Nobake Espresso Chocolate Dream Cheesecake

Q: Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso in this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake?

While you *could*, the intensity of espresso is really what gives this cheesecake its signature kick, a bit like choosing Earl Grey over a builders brew. Using regular brewed coffee will dilute the flavour and might not give you the same caffeine punch. If you don't have espresso powder, try using a strongly brewed coffee concentrate or a coffee extract, but espresso powder will give the best result.

NoBake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Dreamy Easy

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 8, 2025Updated: September 7, 2025

5.00 (2 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved a slice of heaven but dread the oven? This No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake is your answer. It's intensely chocolatey, with a serious coffee kick.

Brief Overview

This dessert is inspired by the amazing recipe from biggerbolderbaking.com. It's easy to make and takes about 25 minutes prep.

You will have to wait for it to chill for at least 4 hours, serving 8 lucky people. Think of it as an Espresso Martini Cheesecake but in dessert form!

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best part is no baking. That's right, dessert recipes without oven ! It is perfect for summer parties.

The coffee adds a little pep, and who doesn't love coffee and chocolate?

Let's Talk No Bake Espresso Cheesecake

Ok, so what is so special about this No Bake Espresso Cheesecake anyway? It's rich, decadent, and honestly pretty impressive.

People think you've slaved away, when really, it's just a bit of mixing and a lot of chilling. Think of the Espresso Martini Cheesecake but without the hangover!.

This is cheesecake recipe no bake , and it will save your life during a party.

I love making this for BBQs. It's a total crowd pleaser. No one needs to know it only took 25 minutes of actual work.

The Chocolate Espresso Dessert is the perfect mix of flavors.

Crumbly Chocolate Base

First, let's talk about that crumbly base. We're talking 1 ½ cups (150g) of crushed chocolate cookies. Oreo's are the classic choice, with 5 tablespoons (70g) of melted butter and a pinch of salt.

Mix it all together and squish it into your pan. Pop it in the fridge to chill.

Filling That Coffee Urge

For the dreamy Espresso Cheesecake filling, you will need 24 ounces (680g) of softened cream cheese. This is the key!.

I once used cold cream cheese. It was a total disaster, believe me!. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature.

It will make your life a lot easier. Add sugar, vanilla, and that all-important Coffee Cheesecake Recipe . We're talking 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder.

You will need a bit of hot water too. It really brings out the chocolate espresso dessert .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dreamy No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake ? Awesome! It's easier than falling off a log, honestly. Here's the lowdown on what you'll need.

Main Ingredients

This Espresso Cheesecake requires just a few ingredients. We’re going for quality here, it's worth it. It's a no bake dessert recipe, so all of your flavor is in the ingredients.

Chocolate Cookie Crust:

1 ½ cups ( 150g ) chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, filling removed). Crush 'em fine. I like to use a food processor, but a zip-lock bag and rolling pin works too.
5 tablespoons ( 70g ) unsalted butter, melted. Make sure it's melted , not nuked into oblivion.
2 tablespoons ( 25g ) granulated sugar.
A pinch of salt.

Espresso Cheesecake Filling:

24 ounces ( 680g ) cream cheese, softened. This is key! Seriously, room temperature cream cheese is a must.
1 ½ cups ( 300g ) granulated sugar.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
2 tablespoons hot water.
1 cup ( 240ml ) heavy cream, cold. It needs to be ice-cold .
4 ounces ( 115g ) semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly. Don't burn it!

I think of this No Bake Espresso Cheesecake filling as the best kind of Espresso Martini Cheesecake you can eat with a fork!

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk flavour, baby!

Espresso and chocolate are a match made in heaven. It's like a warm hug on a rainy day. Seriously.
Vanilla extract enhances all those flavors. Don't skip it!
Don't have espresso powder? Super strong coffee will work in a pinch, but espresso powder is where it's at.
For a mocha twist, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the filling.

Equipment Needed

We're keeping it simple, because who wants to do dishes?

9 inch springform pan. Crucial for getting that perfect cheesecake shape.
Mixing bowls.
Electric mixer. Handheld or stand, whatever you've got.
Rubber spatula. For scraping every last bit of deliciousness.
Measuring cups and spoons. Pretty self explanatory.
Saucepan for melting chocolate. Or the microwave, if you're feeling lazy.
A food processor can be used to get the cookie crumbs super fine for this Easy No Bake Dessert Recipes.

Honestly, this Chocolate Espresso Dessert doesn't need fancy tools. Just the basics. And a spoon for sampling along the way.

Because, priorities. Who knew Dessert Recipes Without Oven could be this easy, right?

If this Coffee Cheesecake Recipe is going to be a regular recipe, then you should think about investing in a good Espresso Cheesecake pan!

Enjoy diving into this No Bake Dessert Recipes !

No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Magic!

