There’s something almost magical about the way certain desserts can bring people together. Tiramisu has always been that dessert for my family — a symbol of celebration, comfort, and cozy weekend afternoons spent gathered around the kitchen table. Meanwhile, cheesecake has its own special place in our hearts, often reserved for birthdays and special milestones. So when the idea of blending these two iconic treats into one luxurious dessert hit me, it felt like creating a piece of edible happiness.

Grow your collection—save this delicious recipe on Pinterest now!

Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream is everything you love about both desserts — the creamy richness of cheesecake, the coffee-soaked charm of tiramisu, and the bold decadence of chocolate espresso. It’s the kind of dessert you imagine bringing to a holiday gathering and watching everyone’s faces light up as you set it down. There’s tradition here, yes, but there’s also a playful twist, a little adventure in flavor. Plus, the rich coffee and chocolate flavors feel like a cozy hug in colder seasons.

Maybe your nonna used to make classic tiramisu, layering it with love. Maybe you’ve had your fair share of cheesecake slices at birthday parties. This recipe brings the best of both worlds together, and honestly, it feels like a celebration in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

A beautiful fusion of two classic desserts.
Rich, creamy texture with a bold coffee-chocolate flavor.
Perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
Make-ahead friendly, so you’re not rushing the day of your event.
Absolutely stunning on a dessert table — guaranteed to impress!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs

For the Chocolate Espresso Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

HOW TO MAKE Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it really tight and even. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Take your time with this step — no one wants lumpy cheesecake! Add the sugar and continue to mix until fully incorporated. Blend in the sour cream, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract. The kitchen will already start smelling incredible. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth out the top. Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan — this water bath helps prevent cracking. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the center is just slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for an hour.

Chill: After it’s cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. Good things come to those who wait!
Make the Chocolate Espresso Cream: Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder together until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted chocolate. I could eat this by the spoonful, but save it for the cheesecake — it’s worth it!
Assemble: Spread or pipe the chocolate espresso cream over the chilled cheesecake. Dust with a little extra cocoa powder if you’re feeling fancy.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a super smooth filling.
Don’t skip the water bath! It’s key for a crack-free cheesecake.
Chill overnight if you can — the flavors deepen and it slices beautifully.
A hot knife (wiped clean between cuts) makes picture-perfect slices.
If you’re in a hurry, you can make the chocolate espresso cream topping while the cheesecake is cooling in the fridge.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

If you love a stronger coffee flavor, feel free to bump up the instant espresso powder in the filling or topping.
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving — approximate)

Calories: 460
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 7g
Sugar: 24g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use store-bought espresso instead of instant powder?
It’s better to stick with instant espresso powder to avoid adding extra liquid, which could throw off the cheesecake texture.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A deep cake pan could work, but you’ll need to line it very carefully with parchment and lift the cheesecake out after cooling.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How do I prevent cracks on top?
The water bath and slow cooling method really help. Also, don’t overmix your batter after adding the eggs.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Keep your tiramisu cheesecake covered and refrigerated for up to 5 days. If you’re storing it with the topping already on, make sure the cover is loose to avoid smooshing that gorgeous chocolate espresso cream. For longer storage, freeze it without the topping and add it fresh after thawing.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other creamy delights:

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cheesecake with Chocolate Espresso Cream isn’t just a dessert — it’s a memory-maker. It’s the kind of thing you’ll find yourself craving again and again, the kind of thing your friends and family will request once they’ve had a slice. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a birthday, or just a random Tuesday when you need a little extra joy, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a coffee, and savor every decadent, creamy, coffee-kissed bite.