Print

Decadent Italian Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

Decadent Italian Tiramisu Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of mascarpone and cream cheese with the bold flavors of espresso and cocoa. This 9-inch cheesecake features a graham cracker crust and optional ladyfinger layer, baked gently in a water bath to achieve a smooth, crack-free custard texture. Topped with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa, it’s a sophisticated dessert that balances Italian tiramisu tradition with American cheesecake indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 200 g (about 2 cups) graham cracker crumbs (can substitute digestive biscuits or ladyfingers)
  • 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted (can substitute coconut oil)

Filling

  • 680 g (24 oz) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (Neufchâtel for lower fat option)
  • 225 g (8 oz) mascarpone cheese (substitute whipped cream cheese if unavailable)
  • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 120 ml (½ cup) strong brewed espresso (instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water can be used)
  • 2 tbsp Kahlua or coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (almond extract can add depth)

Topping

  • 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
  • 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality Dutch-processed)

Optional Layer

  • 10–12 ladyfingers for truer tiramisu texture

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using a flat-bottomed glass for even pressure. Chill the crust while preparing the filling. Avoid overpacking to prevent a rock-hard crust after baking.
  2. Making the Filling: Beat the cream cheese and mascarpone together until creamy, scraping down the sides frequently to ensure uniform smoothness. Gradually add granulated sugar to avoid graininess. Whisk in eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated to prevent overbeating which could cause cracks. Stir in espresso, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur (if using). The batter should be thick yet pourable; if too loose, chill for 10 minutes to firm up.
  3. Baking: Pour the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled halfway with hot water to create a bain-marie (water bath). This method ensures gentle, consistent heat that prevents cracking. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 60 to 70 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour to gradually cool.
  4. Cooling and Topping: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight. Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cheesecake top. Dust with cocoa powder generously, and optionally arrange ladyfingers around the edges for authentic tiramisu texture. For a decorative touch, drizzle espresso syrup over the whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps in the batter.
  • Do not overbake; overbaking will make the cheesecake dry and crumbly.
  • Always use a water bath to avoid cracks in the cheesecake surface.
  • Chill the cheesecake thoroughly; rushing this step may cause slices to collapse.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute the crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Vegan adaptation requires dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of mascarpone, with a looser texture expected.
  • For lower sugar, erythritol can replace sugar but may alter flavor perception.
  • Strong, nearly bitter espresso works best to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
  • A springform pan and offset spatula are essential for ease of assembly and plating.
  • Serve on chilled plates to maintain slice integrity.

Keywords: tiramisu cheesecake, Italian dessert, mascarpone cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, baked cheesecake, tiramisu, creamy dessert, coffee flavored cheesecake

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/decadent-italian-tiramisu-cheesecake-recipe/