Quick & Adorable Mini Espresso Cheesecakes Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Creamy mini espresso cheesecakes offer a delightful twist on classic dessert indulgence.

Espresso lovers rejoice with this compact treat that packs serious flavor.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with robust coffee notes for an irresistible combination.

Small yet mighty, these miniature delights promise a sophisticated dessert experience.

Silky smooth textures meet intense coffee undertones in each delectable bite.

Compact portions make sharing optional but highly recommended.

Prepare to fall in love with this decadent coffee-infused sensation that transforms ordinary cheesecake into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Mini Espresso Cheesecakes That Delight

• Craft a Coffee Lover's Dream: Indulge in a decadent mini cheesecake that combines the rich, bold flavors of espresso with creamy cheesecake perfection.
• Master Simple Gourmet Baking: Create restaurant-quality desserts with easy-to-follow steps that make you feel like a professional pastry chef right in your own kitchen.
• Perfect Party Showstopper: Impress guests with individual-sized cheesecakes that look elegant, taste incredible, and offer a sophisticated coffee-infused twist on a classic dessert.
• Customize Your Treat: Personalize these mini cheesecakes by adjusting the espresso intensity or adding optional Kahlua for an extra layer of flavor that suits your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Mini Espresso Cheesecakes

• Oreo Cookies: Chocolate sandwich cookies that create a rich, dark base for the cheesecakes.
• Espresso Powder: Intensifies the coffee flavor in the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and provides a smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and tangy foundation.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake mixture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind the ingredients and help create a stable cheesecake structure.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky smooth texture.
• Kahlua: Optional coffee liqueur that deepens the espresso flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Intensifies the coffee notes throughout the cheesecake.

• Chocolate: Creates a rich, glossy topping for the cheesecakes.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, pourable ganache.
• Espresso Powder: Adds an extra coffee kick to the ganache.
• Espresso Beans, Shaved Chocolate: Optional garnishes that add visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Non-Stick Baking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of cheesecakes.
• Paper Liners: Provides a convenient way to remove and serve individual cheesecakes.

Step-by-Step Cheesecake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 325F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray with non-stick baking spray.

Step 2: Create Oreo Cookie Crust

• Espresso powder
• Melted butter

Divide the mixture evenly into cupcake liners, pressing firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides.

Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven. Lower the oven temperature to 300F and let the crust cool.

Step 3: Whip Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined.

• Heavy cream
• Kahlua (optional)
• Espresso powder

Distribute batter evenly over prepared crusts.

Bake for 16 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the door closed for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and Set Cheesecakes

Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Espresso Ganache

Place chopped chocolate in a bowl.

Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk in espresso powder until smooth.

Allow ganache to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Spoon ganache over chilled cheesecakes.

Optional garnishes include espresso beans and shaved chocolate.

Tips to Perfect Your Mini Cheesecakes

• Pulse Oreo cookies until they become fine, sandy crumbs to ensure a smooth, even base that holds together beautifully when baked.
• Mix ingredients on low speed and avoid over-beating to keep the filling silky and prevent unsightly surface cracks during baking.
• Follow the precise baking method of 16 minutes at 300F and letting cheesecakes rest in closed oven to achieve a creamy, tender texture without overbaking.
• Allow chocolate to sit in hot cream for exactly one minute before whisking to create a glossy, smooth ganache that drapes perfectly over chilled cheesecakes.

Variations to Personalize Your Desserts

• Coffee Shop Classic: Replace Kahlua with strong brewed espresso for a more intense coffee flavor, perfect for true coffee enthusiasts who want pure coffee essence in their dessert.
• Chocolate Mocha Fusion: Add dark chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter and use a chocolate cookie base instead of regular Oreos, creating a richer, more decadent coffee-chocolate experience.
• Nutty Espresso Crunch: Mix chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the crust for added texture and sprinkle crushed coffee beans on top of the ganache for extra crunch and coffee aroma.
• Salted Caramel Coffee Blast: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the ganache and sprinkle sea salt flakes, transforming the cheesecake into a complex, layered dessert with sweet and salty notes.

Pairings That Elevate Your Cheesecake Experience

• Elevate Coffee Flavor Companions: Pair with aged rum or bourbon to enhance the rich espresso notes and complement the cheesecake's creamy texture.
• Dessert Wine Harmony: Select a sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry or late harvest Riesling to balance the intense coffee and chocolate undertones, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Textural Contrast Sidekick: Serve alongside crunchy almond biscotti or hazelnut brittle to add delightful texture and nutty complexity that echoes the espresso crust.
• Temperature Play Partner: Include a scoop of vanilla bean gelato or coffee-infused ice cream to create a temperature and flavor contrast that intensifies the dessert's decadence.

How to Store Mini Espresso Cheesecakes

Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.

Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Gently warm ganache-topped cheesecakes at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid direct microwave heating to prevent texture changes.

Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

• How strong is the coffee flavor in these mini cheesecakes?

The espresso powder and optional Kahlua create a rich, intense coffee flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake without being overpowering. The espresso is balanced with the sweet cream cheese, giving a sophisticated mocha-like taste.

• Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, these mini cheesecakes are perfect for advance preparation. You can make them up to 3 days before serving and store them in the refrigerator. The ganache can be added just before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cheesecakes?

You’ll need a food processor for the crust, a muffin tin, electric mixer, and a wire cooling rack. A good quality stand or hand mixer helps create a smooth cheesecake batter.

Mini Espresso Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 51 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent mini espresso cheesecakes bring Italian cafe charm right to dessert tables. Rich, creamy espresso-infused cheesecake nestles in delicate graham cracker crusts, promising a delightful coffee-lover’s sweet escape you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base:

• 20 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder

Cheesecake Filling:

• 12 ounces (340g) full-fat cream cheese, very soft
• 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (76g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (57ml) heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (21ml) Kahlua or coffee liqueur (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder

Chocolate Topping:

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (113ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
• Espresso beans & shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 325F (163C) and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin, lightly coating with non-stick spray.
2. Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Blend with espresso powder and melted butter until thoroughly mixed. Press the crumb mixture evenly into cupcake liners, covering bottom and sides. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 300F (149C).
3. Whip cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth. Incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until uniform. Gently fold in egg and egg yolk, avoiding excessive mixing. Delicately blend heavy cream, Kahlua, and espresso powder into the mixture.
4. Pour cheesecake batter evenly across prepared crusts, filling each cup completely. Bake for 16 minutes, then keep oven door closed for an additional 10 minutes after turning off heat.
5. Remove cheesecakes and allow to cool entirely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours before serving.
6. Create ganache by placing chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy cream until it reaches a simmer, then pour over chocolate. Allow to rest for 1 minute, then whisk in espresso powder until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
7. Let ganache cool for 5 minutes, then carefully drizzle over chilled cheesecakes. Optional: Garnish with espresso beans and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Choose dark Oreo cookies for a richer, more intense chocolate base that complements the espresso flavor perfectly.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Use freshly ground espresso powder for the most vibrant coffee flavor in both the crust and ganache.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent cracks and maintain a silky, delicate consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 31 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg