Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 250 g graham cookies or Digestive cookies
- 2 tbsp dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder
- 75 g butter, melted
Coffee Soak
- 250 ml strong black coffee
- 1 tbsp Amaretto (optional)
Cheesecake Filling
- 600 g cream cheese
- 165 g mascarpone cheese
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla paste
- 360 g heavy cream (380 ml), for the filling
Ladyfingers Layer
- ½ a pack of lady fingers
Whipped Cream Topping
- 230 g heavy cream (250 ml)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla paste
- Dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Soak: Brew the strong black coffee and pour it into a shallow bowl. Add Amaretto if using and set aside to cool to room temperature on the kitchen counter.
- Make the Cookie Crust: Using a food processor, blend the graham or digestive cookies with the cocoa powder until finely ground resembling sand. Melt the butter and add to the cookie crumbs, blending until combined. Line a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper, then firmly press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom using the flat base of a glass. Refrigerate to set while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until creamy. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla paste; mix on medium-high speed until smooth and fully combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl sides, then mix again on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Whip Heavy Cream for Filling: Add the 360 g heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Layer the First Half of Cheesecake Filling: Spoon half of the cheesecake filling into the springform pan on top of the cookie crust. Smooth the surface evenly with an off-set spatula.
- Prepare Ladyfingers Layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee soak once on each side to avoid over-saturation. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in straight lines over the first filling layer, cutting as needed to fit the pan.
- Add Remaining Cheesecake Filling: Spread the remaining half of the cheesecake filling over the ladyfinger layer, smoothing with an off-set spatula. Cover the pan tightly with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight to set.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping: Whip together the 230 g heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla paste until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it onto a serving dish. Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the surface and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Final Touch and Serving: Just before serving, dust the top with dutch processed cocoa powder. For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, dry it, and cut through the cheesecake, wiping the knife clean between slices.
Notes
- Do not over-soak the ladyfingers in coffee; one quick dip on each side is sufficient to prevent sogginess.
- Allow the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- If Amaretto is not preferred or not available, it can be omitted without affecting the structure of the dessert.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and mascarpone for rich, creamy texture.
- For easier slicing, warm the knife in hot water between each cut.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired