Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake

Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake Recipe from Italy with Semi-Sweet Chocolate and Espresso

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake, a delightful dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the bold flavors of espresso and chocolate. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

The combination of coffee and cheesecake has been a popular dessert choice for many years. This recipe takes that classic pairing to the next level by incorporating Hershey's Mini Kisses semi-sweet baking pieces for an extra touch of sweetness and texture. The addition of espresso powder adds a rich and robust flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake base.

Ingredients

1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
6 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
1.25 cups Hershey's Mini Kisses semi-sweet baking pieces, divided
4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
0.67 cup sugar
3 eggs
0.33 cup milk
1 tbsp instant espresso powder
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon

Espresso cream

0.5 cup cold whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp instant espresso powder

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of mini kisses over low heat, stirring constantly.
Combine cookie crumbs and butter, then press the mixture onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until well blended.
Add eggs, milk, espresso powder, and cinnamon. Beat on low speed until well-blended.
Add the melted mini kisses and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Spoon the mixture into the crust.
Bake for 55 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.
Using a knife, loosen the cake from the side of the pan.
Allow the cake to cool completely, then remove the side of the pan.
Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
To serve, garnish with espresso cream and the remaining 0.25 cup of mini kisses.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover cheesecake.

Espresso cream

In a bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until stiff.

Variations

For a mocha twist, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter.
Top the cheesecake with chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the espresso cream for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and heavy cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving to ensure the best flavor and texture.

- Garnish with espresso cream and mini kisses for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for the ultimate coffee lover's dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a water bath when baking the cheesecake to prevent cracking.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sinking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use graham cracker crumbs or chocolate wafer crumbs in place of cookie crumbs.

- Substitute butter for margarine if desired.

- Use dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in place of Hershey's Mini Kisses.

Make Ahead Tips

This cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply garnish with espresso cream and mini kisses before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or a dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation. - Serve slices of cheesecake on decorative plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a tawny port, for a luxurious and indulgent dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese), eggs, and wheat (cookie crumbs). It may also contain soy (margarine) and nuts (Hershey's Mini Kisses).

Summary

This Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

This Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of espresso, chocolate, and creamy cheesecake. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye - Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake.

I had never heard of such a dessert before, but the combination of coffee and cheesecake sounded absolutely divine. I immediately knew that I had to give it a try. The recipe was quite detailed, with specific instructions on how to create the perfect cappuccino-flavored cheesecake.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. As I mixed the creamy cheesecake batter, the aroma of coffee filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

After hours of baking and waiting for the cheesecake to set, it was finally time to try a slice. I carefully cut into the cake and took a bite, savoring the rich and decadent flavors that danced on my tongue. The cappuccino-kissed cheesecake was everything I had hoped for and more.

I knew that this recipe was going to become a staple in my collection, a dessert that I would proudly serve to family and friends for years to come. But little did I know that the story behind this recipe would be just as sweet as the dessert itself.

Several weeks after I had first made the cappuccino-kissed cheesecake, I received a phone call from an old friend who I hadn't spoken to in years. She had heard through the grapevine about my new favorite recipe and was eager to try it for herself.

I invited her over to my house for a baking session, and as we worked together to create the cheesecake, she shared with me a story that warmed my heart. It turns out that the recipe for cappuccino-kissed cheesecake had been passed down through her family for generations.

Her great-grandmother had created the recipe during a time when coffee was a luxury, and cheesecake was a rare treat reserved for special occasions. The combination of the two had become a symbol of love and celebration in her family, a tradition that had been carried on for decades.

As my friend and I enjoyed our slices of cappuccino-kissed cheesecake, she shared with me the memories of baking with her grandmother in the kitchen, the laughter and love that had gone into each and every dessert they had made together. It was a story of tradition and heritage, of passing down recipes and creating new memories with loved ones.

I was touched by her words and grateful for the opportunity to connect with her over a shared love of baking and family. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection that would last a lifetime.

From that day on, the cappuccino-kissed cheesecake held a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dessert - it was a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the bonds that tie us together. And as I continued to bake and share this recipe with others, I knew that its sweet legacy would live on for generations to come.