DOUBLE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CHEESECAKE

Double Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake image

Every slice of this creamy cheesecake is a standout. The classic pairing of chocolate and coffee is sure to please partygoers. -Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h35m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 45)
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips, melted
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
5 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1 cup coffee liqueur
1 tablespoon half-and-half cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips, chopped
16 chocolate-covered coffee beans

Steps:

Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., In a large bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, butter, sugar and espresso powder. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of prepared pan., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, melted chocolate, cocoa, half-and-half and flour until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in the espresso powder and vanilla. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 350° until center is just set and top appears dull, 60-70 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan., In a small saucepan, combine liqueur and half-and-half. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form., Drizzle cheesecake with coffee syrup; garnish with whipped cream, chocolate and coffee beans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610 calories, Fat 40g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 170mg cholesterol, Sodium 259mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (41g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.