If you have a sweet tooth and love creamy desserts with a kick of coffee and chocolate, you are going to adore this Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of rich, velvety cream cheese with the classic flavors of tiramisu—coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a luscious mascarpone cream, and a chocolate cookie crust that ties everything together beautifully. Every bite feels like a special occasion and will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish your first slice.

Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. The beauty here is that each component plays a crucial role—from the chocolate creme cookies creating a crunchy base, to the creamy mascarpone and cream cheese that deliver that silky texture and irresistible flavor.

Chocolate creme cookies (35 cookies, 455 g): These form the crunchy, cocoa-rich crust that is the foundation of the cheesecake.
Melted unsalted butter (5 tbsp, 85 g): Binds the cookie crumbs nicely and adds a lovely buttery taste.
Full-fat cream cheese (24 oz / 680 g): The star ingredient for that dense, creamy cheesecake body.
Mascarpone cheese (8 oz / 226 g): Adds richness and authentic Italian flair to the filling.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups / 325 g): Sweetens the cheesecake just perfectly without overpowering.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla essence (1 tsp): Adds a warm, inviting aroma that complements the coffee and chocolate notes.
Large eggs (4, room temperature): Help bind the filling to create a smooth, luscious texture.
Heavy cream (½ cup for batter + 1 cup for coffee mascarpone cream): Provides creaminess and a light fluffiness to the dessert.
Sour cream (1 cup / 240 g): Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp, sifted): Stabilizes the filling, keeping it set without cracking.
Ladyfinger biscuits (12): Soaked in strong coffee to give that classic tiramisu touch in the middle layer.
Strong black coffee (½ cup): The soul of tiramisu that brightens and balances the creamy layers.
Cocoa powder (2 tbsp, for dusting): A final flourish that offers a beautiful color contrast and a hint of bitter chocolate.
Instant coffee dissolved in water (1 tsp coffee + 1 tsp water): Infuses the mascarpone cream with an authentic coffee flavor.

How to Make Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter the base of a 10-inch springform pan to make sure the crust doesn’t stick. Next, crush the chocolate creme cookies finely—using a food processor makes this super easy. Mix in the melted butter until the crumbs stick together. Press this mixture firmly into the base of your pan and optionally up the sides for a neat edge. Bake it for about 7 to 8 minutes, then set it aside to cool. This crust gives a deliciously crunchy and chocolatey base that’s essential for the Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Lower the oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla essence, and salt with a stand mixer until the mixture is silky smooth—don’t forget to occasionally scrape down the sides for even mixing. Lightly whisk the eggs separately and gradually add them to the cream cheese mixture on low speed to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the heavy cream, sour cream, and sifted cornstarch, mixing gently until fully combined. This step is where the cheesecake filling gets that rich, indulgent texture that’s signature to our Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to protect it from water in the next baking stage. Pour half of your cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth it out. Now, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strong coffee—be cautious to only dip briefly to prevent sogginess—and arrange them snugly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over this layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and smooth the surface, leaving the top just below the brim of the pan. This layering is the heart of the Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe, marrying the creamy and coffee-soaked textures perfectly.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Place a large roasting tray in the oven and fill it with boiling water to create a water bath that ensures gentle, even cooking. Set the foil-wrapped springform pan inside this bath and bake for about 80 minutes. You’re looking for firm edges and a slightly jiggly center—this guarantees a creamy, smooth finish without cracks. Once baked, cool the cheesecake at room temperature for 15 minutes, then gently loosen it from the pan edges. Allow it to cool fully for 2 to 3 hours before refrigerating it overnight uncovered. This chilling period is crucial to develop the full flavor of the Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe.

Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Mascarpone Cream

Whisk together cold mascarpone cheese, sugar to taste, and dissolved instant coffee until smooth. Add chilled heavy whipping cream and whisk gently until stiff peaks form, celebrating the glossy, airy cream that adds the perfect coffee-tinged topping for your cheesecake. This coffee mascarpone cream elevates the Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe with an extra layer of indulgence and lightness.

Step 6: Decorate & Serve

Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a beautiful serving platter. Spread a thin layer of the coffee mascarpone cream evenly over the top. For an elegant touch, pipe additional cream patterns using a piping bag if you like. Finally, dust cocoa powder over the cream using a fine sieve, creating a classic tiramisu look. Use a hot knife, wiped clean between each cut, to slice your cheesecake neatly. Serve your slices on decorative plates to impress everyone at your table with this heartfelt Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe.

How to Serve Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

Add some extra flair by garnishing with chocolate shavings, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, or even edible flowers. These not only enhance the visual appeal but add lovely contrasting textures and fresh notes that cut through the richness of the cheesecake.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesecake with a shot of espresso or a glass of dessert wine such as Marsala or a sweet Moscato. The coffee or wine complements the flavors beautifully, making each bite feel even more luxurious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear glasses layered with leftover coffee mascarpone cream and crushed chocolate cookies. Or, create a platter with bite-sized cheesecake squares arranged with dollops of the coffee cream and cocoa dust, perfect for parties and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover slices refrigerated in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap. Your cheesecake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days—ideal for enjoying over several days or impressing guests long after baking.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe later, freeze individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled to maintain its creamy texture, reheating is not recommended. Simply let frozen slices thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust instead of chocolate creme cookies?

Absolutely! While chocolate creme cookies give a great cocoa flavor and crunch, you can substitute with crushed chocolate graham crackers or even Oreo crumbs for a similar effect. Just make sure to adjust the butter amount to get a firm crust.

Why do I need to bake the cheesecake in a water bath?

The water bath keeps the baking environment moist and stable, preventing cracks and ensuring the cheesecake bakes evenly. It’s especially important for a delicate recipe like this where texture is everything.

Can I make the coffee mascarpone cream ahead of time?

You can prepare the coffee mascarpone cream a few hours before serving, but be sure to keep it chilled and whip it again briefly if it starts to lose stiffness before use.

What’s the best way to dip ladyfingers in coffee?

A quick dip is perfect—just enough to soak the surface without making them soggy or falling apart. Ladyfingers will continue to absorb moisture while baking, giving the ideal texture.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! Despite its elegant look, this Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe uses straightforward techniques and ingredients. Just follow each step, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes like you spent hours mastering it.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with pure indulgence. From the crunchy chocolate crust to the creamy layers infused with coffee, every element sings together beautifully. Give it a try for your next gathering or cozy night in—you deserve a dessert that feels this special and tastes even better. Enjoy every decadent bite!