Combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the classic espresso and mascarpone flavors of tiramisu in this decadent dessert fusion. This recipe delivers a show-stopping Italian dessert perfect for special occasions.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:75 min
Total Time:105 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
1/2 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
1 package (7 ounces) ladyfingers
1/2 cup strong brewed espresso, for dipping
Whipped cream, for topping
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Prepare the crust: Mix chocolate wafer crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
Gently fold in the softened mascarpone cheese. Mix until just smooth.
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
Combine the 1/2 cup cooled espresso and coffee liqueur (if using). Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for just a few seconds per side, then arrange them in a single layer over the first layer of batter.
Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the ladyfingers.
Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Before serving, carefully remove the springform ring. Top with whipped cream and dust generously with cocoa powder.
Notes
For a no-bake version, chill the cheesecake mixture until firm instead of baking, and layer with coffee-soaked ladyfingers before the final chill.
Use high-quality espresso for the best coffee flavor in this dessert fusion.
If you skip the coffee liqueur, add 1 tablespoon of rum extract to the espresso dipping liquid for depth.