Coffee Cheesecake Recipe With Chocolate Ganache For National Coffee Break Day
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January 20th is National Coffee Break Day. How about a luxurious piece of coffee cheesecake to go with that cup of joe? This recipe has an Oreo cookie crust and is topped with a silky, rich chocolate ganache. You can personalize it with the crust of your choice. We happened to have a supply of speculoos cookies from Trader Joe’s. Check out these cheesecake crust options. > See the whole year of coffee holidays. > The cheesecake holidays are here> The history of cheesecake. > The different types of coffee. This recipe needs to be made a day in advance so the cheesecake can set in the fridge overnight before adding the ganache topping. Why? As cheesecake is still rather soft when it’s removed from the oven, it’s important to allow any cheesecake recipe to cool and chill completely before topping and serving. Otherwise, the weight of the ganache could cause your cheesecake to sink or crack. For The Crust 1. PREHEAT the oven to 325°F. Place a greased 9-inch springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 inches square). Securely wrap the foil around the pan. (Wrapping the pan prevents any water from the water bath from seeping into the cheesecake.) 2. COMBINE the cookie crumbs and butter in a small bowl; press onto the bottom of prepared pan. (No prebaking of the crust is required in this reciper.) 3. MIX the coffee granules and hot water in another bowl. Set aside to cool slightly. 4. BEAT the cream cheese, sugar, flour and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs and coffee mixture; beat on low speed until just combined. Pour the filling over the crust. 5. PLACE the springform pan in a large, deep baking pan; add 1 inch of hot water to the larger pan. (Called a water bath or bain-marie, the steam from the water gently bakes the cheesecake evenly across, preventing cracks in the top.) 6. BAKE at 325°F for 60-70 minutes or until the center is just set and the top appears dull. Promptly remove the springform pan from the water bath; remove the foil. To know if a cheesecake is done baking, you can use an instant-read thermometer; it should read 150°F in the center. Or, try the wobble test: Without moving the springform pan from the oven, smack the sides with a wooden spoon. If the top ripples and appears fluid, the cheesecake still needs more time to bake. If the surface only wobbles slightly in the middle and appears dull without any sheen, the cheesecake is likely ready to pull from the oven. 7. COOL the cheesecake on a wire rack for 10 minutes; then loosen the sides from pan with a knife. Cool for 1 hour longer. Cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 8. MAKE the ganache. Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream to just a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Cool slightly to reach a spreading consistency, stirring occasionally. 8. REMOVE the rim from the springform pan. Spread the ganache over cheesecake. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. If desired, decorate with whipped cream and espresso beans. 9. LEFTOVERS can be stored in the fridge for up to one week in the refrigerator. To freeze for up to 3 months, wrap it tightly in plastic and heavy-duty aluminum foil. Thaw it in the fridge. If you are freezing the whole cake, don’t add the ganache until the cake has thawed. Then chill for 1 hour before serving. |
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Recipe Variations A YEAR OF COFFEE HOLIDAYS |
†Some explanation: > Cup of Joe: In 1898, Joe Martinson of Martinson Coffee in New York City promoted his coffee as a “cup of Joe,” and later trademarked the phrase. > Deckfast: It’s pretty self-explanatory: A deskfast is a meal eaten at one’s desk while working. > World’s Biggest Coffee Morning: An annual fundraising event run by Macmillan Cancer Support where people across the U.K. host and attend Coffee Mornings at home, work, or at other venues. People bring coffee and cake and donate money to Macmillan. > Why has Starbucks co-opted National Coffee Day? It strengthens the connection between the brand and the beverage, allowing Starbucks to capitalize on the wider attention garnered by National Coffee Day. Frankly, they could have chosen another day—perhaps a U.S. version of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. > National Coffee with a Cop Day encourages communities to sponsor events that bring citizens and police officers together. It began in Hawthorne, California in 2011 as part of National Community Policing Week. The day provides a casual setting for open dialogue and discussion, to break down barriers, and to help officers understand the needs of their community. > U.K. Coffee Week celebrates coffee culture while raising funds for Project Waterfall, a charity that supports coffee-growing communities. Thousands of coffee shops, roasters, and individuals across the U.K> participate. | |||||
