Creamy, Dreamy, Dairy-Free Baked Mocha Cheesecake
If you’ve come across one of my many cheesecake recipes before and are starting to think that I’m obsessed with vegan cheesecake, you’d be correct! However, this time around, I’m omitting my usual fruity flavors like this no-bake avocado kiwi cheesecake, blueberry cheesecake pie, and lemon cheesecake bars for a delicious coffee cheesecake instead! If you love coffee desserts, you will also love this vegan tiramisu recipe and these gingerbread tiramisu cups. This mocha cheesecake combines a creamy coffee filling topped with a mouthwatering chocolate ganache for flavors that are wonderfully balanced and perfect for satisfying your chocolate and coffee cravings! Plus, with the addition of a wholesome cheesecake crust including nuts (or seeds), oats, and dried fruit, this dessert doubles up as a tasty and healthy cheesecake (ish)! Best of all, this chocolate mocha cheesecake looks incredibly fancy but is really easy to make (similar to my regular baked cheesecake with a hidden poppy seed filling) – blend, pour, bake, and chill! Making it perfect for special occasions and parties. Plus, it makes for a wonderful make-ahead dessert, since it takes several hours to chill anyway. I recommend making it the night before and then watching your guests/family devour it happily!
The Coffee Cheesecake Ingredients
The Gluten-Free Cheesecake Crust:
Oats: Use certified gluten-free if necessary. Almond flour: You can use any finely ground nuts or seeds instead. My favorites include hazelnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds. Dried fruit: Use any soft dried fruit, like dates or figs- to use as a binder. Vanilla extract: Use natural for the best flavor. Coconut milk: You can either use 2 tbsp canned full-fat coconut milk OR neutral oil.
Coffee Cheesecake Cream:
Silken tofu: You can use one package of silken tofu OR a neutral room-temperature vegan cream cheese (for a soy-free version). Try to use thick, full-fat cream cheese. Coconut milk: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best results. Maple syrup: Or the liquid sweetener of your choice – date syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, etc.- though the flavor will vary. Nut butter: Use the nut butter of your choice; almond, cashew, peanut, etc. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter. Coffee: You need ¼ cup of either espresso or very strongly brewed coffee. Alternatively, use 2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules (or instant espresso) with extra coconut milk for a richer and creamier cheesecake. Use decaf if preferred (for a late-night treat). Cornstarch: To thicken the mixture of this gelatin-free cheesecake.
Chocolate Ganache:
Nut butter: Any nut (or seed) butter of your choice. Dairy-free chocolate: Choose one that’s high-quality/you like the flavor of. Coffee: (Optional) ¼ tsp instant coffee granules. This will enhance the flavor of the ganache.
Optional add-ins and recipe variations
Dalgona latte topping: You can optionally decorate the coffee/ espresso cheesecake with Dalgona-style whipped coffee cream by combining equal parts instant coffee/espresso, hot water, and sugar (or Xylitol) and whipping until soft peaks. Alternatively, combine around 1 tsp instant coffee powder with ½ cup whipped coconut cream and a little powdered sugar. Alternatively, use powdered Xylitol or Erythritol). Other Toppings: Chocolate shavings (using a vegetable peeler) or chocolate-covered espresso beans work particularly well. You could also top each slice with a drizzle of toffee/ caramel sauce. Oreo Crust: If you aren’t gluten-free and want something a little more decadent, you could use a whole crushed Oreo biscuit and dairy-free butter crust (just enough for a ‘wet sand’ consistency). Coffee liqueur: You can add a little of your favorite coffee liqueur to the chocolate ganache or the espresso cheesecake filling (I recommend 1 tbsp to the ganache and 2-4 for the filling). Remember to adjust the liquid content, though, if adding to the filling. Spices: Pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice blends could be added to the coffee cheesecake filling for a Fall themed coffee ‘latte’ cheesecake (with or without the chocolate ganache topping).
Read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.
How to Make Chocolate Mocha Cheesecake?
