Description
This rich and creamy Mocha Cheesecake combines the bold flavors of coffee and chocolate for a decadent dessert. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth cream cheese filling infused with brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate chips, it’s perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate aficionados alike. Baked to a luscious creamy texture and chilled to perfection, this cheesecake makes an elegant centerpiece for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup sugar evenly.
- Add Butter: Stir the melted unsalted butter into the crumb mixture until it’s fully combined and moist.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even, compact base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes until set, then remove and allow it to cool.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually incorporate 1 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until completely mixed and smooth.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter.
- Mix Coffee Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, heavy cream, brewed coffee, and cocoa powder; stir until smooth and uniform.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the sour cream mixture into the cream cheese batter and beat gently until fully blended and smooth.
- Fold in Chocolate: Carefully fold in the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter to ensure even distribution.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles within the batter.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Cool on Rack: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature.
- Chill Cheesecake: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set fully.
- Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the outer ring of the springform pan before serving.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake and optionally garnish with extra melted chocolate or whipped cream for presentation.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Use brewed coffee cooled to room temperature to avoid curdling the batter.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; slight jiggle in the center ensures creamy texture.
- Chilling overnight improves firmness and flavor integration.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking to maintain stable temperature.
- For garnish, consider chocolate shavings or cocoa powder dusting for added visual appeal.
