Kahlua Coffee Cheesecake

If you love coffee-flavored desserts, you'll fall in love with this Kahlua Coffee Cheesecake recipe! This espresso cheesecake is even better when enjoyed with a cup of Mokapot Latte!

Yesterday was my birthday, and I found myself counting calories and carbs once again. So what's a woman to do, skip birthday cake this year? Heck no; I decided to take a day off from my diet and enjoy a piece of cake, with a hot cup of Turkish coffee.

This decadent cheesecake has three layers; An espresso and Kahlua brownie crust, coffee and Kahlua flavored cheesecake, and a rich, dark chocolate ganache layer. Oh my!

Jump to:

• 😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe
• 🔪 Tools Required for This Recipe
• 🛒 What You Need For This Recipe
• 🔖 Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
• 🥮 How to Make Kahlua Coffee Cheesecake
• 🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
• 🍰 Other Cheesecake Recipe Ideas
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips
• 🫐 Related Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This coffee cheesecake recipe incorporates coffee into a brownie crust instead of the usual graham cracker crust. This means no more leaving the soggy graham cracker crust on your plate!
• There is espresso and Kahlua mixed into the cheesecake batter too. It gives the cheesecake layer a mocha color and further accentuates the coffee flavor!
• The ganache layer gives this espresso cheesecake a clean smooth finish and a decadent chocolaty layer. If you want to kick up the coffee flavor a few more notches, mix one teaspoon of espresso grounds into the chocolate ganache. It tastes amazing!

🔪 Tools Required for This Recipe

• stand mixer
• springform pan
• rubber spatula
• saucepan
• whisk
• large bowl

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🛒 What You Need For This Recipe

🔖 Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

• Brownie Layer — I like to keep it simple and use Ghirardelli brownie mix. However, if you have a favorite brownie recipe, feel free to use that instead.
• Coffee — Finely ground espresso beans, instant espresso powder, Turkish coffee, or instant coffee granules can all be used in this recipe
• Half and Half — If you don't have half and half you can use whipping cream instead.
• Dark Chocolate — Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used in place of dark chocolate chips.

* A full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

🥮 How to Make Kahlua Coffee Cheesecake

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

First Layer | Brownie Crust

Step 1: Prepare brownie mix according to box instructions, except for the following changes: Replace the water with Kahlua and add finely ground coffee or espresso. Do not over-mix!

Step 2: Spray a 9" springform pan with pam and pour the brownie batter into the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

Second Layer | Coffee Cheesecake

Step 1: Meanwhile, using the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add sugar and flour, mix to combine. 

Step 2: Mix espresso grounds, sour cream, Kahlua, and vanilla extract until the espresso is dissolved and pour into the mixer bowl; mix to combine. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed with a spatula.

Step 3: Pour cheesecake batter over the brownie mix. Allow the cheesecake filling to settle and tap gently on the counter to allow air bubbles to rise to the surface.

Step 4: Place the Coffee Cheesecake on the middle rack of the oven. Add a pan, partially filled with water under the cheesecake. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until the cheesecake is no longer jiggly in the center.

Pro Tip: The steam from the hot water will act as a water bath and allow the cheesecake to bake evenly.

Step 5: Turn off the oven and leave the oven door cracked with the cheesecake inside until the oven has cooled off. Remove the cheesecake from the oven, and allow it to come to room temperature on the counter.

Third Layer | Ganache Topping

Step 1: Bring half and half or cream to a simmer, then sprinkle chocolate chips into the pan and stir. Whisk until the chocolate chips are melted and you are left with a smooth chocolate sauce. Cool for five minutes.

Step 2: Pour ganache over the cheesecake, tilting the pan as necessary to cover the entire surface. Chill in the refrigerator for four or more hours before serving.

If you're looking for other yummy recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth, be sure to check out this How to Bake Fudgy Brownies recipe and these decadent peanut butter brownies!

🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

🍰 Other Cheesecake Recipe Ideas

If you are looking for other cheesecake recipes, you're in luck! I've got a few that I'm fond of including these strawberry cheesecake cookies and my all-time favorite, loquat cheesecake! If you don't have access to loquats, I get it! Since moving to Montana, I don't either. Instead I now make this decadent huckleberry cheesecake.

If you prefer a non-bake cheesecake recipe, I have a few of those suggestions as well! My family's favorite is this no bake berry cheesecake. However, if you are looking for a really simple recipe, try these mini cheesecake phyllo cups. Finally, this no bake ricotta cheesecake is a must try!

👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips

• Cover any leftover cheesecake with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. 
• If the Cheesecake cracks or dimples, it's ok. The final layer of dark chocolate ganache will cover any imperfections.
• Although you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips to make the ganache layer, the bitterness of the dark chocolate helps to cut down on the sweetness of the cake and strikes a great balance.
• Cheesecake freezes well. Wrap the cheesecake in foil then place it inside freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

🫐 Related Recipes

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