Honestly, who has time to bake these days? I'm all about that effortless dessert life. That's why I'm absolutely obsessed with this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake.

It tastes like you spent hours, but really, it's super chill.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

First, mise en place , darling! Get everything prepped. Crush your 1 ½ cups (150g) chocolate cookies (Oreos work wonders).

Melt 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter. Soften that 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese. Honestly, the cream cheese thing is key.

If it's cold, you'll end up with lumps. And nobody wants a lumpy cheesecake, right? It's so important. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water.

Oh, and a quick safety reminder, especially if the kids are helping: be careful when melting the butter and chocolate! Hot stuff is hot!

step-by-step: Easy Peasy Cheesecake Squeezy

Right, let's get this show on the road:

Crush those cookies, mix with the melted butter, 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press into the bottom of your 9 inch springform pan. Chill for now.
Beat your softened cream cheese and 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar 'til it's smooth as silk.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and your cooled espresso mixture.
Whip 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Not soft peaks! Stiff peaks!
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mix, then fold in 4 ounces (115g) of slightly cooled melted chocolate.
Pour that heavenly mix onto your crust. Spread evenly.
Chill that baby for at least 4 hours . I always go overnight. Patience, young Padawan!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Dessert Game!

Don't overmix the filling! It'll get dense. Gentle folding is the name of the game.
I once tried using low-fat cream cheese. Big mistake! The texture was all wrong. Stick with the full fat stuff.
make-ahead? Absolutely! This bad boy is even better the next day. Just keep it covered in the fridge.

Honestly, this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake is one of those Easy No Bake Dessert Recipes that will impress everyone. It's so quick and easy to put together that even someone like me, who isn't a chef can make it.

And the coffee chocolate combo? Pure bliss! If you want to switch the recipe up, for a different flavour, try making Espresso Martini Cheesecake , which is a similar concept to our recipe.

So what are you waiting for? Get baking!

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake is so easy, it's almost criminal! I remember the first time I made it.

I thought, "Surely something this simple can't be that good." Oh, how wrong I was! It became an instant hit in my family.

So, let's dive into some serving, storage, variation and nutrition notes.

Serving Suggestions Level Up Your Dessert

Plating? Think elegant! A simple slice looks stunning on a white plate. Dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Maybe even a few espresso beans for extra pizzazz.

For sides, a tangy raspberry coulis cuts through the richness beautifully. A shot of Kahlua or Tia Maria alongside makes it an Espresso Martini Cheesecake vibe, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream contrasts the coffee flavour so well.

Storage Tips Keeping It Fresh

Refrigerate this masterpiece for up to three days. You know? Just keep it covered.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. It'll last a month or two. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating? Nope! It's a No Bake Dessert Recipes. You serve this cold.

Variations Make It Your Own!

Fancy a twist? Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling. Hello, Mocha Espresso Cheesecake !

Dietary needs? Use a sugar alternative like Stevia. And use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. You can experiment with different kinds of No Bake Dessert Recipes.

Nutrition Basics The Good(ish) Stuff

Each slice is roughly 550 calories, and it has 8g of protein, 40g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 35g of sugar.

Hey, it's dessert! A special treat, not a health food. This Chocolate Espresso Dessert is a treat.

So, there you have it! A ridiculously easy No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake recipe with all the tips and tricks. Don't be afraid to experiment.

This Cheesecake Recipe No Bake is begging for you to get creative. Now go forth and bake... or rather, not bake, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso in this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake?

While you could, the intensity of espresso is really what gives this cheesecake its signature kick, a bit like choosing Earl Grey over a builders brew. Using regular brewed coffee will dilute the flavour and might not give you the same caffeine punch.

If you don't have espresso powder, try using a strongly brewed coffee concentrate or a coffee extract, but espresso powder will give the best result.

My No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake isn't setting! What did I do wrong?

A wobbly cheesecake is a sad cheesecake! First, ensure your cream cheese was fully softened before mixing lumps can prevent proper setting. Also, make sure you whipped your heavy cream to stiff peaks; this provides structure.

Most importantly, chilling time is crucial; 4 hours is the minimum, but overnight is better, so patience is key!

How long does No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Your No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly. For longer storage, freezing is an option! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe container.

They’ll last for up to 2-3 months, although the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, just like leftover Christmas pud.

Can I make this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative (like Tofutti) and the heavy cream with full fat coconut cream (refrigerated overnight and only using the solid part).

Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different, so it will be more like a "Trigger's broom" version.

What are some fun variations I can try with this No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake?

Get creative! For a mocha twist, add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling. You could also swirl in some caramel sauce or top with chocolate covered espresso beans for extra decadence.

For a fruity contrast, try adding a layer of fresh raspberries or a homemade raspberry sauce on top - a bit like a posh Bakewell Tart with a coffee twist.