Irish Cream Cheesecake (Printable)

Creamy cheesecake with chocolate, coffee, and vanilla flavors, inspired by Irish cream liqueur.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crust

01 - 7 oz chocolate cookie crumbs (chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits)
02 - 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 24 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 3/4 cup sour cream
09 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
11 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
12 - 2 tsp instant coffee granules
13 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
14 - 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Topping

16 - 1 cup cold heavy cream
17 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
18 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
19 - Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line bottom of 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
02 - Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in bowl. Mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
03 - Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
04 - Add sour cream, heavy cream, brewed coffee, cocoa powder, instant coffee, vanilla, almond extract if using, and pinch of salt. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
06 - Place pan in larger roasting pan and fill outer pan with hot water halfway up sides.
07 - Bake for 50-60 minutes until center is just set and slightly wobbly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
08 - Remove cheesecake and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
09 - Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
10 - Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled cheesecake. Garnish with shaved chocolate or dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy texture melts in your mouth while the coffee and chocolate flavors linger perfectly
  • It tastes completely indulgent but contains zero alcohol, making it perfect for everyone
  • The water bath technique guarantees that silky smooth restaurant quality finish
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for achieving that smooth, lump free texture
  • The water bath might seem fussy but it prevents cracks and creates that professional silky finish
  • Overmixing after adding the eggs introduces air bubbles that can cause your cheesecake to crack
03 -
  • Run a thin knife around the edge of the pan before removing the sides to ensure clean edges
  • If you notice any small cracks on top, the whipped cream topping covers them completely

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