Coffee Cheesecake Recipe: Easy & Delicious Dessert (Print Version)

This Coffee Cheesecake Recipe is a dream! Learn how I perfected this creamy, dreamy dessert, sharing all my kitchen mishaps and pro tips for a perfect slice.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crust Crusaders

01 - 1 ½ cups (about 180g) graham cracker crumbs
02 - ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
03 - 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Dream Team

04 - 32 oz (900g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
05 - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
06 - ½ cup (120g) sour cream, room temperature

→ Coffee Kickers

07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 2 tablespoons espresso powder (or strong instant coffee powder)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - Optional: chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
11 - Optional: fresh whipped cream for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that oven preheating to 325°F (160°C), and wrap your 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty foil. This is crucial for the water bath, don't skip it! Mix your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a tiny bit of sugar until it feels like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of your pan. I usually use the bottom of a glass to get it super compact. This is where I always make a mess, crumbs everywhere, but it's worth it for a solid crust, honestly.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until it's smooth and lump-free. Seriously, no lumps! Then, beat in the sour cream, vanilla, and the espresso powder until just combined. Don't overmix here, or you’ll incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks. I didn't expect that when I first started baking cheesecakes, and oh, the cracks! Just mix until it's smooth, that's it.
03 - Now, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until <i>just</i> incorporated. Again, overmixing is the enemy here. I always tell myself, "gentle, gentle!" because I've ruined batters by rushing this step. It's okay if there are a few streaks; it’ll all come together in the oven. This step always smells so sweet and creamy, it's just delightful. It's key for a perfect Coffee Cheesecake Recipe.
04 - Pour your dreamy coffee cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Now, place that springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, reaching about halfway up the sides of the springform. This water bath is the secret to a silky smooth, crack-free Coffee Cheesecake Recipe. Trust me, it works! I've had water bath mishaps, so be careful not to splash.
05 - Carefully transfer the roasting pan with your cheesecake to the preheated oven. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Don't open the oven door too much! I used to peek constantly, and my cheesecakes would always sink. Oops. This is where patience is key, hon, for that perfect Coffee Cheesecake Recipe.
06 - Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for an hour. This slow cooling prevents cracks. Then, remove it from the water bath, take off the foil, and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. I know, the waiting is the hardest part for this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe, but it's essential for that perfect slice!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the batter, or you'll get cracks! I learned that the hard way, honestly.
02 - You can make the crust a day ahead and keep it in the fridge, total game-changer for busy folks.
03 - No espresso? Instant coffee works fine, just make it strong. I've done it in a pinch, tasted great!
04 - A sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings makes it look extra fancy, trust me on this.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9-inch springform pan
02 - large roasting pan
03 - mixing bowls
04 - electric mixer
05 - whisk
06 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 35-45g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 8-12g

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