Coffee Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

If you love brownies, coffee, and cheesecake, then this Coffee Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for you! Combining a rich, fudgy brownie base, a creamy coffee-flavored cheesecake layer, and a drizzle of chocolate on top, this dessert is indulgent, decadent, and perfect for any special occasion. Whether you're baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this Coffee Brownie Cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. Ready to dive into this heavenly treat? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

What is Coffee Brownie Cheesecake?

Coffee Brownie Cheesecake is a multi-layered dessert that combines the dense, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all enhanced with a rich coffee flavor. The brownie layer serves as the base, while the coffee-infused cheesecake sits on top, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s like having three desserts in one: a brownie, a cheesecake, and a coffee-infused treat — all in a single bite!

Ingredients List for Coffee Brownie Cheesecake

This recipe is divided into three parts: the brownie base, the coffee-flavored cheesecake layer, and optional toppings. Let’s gather all the ingredients.

For the Brownie Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

For the Coffee Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for extra structure)

For the Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some fun substitutions and variations to customize your Coffee Brownie Cheesecake:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the brownie base and the cheesecake layer.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-free version. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Espresso Lovers: Amp up the coffee flavor by replacing the instant coffee with 1 tablespoon of espresso powder for a stronger, richer coffee flavor.
• Add a Crunch: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the brownie layer for extra texture.
• Swirl Option: For a fun twist, create a coffee-chocolate swirl by spooning some of the brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer and swirling it with a knife before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the process of making this decadent Coffee Brownie Cheesecake step by step. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are worth it!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later. You can also wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil if you plan to use a water bath, which helps prevent cracking.

2. Make the Brownie Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

3. Make the Coffee Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and dissolved instant coffee. For a richer coffee flavor, you can add more dissolved coffee to taste.

Gradually mix in the heavy cream, followed by the tablespoon of flour (optional), which helps give the cheesecake a little extra structure.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the coffee cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. If you want to avoid cracks on top, consider baking the cheesecake using a water bath. To do this, wrap the outside of the springform pan in aluminum foil and place it inside a larger pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking.

6. Chill the Cheesecake

After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove it and let it come to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set completely.

7. Make the Chocolate Topping (Optional)

For an extra touch of decadence, make a simple chocolate ganache to drizzle over the top of the cheesecake. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Drizzle the ganache over the cheesecake and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once fully chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve your Coffee Brownie Cheesecake with extra chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a stunning presentation. Enjoy!

How to Make Coffee Brownie Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps for making your delicious Coffee Brownie Cheesecake:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Brownie Base: Mix the brownie batter and bake it for 15-18 minutes until just set.
3. Prepare the Coffee Cheesecake Layer: Beat together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and dissolved coffee. Add heavy cream and optional flour.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer and bake for 45-55 minutes. Let it cool gradually in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Top and Serve: Drizzle with chocolate ganache (optional), slice, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Coffee Brownie Cheesecake turns out perfectly:

• Overbaking the Brownie Layer: Keep a close eye on the brownie layer while it’s baking. You want it to be set at the edges but still soft in the center so it remains fudgy after baking the cheesecake.
• Skipping the Water Bath: While not mandatory, a water bath helps prevent cracks on the top of your cheesecake. It also ensures even baking and a smoother texture.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: Chilling the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) is crucial for allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to fully set. Rushing this step may result in a cheesecake that’s too soft and won’t hold its shape when sliced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Coffee Brownie Cheesecake is a stunning dessert on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your presentation:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate ganache or chocolate syrup over the top of the cheesecake for an extra touch of elegance.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for a creamy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Garnish with Coffee Beans: Decorate the top with whole coffee beans or chocolate-covered espresso beans for a fun coffee-themed touch.

How to Serve Coffee Brownie Cheesecake

This cheesecake is best served cold. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. For a festive touch, serve each slice with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce and a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

Presentation Ideas for Coffee Brownie Cheesecake

Here are some creative ways to present your Coffee Brownie Cheesecake:

• Coffee-Themed Display: Serve the cheesecake with coffee-flavored treats like chocolate-covered espresso beans, coffee macarons, or a hot espresso shot for a dessert table with a coffee theme.
• Layered Glass Jars: For individual servings, you can layer small slices of brownie cheesecake in mason jars with extra whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for a cute, portable option.
• Chocolate-Covered Coffee Beans: Garnish the top of the cheesecake with a ring of chocolate-covered coffee beans for a beautiful and tasty decoration.

Coffee Brownie Cheesecake Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Coffee Brownie Cheesecake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream are at room temperature to ensure a smooth and lump-free cheesecake batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake batter once the eggs are added. Overmixing can cause air bubbles, leading to cracks during baking.
• Prevent Cracks: If you don’t want to use a water bath, you can place a small pan of water on the oven’s lower rack to create steam, which helps prevent cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Coffee Brownie Cheesecake?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cheesecake without the ganache topping. Wrap the cooled cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: How long will this cheesecake last?
A: This cheesecake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use decaf coffee?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to keep the dessert caffeine-free, simply use decaf instant coffee instead of regular coffee granules.

Q: Do I have to use a springform pan?
A: A springform pan is recommended for easy removal of the cheesecake, but if you don’t have one, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be extra careful when removing the cake.

Conclusion

This Coffee Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. With its fudgy brownie base, creamy coffee-infused cheesecake, and decadent toppings, this dessert is a showstopper that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Follow these easy steps, get creative with your presentation, and enjoy a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Happy baking!

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