Looking for a sweet way to enjoy your favorite coffee flavor? This chilled cappuccino cheesecake recipe blends the boldness of a classic cappuccino with the richness of a creamy cheesecake. It’s a light, refreshing treat you can whip up without turning on the oven. By the end, you’ll have a smooth, coffee-infused dessert to impress your friends or simply satisfy your own cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers (about 8 full crackers)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee)
- 2 teaspoons warm water
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
Directions
-
Prepare the crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place it in the fridge to chill while you work on the filling. -
Dissolve the espresso
Stir the espresso powder into warm water until it dissolves completely. Set aside. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, add a pinch more espresso powder. -
Make the filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and dissolved espresso.Continue mixing until everything is well combined. -
Whip the cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks. Fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix. This step adds lightness to the cheesecake. -
Assemble
Remove the chilled crust from the fridge. Spoon the cappuccino cheesecake filling onto the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Chocolate swirl: Melt a little chocolate and drizzle it over the top before chilling, then swirl lightly with a toothpick.
- Combo flavors: Swap half the espresso powder for cocoa powder if you want a mocha twist.
- Toppings: Garnish with cocoa powder, extra whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Nutrition facts
Below is an approximate breakdown per slice (based on 8 slices). Actual values may vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use.
| Component | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Final thoughts
Whipping up a chilled cappuccino cheesecake is a breeze, and the payoff is huge. That first forkful delivers creamy texture and bold coffee notes, all wrapped up in a crisp graham cracker crust. If you’re craving a gourmet coffee dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, this recipe might become your new go-to.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely. Decaf espresso powder (or instant coffee) offers the same taste minus the caffeine jolt. -
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store it covered for up to 4 days. The flavor develops even more on day two, so it’s great for prepping in advance. -
Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. -
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular pie dish, though slicing might be trickier. Lining the dish with parchment paper can help with lifting out slices later.
Chilled cappuccino cheesecake Recipe
8
servings30
minutes4
hours380
kcalIngredients
1 cup finely crushed graham crackers (about 8 full crackers)
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee)
2 teaspoons warm water
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place it in the fridge to chill while you work on the filling.
- Dissolve the espresso: Stir the espresso powder into warm water until it dissolves completely. Set aside. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, add a pinch more espresso powder.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and dissolved espresso.Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream into stiff peaks. Fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix. This step adds lightness to the cheesecake.
- Assemble: Remove the chilled crust from the fridge. Spoon the cappuccino cheesecake filling onto the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chocolate swirl: Melt a little chocolate and drizzle it over the top before chilling, then swirl lightly with a toothpick.
- Combo flavors: Swap half the espresso powder for cocoa powder if you want a mocha twist.
- Toppings: Garnish with cocoa powder, extra whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.





