong brewed espresso
  • Large eggs

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add sugar, stirring continuously. Pour in espresso and vanilla, mixing until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, blending gently after each addition.

Step 3: Prepare Water Bath Technique

Place springform pan inside larger baking dish. Carefully pour warm water around pan, creating 1-inch deep water surrounding cheesecake. This method prevents cracking and ensures even baking.

Step 4: Bake Cheesecake

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Slide water-surrounded pan into oven. Bake 65-75 minutes until center looks slightly jiggly but set. Turn off oven, crack door open, allowing cheesecake to cool slowly.

Step 5: Create Decadent Chocolate Topping

  • Gather these ingredients
  • Heavy cream
  • Dark chocolate chips

Heat cream until bubbling. Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit one minute, then stir until glossy and smooth. Allow ganache to cool slightly before spreading over chilled cheesecake.

Step 6: Final Elegant Touch

Spread chocolate ganache across cheesecake surface. Optional: Sprinkle chocolate shavings for extra sophistication. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Serving Tip: Slice with hot knife for clean edges. Enjoy chilled for maximum flavor intensity.

Tips for Balancing Coffee and Chocolate Flavors

  • Crush Cookies Perfectly: Use a food processor for uniform Oreo crumbs, ensuring a consistent and compact crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing eggs to maintain a silky, crack-free surface.
  • Achieve Creamy Texture: Use full-fat cream cheese and bring all ingredients to room temperature for a smoother, more luxurious cheesecake consistency.
  • Master Water Bath Technique: Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the baking process, protecting the delicate cheesecake.
  • Ganache Perfection: Allow chocolate ganache to cool slightly before spreading to create a glossy, even layer that sets beautifully on top of the chilled cheesecake.

Keep Cheesecake Fresh and Ready to Serve

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions. Place each slice in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Enjoy the cheesecake chilled for the best texture. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the texture to become soggy and compromise the creamy consistency.

Dessert Pairings for Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, intense espresso chocolate flavors with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or deep Merlot that matches the dessert's complex chocolate and coffee notes.
  • Serve with Vanilla Affogato: Create a delightful accompaniment by pouring a small shot of hot espresso over vanilla gelato, echoing the cake's coffee essence and providing a refreshing contrast to the dense cheesecake.
  • Match with Hazelnut Liqueur: Enhance the dessert experience by serving a chilled glass of Frangelico, which adds nutty undertones that beautifully intertwine with the chocolate and espresso profile.
  • Garnish with Espresso Whipped Cream: Elevate the presentation by topping the cheesecake with a light, airy whipped cream infused with freshly brewed espresso, intensifying the coffee flavor and adding a luxurious texture.

Flavor Upgrades for Espresso Cheesecake Fans

  • Mocha Marble Masterpiece: Swirl rich dark chocolate into the espresso cheesecake batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns that enhance the coffee and chocolate flavors.
  • Nutty Espresso Dream: Incorporate chopped toasted hazelnuts into the crust and sprinkle crushed coffee beans on top of the ganache for added crunch and intense coffee notes.
  • Salted Caramel Espresso Fusion: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the ganache, introducing a sweet and salty element that complements the deep espresso undertones.
  • Liqueur-Infused Decadence: Blend a splash of coffee liqueur into the cheesecake mixture and garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans for an adult-friendly version with extra depth.
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Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich espresso chocolate cheesecake delivers intense coffee-infused chocolate indulgence with silky smooth texture. Chocolate lovers discover pure bliss in each luxurious slice that blends deep espresso notes with creamy cheesecake perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 packages (24 ounces/680 grams) full-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups (240 grams) oreo crumbs
  • 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) brewed espresso
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crush Oreo cookies into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  2. Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive crust mixture.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a compact base.
  4. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350°F, then remove and allow to cool completely.
  5. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F for the cheesecake preparation.
  6. Beat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  7. Gradually incorporate sugar, blending until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  8. Add brewed espresso and vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
  9. Introduce eggs one at a time, gently folding after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
  10. Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  11. Create a water bath by placing the springform pan inside a larger baking dish and filling with hot water.
  12. Bake for 70-80 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center while maintaining a set appearance.
  13. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour.
  14. Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to set completely.
  15. Prepare chocolate ganache by heating cream until it reaches a rolling boil.
  16. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for one minute before stirring to create a glossy, smooth mixture.
  17. Allow ganache to cool slightly, then spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
  18. Optionally, garnish with delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Precision matters when crafting this decadent treat, from perfectly pulsed Oreo crumbs to silky smooth cream cheese mixture.
  • Patience is key – allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly prevents cracks and ensures a luxurious, creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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