Introducing the delectable and indulgent Cafe Au Lait Cheesecake, a sumptuous treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and cream cheese into a heavenly dessert delight ๐ฐ. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering of friends or simply craving a luxurious dessert for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its creamy texture and irresistible taste.
Cafe Au Lait Cheesecake
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
- 1 tablespoon Kahlua (or coffee liqueur)
- 2 1/2 cups fat-free cottage cheese
- 2 1/2 cups nonfat sour cream
- 2 cups fat-free cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 12 eggs
- 12 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC). This ensures that your cheesecake will bake evenly and to perfection.
-
Prepare Pan: Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking to the pan during baking and makes for easy removal later on.
-
Crumb Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cereal, walnuts, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Process the mixture until it forms fine crumbs.
-
Coat Pan: Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan. Tilt and rotate the pan to evenly coat the bottom and sides with the crumbs. Tap the pan on the counter to distribute the crumbs evenly.
-
Set Aside: Once the pan is coated, set it aside and move on to preparing the cheesecake filling.
-
Coffee Liqueur Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee powder in the Kahlua or water. This adds a rich coffee flavor to the cheesecake, enhancing its depth of taste.
-
Prepare Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a double layer of cheesecloth and gather the corners at the top. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cottage cheese. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the cheesecake.
-
Blend Ingredients: Transfer the pressed cottage cheese to the food processor and process for about 2 minutes, or until very smooth. This creates a silky base for the cheesecake filling.
-
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the sour cream, cream cheese, remaining granulated sugar, flour, eggs, egg whites, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, and the coffee liqueur mixture to the food processor. Process the mixture until smooth and well combined.
-
Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until the edges are firm but the center is still slightly wobbly.
-
Cool in Oven: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cheesecake.
-
Cool Completely: After 30 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the cheesecake to set properly before serving.
-
Remove Outer Ring: Once cooled, carefully remove the outer ring of the springform pan. The cheesecake should hold its shape beautifully.
-
Refrigerate: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days, to allow it to set fully and develop its flavors.
-
Serve and Enjoy: When ready to serve, slice the Cafe Au Lait Cheesecake into generous portions and savor each creamy bite. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Cafe Au Lait Cheesecake, a dessert that’s as impressive to look at as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re a cheesecake connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the creamy texture, rich coffee flavor, and irresistible sweetness of this divine dessert creation.
