Description
This Tiramisu Cheesecake recipe beautifully combines the classic flavors of tiramisu with the rich, creamy texture of a traditional cheesecake. Featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a smooth cream cheese batter baked in a water bath for perfect texture, and topped with a luscious mascarpone whipped cream, it offers an impressive dessert ideal for special occasions. The final touch of cocoa powder or chocolate curls adds a delightful elegance and deep coffee-chocolate notes.
Ingredients
Coffee Mixture
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
- 1 tablespoon hot water (additional)
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso or strong coffee (additional)
Cheesecake Base
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 24 ladyfingers (divided into 12 for bottom layer and 12 for topping)
- 3 packages (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/3 cups sugar (divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (additional)
Tiramisu Mascarpone Topping
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) carton Mascarpone cheese
- Cocoa powder or chocolate curls for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: Whisk together ½ cup hot water and 1 tablespoon instant espresso in a small saucepan until dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Coffee and Cream Mix: In a small cup, stir 1 tablespoon hot water with 1 tablespoon instant espresso until dissolved, then let cool. Mix this coffee with ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil covering the bottom and extending up the sides to prevent water from leaking during the water bath baking.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly dip 12 ladyfinger cookies in the hot coffee and liqueur mixture, just enough to moisten without soaking. Arrange them in a single layer on the pan’s bottom, breaking or trimming the last one as needed to fill gaps.
- Make Cheesecake Batter Part 1: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, beat one package of cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Scrape the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Eggs: Beat in the remaining two packages of cream cheese, one at a time, until fully blended. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating slowly after each addition until combined.
- Incorporate Remaining Sugar and Vanilla: Add the remaining 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Fold in Coffee Cream Mixture: Slowly mix in the coffee and cream mixture made earlier, being careful not to over whip to maintain smooth texture.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the cheesecake batter over the ladyfinger layer in the springform pan. Place the pan into a larger shallow baking pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center just barely jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 2 hours. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until completely cold.
- Top with Ladyfingers and Freeze: Dip the remaining 12 ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and arrange them over the chilled cheesecake. Transfer the cake to the freezer and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight until fully frozen.
- Prepare Mascarpone Topping: In a medium bowl, whip 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream on high speed until thickened and soft peaks form. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, then mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract carefully. Gently fold in the 8 oz mascarpone cheese using a rubber spatula until smooth.
- Assemble Final Topping: Remove the frozen cake from the freezer and let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Spread two-thirds of the mascarpone mixture on top of the cake evenly with a spatula.
- Remove Springform and Decorate: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream around the sides of the cheesecake. Sprinkle the top with cocoa powder or chocolate curls for garnish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the mascarpone topping to chill and the cheesecake to defrost slightly.
- Slice and Store: Slice the cake with a sharp, straight-edged knife cleaned between each cut. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to one month.
Notes
- Do not soak ladyfingers in the coffee mixture; they should be quickly dipped to prevent sogginess.
- Wrapping the springform pan in aluminum foil prevents water from seeping into the cheesecake during the water bath bake.
- The water bath baking method ensures a smooth, creamy texture by providing gentle, even heat.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the top layer of ladyfingers and freezing.
- Letting the frozen cake sit at room temperature briefly before adding the mascarpone topping prevents cracking and helps spread the cream smoothly.
- Use a clean, sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean slices.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated or frozen as needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian