Name: Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 7 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (335g) Oreo crumbs (about 30 Oreos); 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted; 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup (207g) sugar; 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (230g) sour cream, room temperature; 3 tablespoons instant coffee/espresso granules; 1 1/2 tablespoons (30ml) hot water; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 4 oz | 113g | 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate; 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold; 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon instant coffee/espresso granules; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 24 reviews

If you are a coffee lover with a sweet tooth, this Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe is going to become your absolute favorite dessert. Imagine a silky, velvety cheesecake infused with robust coffee flavor, resting on a crunchy Oreo crust, topped with a rich layer of chocolate ganache and crowned with light, fluffy whipped espresso cream. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that makes every bite simply unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or craving a luxurious treat for yourself, this indulgent cheesecake never fails to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a single layer of very dark, finely crumbled cookie crumbs spread evenly inside a clear glass bowl. The texture looks soft and crumbly with small clumps, and a silver spoon is partially pushed into the crumbs on the right side. The bowl rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Even though this dessert looks and tastes like something from a gourmet bakery, the ingredients are surprisingly straightforward and easy to find. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures—from the crunchy Oreo crust to the smooth coffee-infused filling, luscious chocolate topping, and airy espresso whipped cream.

Oreo crumbs (2 1/2 cups / 335g): Provide a chocolatey, crunchy base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 56g), melted: Binds the crust crumbs together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
Cream cheese (24 ounces / 678g), room temperature: The star ingredient delivering that classic cheesecake creaminess and tang.
Sugar (1 cup / 207g): Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the coffee notes.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons / 24g): Helps stabilize the cheesecake for the perfect texture.
Sour cream (1 cup / 230g), room temperature: Adds moisture and slight tang, enhancing creaminess.
Instant coffee/espresso granules (3 tablespoons): Infuses the filling with deep coffee flavor, transforming the cheesecake.
Hot water (1 1/2 tablespoons / 30ml): Dissolves the coffee granules for even flavor dispersion.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out all the flavors with a warm aroma.
Eggs (4 large), room temperature: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
Semi-sweet chocolate (4 ounces / 113g): Creates a smooth, glossy ganache topping to add decadence.
Heavy whipping cream (6 tablespoons for ganache): Melts with the chocolate for that luxurious ganache.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup / 240ml), cold for whipped topping: Whipped to fluffy perfection to balance the cheesecake’s intensity.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup / 58g): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped espresso topping.
Instant coffee/espresso granules (1 teaspoon for whipped cream): Gives a subtle coffee kick without bitterness.

How to Make Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oreo Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom, while greasing the sides. Then, combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl, mixing until the crumbs are fully coated and sticky. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan and slightly up the sides to create an even crust. Bake it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it firms up, then set it aside to cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Making the Coffee-Infused Cheesecake Filling

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C) for a slow, gentle bake that ensures a creamy texture without cracks. Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until perfectly smooth—low speed is key here to prevent too much air from entering the batter. Toss in the sour cream and mix until well blended. Dissolve your espresso granules in hot water, then add the coffee liquid and vanilla extract to the batter for that unmistakable coffee punch. Gradually beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl edges carefully to maintain an even batter.

Step 3: Baking with a Water Bath

Pour the luscious batter over your cooled crust. Seal the springform pan sides with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and add warm water until it reaches halfway up the springform sides. This water bath is essential to slow-cook the cheesecake evenly. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center feels set but still slightly jiggles, indicating perfect doneness. Then, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes with the door closed, followed by another 30 minutes with the door cracked open. This gradual cooling prevents cracks and keeps the texture silky smooth.

Step 4: Chilling the Cheesecake

Once out of the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 5 to 6 hours or overnight. This chilling step helps it firm up and develop its full flavor. Patience here pays off with a cheesecake that cuts beautifully and tastes divine.

Step 5: Crafting Chocolate Ganache

In a heatproof bowl, place your semi-sweet chocolate. Heat the 6 tablespoons of heavy cream until it just begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes before stirring until perfectly smooth. Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake with a spatula, creating a glossy, tempting layer. If you like, add some texture or swirls to the ganache for a fancy finish.

Step 6: Whipping the Espresso Cream

Finally, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, espresso granules, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This whipped espresso cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake and rich ganache. Pipe or dollop the cream around the cheesecake edges using a piping bag or a spoon. Your Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe is now ready to wow!

How to Serve Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe

A round dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge; the bottom layer is dark and crumbly like crushed cookies, the middle layer is smooth and light caramel colored, and the top layer is shiny dark chocolate with faint horizontal lines. Around the edge of the chocolate layer, there is a thick border of light beige swirled cream piped in curls and small star shapes. Coffee beans and a clear cup of black coffee are seen in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten each slice with a dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate for an extra chocolatey touch. A few coffee beans delicately sprinkled atop the whipped espresso topping add visual appeal and hint at the rich flavors inside. For an indulgent spin, add a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt to contrast the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, whose tartness cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate. A simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or an espresso shot heightens the coffee flavor and complements the dessert perfectly. If you want to serve something lighter alongside, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the indulgence well.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in clear glass cups, layering the Oreo crust, cheesecake filling, ganache, and whipped espresso topping for a stylish parfait-inspired presentation. Alternatively, place mini edible flowers or chocolate curls on top for a café-style look. For a party, cut bite-sized cheesecake squares and serve on elegant picks with alternating layers of ganache and whipped cream for easy, mess-free bites that impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Keeping it cold maintains the creamy texture and rich flavors. The cheesecake stays deliciously fresh for up to 4 to 5 days, giving you plenty of indulgent leftovers to enjoy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in your refrigerator to preserve its creamy consistency and avoid any texture changes.

Reheating

Creamy cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a softer texture, simply let your slice sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming enhances the flavors without sacrificing the luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso granules in the recipe?

Instant espresso granules provide a concentrated coffee flavor without adding any liquid, making them ideal for this cheesecake. Using brewed coffee might affect the batter’s consistency and overall texture. If you don’t have espresso granules, instant coffee granules are a great substitute.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Cracking usually happens from overmixing or sudden temperature changes. Be sure to beat the filling on low speed to reduce air bubbles, bake it slowly with a water bath, and cool it gradually by leaving the oven door slightly ajar at the end. These steps keep your cheesecake beautifully smooth and crack-free.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this cheesecake gluten-free, swap the Oreo crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs and ensure any other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the steps and ingredients remain the same, delivering the same delicious results.

What’s the best way to dissolve the espresso powder?

Mix the instant espresso granules into hot water to dissolve them fully before incorporating into your batter. This ensures the coffee flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake for a consistent taste in every bite.

Can I prepare this cheesecake ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, this Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe tastes even better after resting overnight. Make the crust and filling a day ahead, bake and chill it, then add the ganache and whipped cream just before serving to keep it fresh and stunning.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Coffee Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Espresso Topping Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings together bold coffee flavor, rich chocolate, and smooth cheesecake in one irresistible dessert. Every step is worth the effort, and the result is pure joy on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and savor every delightful bite!