If you adore the bold flavor of coffee combined with the smooth richness of caramel and creamy cheesecake, this Velvety Coffee Caramel Cheesecake is your dream dessert come true. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious coffee-infused cheesecake filling, and a glossy caramel drizzle, every bite melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee bitterness.
Ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress with a stunning homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Caramel Cheesecake
- Rich, creamy texture with a perfect coffee kick
- Silky caramel sauce complements the cheesecake beautifully
- Easy to make with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment
- Make-ahead friendly — perfect for entertaining
- Stunning presentation with glossy caramel drizzle
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Coffee Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water (or 1 shot espresso)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Coffee Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and dissolved coffee or espresso. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour filling over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a water bath (wrap the bottom in foil to prevent leaks).
Bake for 55–65 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring constantly until it liquefies and turns a deep amber color.
Carefully add butter and whisk until melted. Slowly add heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in sea salt if making salted caramel.
Let caramel cool slightly before drizzling.
5. Assemble and Serve
Remove cheesecake from springform pan. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Coffee Caramel Cheesecake
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich texture
- Dissolve coffee granules fully to avoid graininess
- Don’t overbake—center should have a slight wobble
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks
- Make caramel ahead and reheat gently before serving
Storage
- Keep cheesecake refrigerated, covered, for up to 5 days
- Caramel sauce can be stored in the fridge for 1 week; warm before use
Variations
- Salted Caramel: Add more sea salt for a bold contrast
- Mocha Cheesecake: Add ¼ cup melted dark chocolate to the filling
- Espresso Swirl: Drizzle espresso syrup in the filling before baking
- Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?
Instant coffee or espresso works best for concentrated flavor without extra liquid.
How do I prevent cracks?
Bake in a water bath and cool gradually. Don’t overmix the batter.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with almond flour for the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Velvety Coffee Caramel Cheesecake perfectly blends the deep, robust flavor of coffee with the sweet, buttery richness of caramel and creamy cheesecake. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Treat yourself and your guests to this luscious, velvety delight — the perfect ending to any meal.
