Tiramisu cheesecake combines the traditional flavors of classic tiramisu with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. It’s a dessert that beautifully merges two beloved treats, making it a show-stopping choice for gatherings. Its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone blend together to create a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. If you’re looking to impress your family and friends, this tiramisu cheesecake is the perfect dessert.
Why We Love This Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe
This tiramisu cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the crispness of the ladyfingers, while the espresso adds an invigorating kick. Its rich flavor profiles are satisfying without being overly sweet. Plus, this dessert can be made in advance, saving you time when hosting guests. With its indulgent yet balanced flavors, you’ll find it hard to resist a second slice!
Ingredients for Tiramisu Cheesecake
Creating your very own tiramisu cheesecake requires a few essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crust:
- 1 1/4 cup (167g) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (56g) salted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tbsp (20g) sugar
- Filling:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 16 oz (452g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (52g) sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Kahlua Mixture:
- 3 tbsp (45ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp (30ml) instant espresso powder
- 1 cup (240ml) Kahlua
- Layering:
- 12 ladyfingers
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Kahlua mixture (remaining from above), cold
- 10 tbsp (73g) powdered sugar
- Cocoa, optional for garnish
How to Make Tiramisu Cheesecake Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare your 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides. This step is crucial to ensure your cheesecake comes out smoothly.
In a bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Next, press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared springform pan, forming a compact crust. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
For the filling, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar in a separate bowl. Using a mixer on medium-low speed, blend until the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overmix; you want the texture to remain creamy.
In another bowl, prepare the whipped cream. Add the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip this mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. This creates a fluffy filling that’s rich and light.
Now, let’s prepare the Kahlua mixture. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in warm water. Once fully dissolved, stir in the Kahlua. Take the ladyfingers one by one and dip them into the Kahlua mixture, ensuring that they soak up some of the liquid but don’t become overly soggy. Layer these soaked ladyfingers over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Next, spread the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly. Once assembled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing it to firm up and develop its flavors.
As you approach serving time, prepare the Kahlua whipped cream topping. In a bowl, whip cold cream with the reserved Kahlua mixture and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, smoothing the sides if necessary. Spread the Kahlua whipped cream over the top. If you desire, sprinkle cocoa powder on top for a touch of elegance.
Refrigerate the cheesecake until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cheesecake
When it’s time to serve your delectable tiramisu cheesecake, remember that presentation is key. Slice the cheesecake into even portions, allowing each slice to display the beautiful layers of the dessert. You can use a hot knife to achieve clean cuts; simply immerse the knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing.
You can accompany each slice with a dusting of cocoa powder for a stunning visual effect, or add a sprig of mint for a touch of color. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on the plate can elevate the presentation, making it look even more appetizing.
If you’re feeling indulgent, serve the cheesecake with a small cup of brewed coffee or espresso on the side. The flavors complement each other perfectly, providing a delightful experience for your guests as they enjoy the rich taste of tiramisu paired with the smoothness of cheesecake.
Expert Tips for Tiramisu Cheesecake
Creating the perfect tiramisu cheesecake is an art, and a few expert tips can help you elevate your dessert-making game. Here are some valuable insights:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth and lump-free filling. Plan to take them out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream: While preparing the whipped cream, be mindful not to overwhip, as it can become grainy. Watch for stiff peaks; this means that your cream is perfectly whipped.
- Adjust Coffee Flavor: If you’re a coffee lover, feel free to increase the amount of espresso powder to enhance the coffee flavor. Just remember, a little goes a long way.
- Chill Overnight for Best Results: While you can serve the cheesecake after a few hours, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it sits, the better it will taste.
- Garnishing: Cocoa powder is a classic garnish, but you can also use chocolate shavings or fresh berries to make your dessert even more enticing.
How to Store Tiramisu Cheesecake
Storing your tiramisu cheesecake properly will ensure it remains fresh and delicious. Place any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days.
If you want to keep the cheesecake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the whipped cream topping may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Variation of Tiramisu Cheesecake
While the traditional tiramisu cheesecake is indulgent on its own, you can play around with flavors and textures to create your own twist. Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Tiramisu Cheesecake: Add melted dark chocolate to the mascarpone filling for a rich chocolate flavor. You can also use chocolate wafer cookies for the crust.
- Berry Tiramisu Cheesecake: Replace the Kahlua with berry-flavored liqueurs, and layer mixed berries between the ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
- Nutty Tiramisu Cheesecake: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, into your mascarpone filling for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Tiramisu Cheesecake: Substitute traditional ingredients with vegan alternatives, such as cashew cream for mascarpone and coconut cream for whipped topping. Use coffee and plant-based liqueurs for flavor.
- Salted Caramel Tiramisu Cheesecake: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake or mix some into the mascarpone filling for a sweet-salty twist.
FAQ
What is Tiramisu Cheesecake?
Tiramisu cheesecake is a delightful blend of classic cheesecake and the rich flavors of tiramisu, characterized by layers of mascarpone filling and coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
How long does Tiramisu Cheesecake last?
When stored in the refrigerator, tiramisu cheesecake typically lasts about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.
Can I substitute the Kahlua in Tiramisu Cheesecake?
Yes, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace Kahlua with brewed coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup.
Tiramisu Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Kahlua Mixture
- 3 tbsp warm water
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1 cup Kahlua
Layering
- 12 ladyfingers
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup Kahlua mixture (remaining from above), cold
- 10 tbsp powdered sugar
- to taste Cocoa, optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare your 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
- In a bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly incorporated. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared springform pan to form a compact crust.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool.
Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar. Mix on medium-low speed until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
Kahlua Mixture
- In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in warm water. Stir in the Kahlua.
- Dip the ladyfingers one by one into the Kahlua mixture and layer them over the cooled crust.
- Spread the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers.
Refrigeration
- Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight.
Topping
- Prepare the Kahlua whipped cream topping by whipping cold cream with the reserved Kahlua mixture and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the Kahlua whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with cocoa powder if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!