If you love the classic Italian dessert tiramisu and the creamy texture of cheesecake, this Tiramisu Cheesecake recipe is the perfect fusion for you. This no-bake tiramisu cheesecake combines the rich flavors of espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa with the tangy sweetness of a cheesecake. Plus, we’ll include variations like a lemon tiramisu twist to give you more options to enjoy this delightful dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this decadent dessert at home.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 200g digestive biscuits (graham crackers)
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 500g mascarpone cheese
- 250g cream cheese
- 100g powdered sugar
- 200ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp espresso or strong coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Total Nutritional Information (without optional ingredients)
- Total Protein: 68.12g
- Total Calories: 4835
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Crush the Biscuits: Place the digestive biscuits in a food processor and blitz until finely ground. Alternatively, place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix with Butter: In a bowl, combine the crushed biscuits with melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Line the base of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the bottom to create an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Beat the Cheeses: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until well incorporated. Then, add the heavy cream and beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Flavor the Filling: Mix in the espresso and vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the Filling: Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing it to set properly.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Dust with Cocoa: Once the cheesecake is set, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.
- Add Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the cocoa-dusted surface if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.
Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the mascarpone and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother filling.
- Whip the Cream Correctly: Don’t overwhip the heavy cream, or it may become grainy. It should be thickened but still smooth.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake to chill for the recommended time to ensure it sets properly and is easy to slice.
- Coffee Flavor: Adjust the amount of espresso to suit your taste preference. For a stronger coffee flavor, increase these ingredients slightly.
Variations
No Bake Tiramisu Variation
- Ingredients: Substitute the crust with ladyfinger biscuits soaked in coffee and coffee liqueur.
- Method: Layer the ladyfingers at the bottom of the pan before adding the cheesecake filling.
Tips for a Perfect No-Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake
- Quick Dipping: Ensure that the ladyfingers are dipped quickly in the espresso to prevent them from becoming too soft and losing their shape.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample chilling time for the cheesecake to set properly, ensuring that it holds together when sliced.
- Consistency of the Filling: Whip the filling until it is thick but not too stiff. This will provide the right consistency for a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Espresso Strength: Adjust the strength of the espresso-based on your preference for a more or less pronounced coffee flavor.
Lemon Tiramisu Variation
- Ingredients: Add the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tbsp of lemon juice to the cheesecake filling.
- Topping: Replace cocoa powder with lemon zest and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
These variations allow you to enjoy a fresh twist on the traditional tiramisu cheesecake, either with the zesty notes of lemon or a classic no-bake approach that highlights the coffee flavors more prominently.
Enjoy this delightful Tiramisu Cheesecake with family and friends, or indulge in a slice to savour the rich, creamy textures and flavours of this wonderful dessert.