First, preheat the oven to 360F/180C and line a 6 or 7-inch round springform tin with parchment paper, greasing the sides with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
To use an 8 or 9-inch pan, I recommend doubling the recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the gluten-free cheesecake crust
Add the crust ingredients to a food processor and process for around 20 seconds, or until the dough sticks together. You can check by pressing some in-between your fingers and seeing if it sticks together.
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press it down with your fingers.
For more of an evenly leveled base, you can use the base of something flat (like a glass) to smooth it out.
Then set aside, wiping the food processor down with some tissue and/or giving it a quick rinse.
Step 2: Prepare the coffee/ espresso cheesecake filling
Blend all the cheesecake filling ingredients in the food processor (or a blender) until smooth and creamy (30-60 seconds). Pour the mixture over the crust and tap it gently against the table-top several times to remove any air bubbles. Transfer the vegan cheesecake to the oven and bake for between 40-50 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven and the size of your springform (a smaller tin will mean a taller mocha cheesecake, which will take longer to bake). It’s ready when the edges are golden brown, and the middle of the cheesecake is just slightly wobbly still.
If the edges are still wobbly, then allow it to bake for a few minutes longer.
Then, turn off the heat, allowing the cheesecake to rest in the warm oven for a further 10 minutes. Then open the oven door a little and leave for a further 10 minutes. Finally, you can remove the espresso cheesecake from the oven and leave it to cool entirely (for around an hour) or place it in the freezer for 45-60 minutes.
The initial slow cooling will reduce the risk of big cracks in the baked cheesecake.
Step 3: Prepare the chocolate ganache topping
Once the cheesecake has chilled, prepare the ganache topping. Add the chocolate and nut butter to a medium, heat-proof bowl, and place over a saucepan filled with a little boiling water (using a double-boiler method). Allow it to melt, stirring occasionally. Once melted, pour the ganache over the cheesecake, and allow it to chill for a further 25-30 minutes before slicing and enjoying!
How to Store
Make ahead: There are several ways you can prepare elements in advance. For example, you can prepare the crust 2-3 days in advance. Plus, because of the chill/rest time, I actually recommend you make this mocha cheesecake the day/evening before to chill overnight. Store: Store the coffee cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze: I prefer slicing it before freezing (with parchment paper between each slice). Store well wrapped/in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To defrost, leave at room temperature to thaw for 40-60 minutes (or overnight in the fridge if defrosting the entire cheesecake).
Brewed vs. Instant Coffee: Decide which you’d like based on how creamy and robust you want the cheesecake to be. Instant coffee uses a lot less liquid, thus has a more robust flavor and creamier cheesecake. Make mini cheesecakes: You could use small dessert rings or a large muffin pan (with liners) to make mini coffee cheesecakes. However, be aware that the baking time will need to be adjusted (it will differ based on the dessert size you’re making. However, somewhere between 20-30 minutes is likely). For a layered mocha cheesecake: Divide the plain cheesecake filling in half and use only half the coffee (added to only one half). To the other half, add 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled before folded into the mixture). Pour in the first layer, spoon over the second – so they don’t mix-, then bake and chill. Don’t skip the slow cooling: Quick cooling will often result in cracking, so don’t be tempted to skip these steps. A small/medium ceramic bowl filled with water can be also placed in the oven (at the lowest rack/ under the springform). This will create steam and can prevent cracks. Cracks can still happen though, however, there is nothing to worry about, because of the chocolate ganache layer! To slice clean slices: Dip your knife into a cup of hot water and wipe dry between each piece. Coffee vs. espresso: The stronger the coffee, the stronger your coffee-flavored cake layer. For the strongest results, use instant espresso powder with just enough hot water (1-2 tbsp) to mostly dissolve the granules before whipping it into the filling.
More Vegan Cheesecake Desserts
Cheesecake Brownies Eggless Cheesecake Lemon Cheesecake Tart Mango Pie Strawberry Coconut Cheesecake Bars Raw Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Mini Cheesecake Tarts
If you try this easy vegan coffee cheesecake recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan – I love seeing them.
