Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream Recipe

Heavenly Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream Recipe

Crafting a decadent tiramisu cheesecake with chocolate espresso cream becomes an art of culinary seduction.

Rich layers of mascarpone dance between delicate ladyfinger hints and velvety chocolate undertones.

Coffee-soaked elements meld seamlessly with smooth cream cheese textures.

Each bite promises a luxurious journey through Italian-inspired dessert landscapes.

Subtle espresso notes weave through creamy landscapes, creating complex flavor symphonies.

Delightful contrasts emerge between silky surfaces and intense coffee depths.

You’ll want to savor every remarkable moment of this indulgent creation.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms ordinary sweet expectations into extraordinary culinary memories.

Indulge in Tiramisu Cheesecake with Espresso Cream

  • Combine two classic desserts into one spectacular treat without complicated techniques, making gourmet baking accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, dinner parties, or gatherings where you want to impress guests with a sophisticated yet approachable dessert that feels luxurious.
  • Seamlessly blend rich espresso flavors with creamy cheesecake texture, offering a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts who crave intense, complex dessert profiles.
  • Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and giving you stress-free entertaining options that taste even better after chilling overnight.

Ingredients Needed for Tiramisu Cheesecake

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, solid crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Adds a luxurious, silky richness to the filling.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tangy cheese flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, custard-like texture.
  • Coffee, Coffee Liqueur: Infuses the cheesecake with deep, rich coffee flavor.
Chocolate Espresso Cream Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious base for the topping.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provide rich chocolate flavor and help thicken the cream.
  • Espresso Powder: Intensifies the coffee flavor and adds depth to the chocolate.
  • Vanilla Extract: Complements the chocolate and coffee flavors.
Optional Garnish:
  • Cocoa Powder, Espresso Powder: Adds a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.

Create Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream

Step 1: Create the Perfect Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture is consistent and holds together nicely.

Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a sturdy base for your cheesecake.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Silky Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and mascarpone until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to blend for a perfectly sweet and fragrant base.

Slowly incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.

Pour in rich coffee and coffee liqueur, stirring gently until the filling is completely uniform and luscious.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust.

Place the springform pan inside a larger baking pan filled halfway with hot water, creating a water bath to ensure even baking and prevent cracking.

Slide the pans into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The center should have a slight jiggle when done – this guarantees creamy, dreamy perfection.

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour.

Then, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for best results.

Step 4: Craft the Luxurious Chocolate Espresso Cream

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream until it begins to simmer gently.

Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips, espresso powder, and vanilla extract.

Whisk until the mixture becomes glossy, smooth, and irresistibly rich.

Let it cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator until thickened, about one hour.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish Your Masterpiece

Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, spread the decadent chocolate espresso cream evenly across the top.

For an elegant and polished finish, dust the surface with cocoa powder or a light sprinkle of espresso powder.

Slice, serve, and indulge in this rich, coffee-infused cheesecake treat.

Pro Tips for Luxurious Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Bring cream cheese and mascarpone to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
  • Use a water bath while baking and avoid overmixing the eggs to keep the cheesecake surface smooth and crack-free.
  • Drain excess liquid from mascarpone by letting it sit in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes to maintain the perfect consistency.
  • Brush ladyfinger cookies with extra coffee or coffee liqueur before assembling for an intense, authentic tiramisu flavor profile.
  • Let the cheesecake rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop deep, rich flavors and allow the texture to set perfectly.

Preserve and Reheat Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Store the tiramisu cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Wrap the cheesecake carefully in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
  • Cut individual slices and place them in separate sealed containers or wrap in plastic wrap. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps each slice perfectly preserved.
  • Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture grainy and compromise the delicate cream layers.

Ideal Pairings for Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Brew-tiful Coffee Companion: Pair this indulgent tiramisu cheesecake with a smooth, medium-roast Italian espresso to enhance the coffee notes and complement the rich, creamy texture.
  • Wine Elegance Boost: Select a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a port to balance the cake's intense chocolate and coffee flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Palate-Cleansing Contrast: Serve alongside a light, refreshing raspberry sorbet to cut through the dense cheesecake and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich dessert.
  • Textural Sidekick: Add a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or a small amaretti cookie on the side to introduce a delightful crunch that harmonizes with the smooth cheesecake layers.

Flavor Variations of Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for all components to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese and mascarpone with cashew-based cream cheese alternatives. Use silken tofu or aquafaba instead of eggs. Replace butter with coconut oil in the crust and use dark chocolate without milk solids.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce the amount of added sugar in the filling and topping. Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and minimal added sugars for the espresso cream.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream cheese and almond-based mascarpone substitute. Select plant-based milk alternatives for liquid ingredients. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate for the espresso cream topping.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe without coffee liqueur?

Yes, you can simply omit the coffee liqueur and replace it with additional brewed coffee or skip it entirely without affecting the overall recipe.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly. It should have a gentle jiggle when you move the pan, similar to a soft pudding consistency.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?

Mascarpone is key to the authentic tiramisu flavor, but in a pinch, you could substitute with cream cheese, though the texture and taste will be slightly different.

  • What's the purpose of the water bath when baking?

The water bath helps prevent cracking and ensures even, gentle baking by creating a moist environment and preventing the cheesecake from overheating or developing cracks on the surface.

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Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream Recipe

Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy Tiramisu Cheesecake blends Italian dessert traditions with rich chocolate espresso notes. Delicate layers of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and silky chocolate cream promise pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1.5 cups mascarpone cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Chocolate Espresso Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter until uniformly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan’s base, creating a compact layer. Refrigerate to set while preparing subsequent components.
  2. Whip cream cheese and mascarpone in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla, maintaining smooth consistency. Integrate eggs individually, gently mixing at low speed after each addition to prevent overbeating. Infuse coffee and optional coffee liqueur, stirring until perfectly harmonized.
  3. Calibrate oven to 325°F (160°C). Transfer cheesecake mixture onto prepared crust, ensuring even distribution. Position springform pan within a larger water-filled container to create a protective baking environment. Bake approximately 50-60 minutes until center remains slightly tremulous but edges appear set. Deactivate oven, partially open door, and allow cheesecake to gradually cool for one hour. Refrigerate minimum 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
  4. Warm cream in a compact saucepan over medium heat until gentle simmer emerges. Remove from thermal source, then fold in chocolate chips, espresso powder, and vanilla. Stir meticulously until achieving glossy, uniform consistency. Allow to reach ambient temperature, then refrigerate approximately one hour until thickened.
  5. After complete chilling, generously spread chocolate espresso cream across cheesecake’s surface. Optionally enhance presentation by delicately dusting cocoa powder or additional espresso powder for sophisticated visual appeal.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese and mascarpone are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Use high-quality espresso powder and coffee liqueur to enhance the rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing eggs and using a water bath during baking.
  • Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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