Kahlua cheesecake is a luscious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of Kahlua liqueur with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. Kahlua is a popular coffee-flavored liqueur that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved ingredient in various cocktails and desserts.

The history of Kahlua dates back to the 1930s when it was first produced by Pedro Domecq in Mexico. The liqueur is made from a combination of rum, sugar, vanilla beans, and Arabica coffee, giving it a unique and distinct flavor profile. Over the years, Kahlua has gained widespread popularity, becoming a staple in many households and bars around the world.

The idea of incorporating Kahlua into a cheesecake recipe is a brilliant innovation that brings a delightful coffee flavor and a touch of sophistication to the classic dessert. The combination of the smooth cream cheese filling and the bold coffee notes of Kahlua creates a harmonious and indulgent dessert experience.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 24 Oreo cookies
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Kahlua
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Ganache:

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan well in layers of heavy-duty tin foil, and lightly grease the pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Crust:

1. Add the Oreos to the body of a blender and pulse until the cookies are fine crumbs. Stir in the melted butter, mixing well to combine.
2. Dump the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing the crust down firmly and slightly up the sides. Set aside.

Filling:

1. Beat cream cheese and sour cream in a blender until completely smooth. Add in the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and cinnamon; pulse until well combined.
2. Add cocoa powder and vanilla and pulse for another 30 seconds or until the cocoa powder has completely disappeared into the batter.
3. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the melted chocolate and Kahlua, stirring gently until combined.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spread it evenly, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
5. Place the springform pan in a large baking pan and fill the pan halfway with hot water.
6. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake sit for 45 minutes inside the oven with the door shut.
7. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and gently run a knife around the edge of the cake, loosening any bits that may have gotten stuck while baking.
8. Allow the cheesecake to rest on the counter for 30 minutes before covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least 6 hours.

Ganache:

1. Add the chopped chocolate to a large, heatproof bowl; set aside.
2. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to bubble around the edges.
3. Remove the cream from heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let the chocolate and warm cream stand untouched for 1 minute, then whisk it together until the chocolate melts and a smooth ganache forms; about 2 minutes. Pour the warm ganache over the cheesecake before serving.

Whipped Cream:

1. Place the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on high until semi-stiff peaks begin to form.
2. Add in the vanilla and beat for another minute or so. Dollop the whipped cream on top of cheesecake slices right before serving, or place it in the refrigerator until needed.

Indulge in the rich and flavorful experience of Kahlua cheesecake, a dessert that perfectly balances the bold coffee notes of Kahlua with the creamy and decadent goodness of cheesecake. Each slice is a treat for the senses, making it an unforgettable dessert for coffee and dessert lovers alike!