Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Fusion

Dessert lovers unite over this decadent tiramisu cheesecake recipe that bridges Italian classic flavors with creamy American cheesecake tradition.

Layers of rich mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers create a luxurious dance of textures and tastes.

Every bite promises an elegant symphony of sweet and bold espresso notes.

The silky smooth filling melts effortlessly on your tongue, delivering a sophisticated dessert experience.

Coffee-infused cream cheese becomes the star of this indulgent masterpiece, blending two beloved desserts into one showstopping treat.

Delicate ladyfingers provide the perfect foundation for this irresistible culinary creation.

Get ready to impress your guests with a dessert that’s both familiar and surprisingly innovative.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 5-6 hours

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Tiramisu Cheesecake Ingredient List

For the Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a classic, crumbly foundation that adds delightful texture and a hint of sweetness.
  • Butter: Binds the crust together and creates a rich, golden base that melts in your mouth.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy heart of the cheesecake, delivering luxurious smoothness and tangy depth.
  • Sugar: Balances the richness and brings a gentle sweetness to the dessert.
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent that helps the cheesecake set perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic essence that elevates the entire flavor profile.
For the Tiramisu Layer:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Brings authentic Italian creaminess and a silky-smooth texture.
  • Espresso, Strong Coffee: Provides the classic tiramisu depth and bold coffee flavor.
  • Ladyfinger Cookies: Absorbs the coffee and creates those signature delicate, soaked layers.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich, slightly bitter finish and classic tiramisu visual appeal.
  • Marsala Wine or Rum: Introduces a sophisticated, warm undertone to the dessert.

Tools for Making Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
  • Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes needed for separating ingredients and mixing components.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping cream and blending cream cheese smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps line pan bottom for clean removal and prevents sticking.
  • Whisk: Great for combining espresso and Kahlua mixture.
  • Spatula: Helpful for folding whipped cream and spreading cheese mixture evenly.
  • Cocoa Sifter (optional): For dusting cocoa powder on top of finished dessert.

How to Prepare Tiramisu Cheesecake

Delightful Coffee Dream

  • Crust Foundation

Crush some cookies and blend with melted butter, creating a smooth base that will cradle your luxurious dessert. Press this mixture into a round pan, ensuring an even layer that promises a delectable crunch.

  • Creamy Cheese Layer

Blend soft cream cheese and rich mascarpone until silky smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream, creating a cloud-like mixture that whispers elegance and indulgence.

  • Coffee Magic

Brew a strong espresso and mix with a splash of coffee liqueur. Delicately dip soft Italian cookies into this aromatic liquid, layering them carefully across the creamy base.

  • Chilling Moment

Slide the entire creation into the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and textures to settle. This quiet resting period transforms individual ingredients into a harmonious dessert.

  • Finishing Touch

Before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. The dark powder creates a beautiful contrast against the creamy landscape, signaling the decadent experience awaiting each lucky guest.

Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed with close friends and a side of good conversation.

Tips & Twists for Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Ladyfinger Swap: Replace traditional ladyfingers with chocolate or almond biscuits for a unique twist. Gluten-free cookies work perfectly for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Espresso Intensity: Adjust the strength of espresso powder based on personal coffee preferences. Dark roast provides a more robust flavor, while light roast offers a milder taste.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to 2 days in advance. The flavors actually deepen and become more complex when chilled overnight, making it ideal for entertaining.
  • Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute Kahlua with strong coffee or coffee syrup for a non-alcoholic version. Vanilla extract can add depth to the flavor profile without alcohol.
  • Decorative Touches: Garnish with chocolate shavings, crushed amaretti cookies, or fresh berries for added visual appeal and complementary flavors. A light dusting of cinnamon can also enhance the dessert's aromatic qualities.

Serving Tiramisu Cheesecake Like a Pro

  • Elegant Italian Gathering
  • Perfect for a sophisticated dinner party with close friends. Serve on beautiful dessert plates with delicate espresso cups alongside each slice, creating an authentic Italian dining experience.
  • Romantic Date Night Dessert
  • Impress your partner by serving individual portions garnished with fresh raspberries and a light dusting of dark chocolate shavings. Pair with a small glass of amaretto liqueur for extra romance.
  • Afternoon Coffee Companion
  • Slice into smaller bite-sized pieces for an afternoon coffee break. Arrange on a rustic wooden board with extra ladyfingers and serve with freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino for a delightful treat.
  • Game Night Dessert Platter
  • Create a stunning dessert platter with multiple mini slices, allowing friends to sample and share. Provide small forks and additional cocoa powder for dusting, making it a fun and interactive dessert experience.

Storing and Planning Ahead with Tiramisu Cheesecake

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store your tiramisu cheesecake covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving to enhance the flavor melding. The longer it sits, the more the coffee and liqueur notes intensify, creating a richer taste experience.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
  • Portion Control Trick: Cut and separate individual slices with parchment paper between them before storing. This prevents sticking and allows easy removal of single servings without disrupting the entire dessert's beautiful presentation.
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Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 5-6 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Irresistible flavors of tiramisu cheesecake blend Italian classics with creamy dessert traditions. Rich mascarpone and espresso layers create a luxurious experience that will delight passionate dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 8 oz (226 g) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) strong brewed espresso, cooled
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) ladyfinger cookies, crushed
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) coffee liqueur
  • 2 tbsps (15 g) cocoa powder, for dusting
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Line springform pan bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease sides to facilitate effortless cake removal.
  2. Craft Crust: Combine crust ingredients and press firmly into pan base, creating a robust foundation for the dessert.
  3. Bake Crust: Toast crust in preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until light golden, then cool completely.
  4. Create Cheese Filling: Blend cream cheese, mascarpone, and sugar in a mixing bowl until silky smooth, avoiding excessive mixing to maintain delicate texture.
  5. Whip Cream: Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, whisking until stiff, voluminous peaks form.
  6. Merge Components: Gently fold whipped cream into cheese mixture, creating an airy, luxurious filling with impeccable consistency.
  7. Prepare Coffee Mixture: Dissolve espresso powder in warm water, then integrate Kahlua for a rich, intense flavor profile.
  8. Layer Ladyfingers: Swiftly dip ladyfingers into coffee-Kahlua liquid, ensuring light moisture, and arrange in a uniform layer over cooled crust.
  9. Spread Filling: Carefully distribute mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, achieving a flawlessly smooth surface.
  10. Chill and Set: Refrigerate cheesecake for 5-6 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and dessert to solidify completely.
  11. Create Topping: Whip additional heavy cream with Kahlua and powdered sugar until achieving stiff, elegant peaks.
  12. Unmold and Finish: Delicately remove cheesecake from springform pan, smoothing sides for a refined presentation.
  13. Garnish: Lavishly adorn cheesecake with Kahlua whipped cream, crafting sophisticated swirls or peaks.
  14. Final Touch: Dust surface with cocoa powder, invoking classic tiramisu-inspired elegance.
  15. Serve Chilled: Maintain refrigeration until serving, ensuring optimal flavor and texture for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Bake the crust briefly to create a protective barrier against moisture from the filling.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Blend cream cheese gently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without incorporating excess air.
  • Master Ladyfinger Dipping: Quick, light dips prevent soggy layers while ensuring perfect coffee-Kahlua flavor absorption.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate overnight to develop rich flavors and achieve ideal set consistency for clean slicing.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 50 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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