The Most Heavenly Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe Ever Created

Tiramisu cheesecake blends two beloved desserts into a luxurious culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.

Rich, creamy layers promise an indulgent experience beyond ordinary sweet treats.

Classic Italian inspirations merge with American cheesecake traditions, creating a sophisticated dessert that feels simultaneously familiar and innovative.

Smooth mascarpone cheese provides a silky foundation while coffee-soaked elements add depth and complexity.

Each carefully crafted bite delivers an elegant balance of textures and intense flavors.

Delicate ladyfinger components contribute a subtle crunch against the velvety cream cheese backdrop.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will find this recipe both challenging and rewarding.

Your next special occasion demands a showstopping finale that will leave guests craving more.

Why Tiramisu Cheesecake Is a Dessert Dream

• Elevate Classic Dessert: This tiramisu cheesecake transforms two beloved desserts into one stunning, luxurious treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the bold coffee flavors of traditional tiramisu.
• Quick and Easy Assembly: Despite its impressive appearance, the recipe requires minimal baking skills, with simple steps like dipping ladyfingers and mixing ingredients that even novice bakers can master in under an hour of active preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: The decadent combination of mascarpone, cream cheese, Kahlua, and espresso creates a sophisticated dessert that appeals to coffee lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts alike, making it perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or elegant weekend indulgences.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: With a chilling time of 5-6 hours, this dessert can be prepared in advance, reducing day-of stress and allowing flavors to meld together, ensuring a stress-free and impressive finale to any meal.

What You’ll Need for Tiramisu Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers: A classic foundation that provides a buttery, sweet crunch for the cheesecake crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, smooth base.

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy, tangy texture and richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set with a smooth, silky consistency.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake filling.

• Espresso, Strong Coffee: Delivers the classic tiramisu flavor and helps soak the ladyfingers.
• Ladyfingers: Light, delicate cookies that absorb the coffee and create layers of flavor.
• Mascarpone Cheese: A rich, smooth Italian cheese that gives tiramisu its signature creamy texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a bitter chocolate dusting that complements the sweet and creamy layers.
• Coffee Liqueur (Optional): Adds an extra layer of depth and adult flavor to the dessert.

How to Build a Creamy Tiramisu Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare The Crust

• Graham crackers
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Crush crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar until well combined. Press mixture firmly into bottom of springform pan. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Base

• Cream cheese
• Mascarpone
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese, mascarpone, and sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add vanilla and blend gently. Avoid overmixing to prevent lumpy texture.

Step 3: Whip Dreamy Cream

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar

Whip cream and powdered sugar until stiff, fluffy peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cheese mixture to maintain light, airy consistency.

Step 4: Soak Coffee Cookies

• Ladyfingers
• Espresso powder
• Warm water
• Kahlua liqueur

Dissolve espresso powder in warm water. Mix with Kahlua. Quickly dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture. Layer soaked cookies over prepared crust.

Step 5: Assemble Layered Delight

Spread creamy cheese mixture evenly over ladyfingers. Smooth top with spatula. Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight to set completely.

Step 6: Finish With Kahlua Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Remaining Kahlua mixture

Whip cream with powdered sugar and Kahlua until peaks form. Spread over chilled cheesecake. Dust with cocoa powder for elegant finish.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes + chilling

Servings: 8-10

Tiramisu Cheesecake Tips for Perfect Layers

• Perfectly Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip ladyfingers into the Kahlua mixture for just a few seconds to prevent them from becoming too soggy and maintaining their delicate texture.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Beat cream cheese and mascarpone at medium-low speed to minimize air bubbles and reduce the chance of surface cracking during baking.
• Whip Cream Like a Pro: Ensure heavy cream is cold and use a chilled bowl to achieve stiff, stable peaks that will create a light and airy texture in the cheesecake.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator for at least 5-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to develop rich, deep coffee and liqueur flavors.
• Dust with Finesse: Use a fine-mesh sieve to create an even, delicate layer of cocoa powder on top, giving the cheesecake a classic tiramisu appearance and extra touch of elegance.

How to Chill, Store, and Slice Tiramisu Cheesecake

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Slice the cheesecake before freezing. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake stays fresh for 1-2 months.
• Thaw: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost to preserve its delicate texture and prevent moisture separation.

Pairing Ideas for Tiramisu Cheesecake

• Savor Coffee-Infused Companion: Pair this decadent tiramisu cheesecake with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, enhancing the rich coffee undertones and complementing the dessert's deep flavor profile.
• Elevate with Sweet Wine: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or Port, which will beautifully balance the creamy texture and provide a delightful contrast to the cake's intense coffee and chocolate notes.
• Create a Liqueur Moment: Serve alongside a small shot of Kahlua or Bailey's Irish Cream to echo the cake's existing liqueur elements, creating a harmonious and indulgent tasting experience that amplifies the dessert's sophisticated flavors.
• Refresh with Fruit Accent: Garnish with fresh raspberries or a light raspberry coulis, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheesecake and cutting through its intense sweetness.

Fun Twists on the Classic Tiramisu Cheesecake

• Coffee Liqueur Swap: Replace Kahlua with amaretto or rum for a different flavor profile that enhances the dessert's rich taste.
• Berry Fusion Tiramisu: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between layers for a fruity version that brings extra brightness and color to the classic cheesecake.
• Chocolate Lover's Edition: Mix melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese filling and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an intense chocolate experience that complements the coffee notes.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Incorporate crushed pistachios or almonds into the crust and sprinkle toasted nuts on top for added texture and nutty depth to the traditional recipe.

Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Heavenly Italian tiramisu meets classic cheesecake in this dreamy dessert fusion. Rich mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and creamy cheesecake layers combine for an indulgent treat that wows guests and satisfies serious dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 8-ounce (226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) strong brewed espresso, cooled

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) coffee liqueur
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Crust and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) ladyfinger cookies, crushed
• ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cocoa powder, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake.
2. Create the crust by combining the ingredients and pressing the mixture firmly into the pan’s base, establishing a solid foundation for the dessert.
3. Bake the crust for approximately 10 minutes, allowing it to set and develop a light golden color, then remove and let cool completely.
4. In a mixing bowl, gently blend cream cheese, mascarpone, and sugar until smooth, taking care to avoid overmixing which can compromise the texture.
5. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff, voluminous peaks that hold their shape.
6. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling with a luxurious consistency.
7. Prepare the coffee-Kahlua mixture by dissolving espresso powder in warm water, then incorporating Kahlua for an intense flavor profile.
8. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-Kahlua liquid, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy, and arrange them in a single layer over the cooled crust.
9. Carefully spread the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers, creating an even and smooth surface.
10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 5-6 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
11. Whip additional heavy cream with remaining Kahlua and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form for the topping.
12. Gently remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, smoothing the sides if needed for a polished appearance.
13. Generously top the cheesecake with the Kahlua whipped cream, creating elegant swirls or peaks.
14. Finish by dusting the surface with cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu-inspired presentation.
15. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve, allowing guests to enjoy this decadent dessert chilled.

Notes

• Cool the cheesecake completely before adding the Kahlua whipped cream topping to prevent melting and maintain a clean, professional appearance.
• Layer ladyfingers strategically to create a uniform base that absorbs the espresso and Kahlua mixture evenly, enhancing the dessert’s rich coffee flavor.
• Chill the cheesecake overnight for optimal texture and flavor development.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg