Healthy Coffee Cheesecake

Side view of coffee cheesecake slice on white plate with fork and coffee beans, with cheesecake and spatula in background.

This delicious, no-bake coffee cheesecake is made using a handful of ingredients and is sweetened with dates for a healthy twist. It also has less fat than traditional cheesecake and comes together incredibly quickly.

Course Dessert

Cuisine International, vegetarian

Prep Time 35 minutes

Freezing overnight 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 35 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 275kcal

Author Monika Dabrowski

Equipment

High speed blender or food processor
Electric mixer
20 cm/8'' spring-form pan

Ingredients

For the base

170 g digestive biscuits/graham crackers regular or low fat (see Notes below)
70 g butter melted

For the Filling

250 g ricotta cheese drained
200 g cream cheese I used Philadelphia
100 ml double cream/heavy cream cold
150 g dates chopped
1 tbsp instant coffee granules use regular or decaf, approx. 6 g
1 tbsp water warm
Cacao or cocoa powder for dusting optional

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

In a bowl dissolve the coffee in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Combine with the chopped dates and set aside for 15 minutes stirring occasionally and squashing the dates with the back of a spoon.
In a food processor blitz the biscuits to fine crumbs. You can also do this by placing the biscuits in a plastic bag and crushing using a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a mixing bowl, combine with the melted butter and stir thoroughly ensuring the crumbs are completely coated.
Line the base of a 20 cm (8 inch) spring form pan with parchment paper. Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Use the bottom of a glass to gently press and create an even surface. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes. After 25 minutes start making the filling.
Place the dates (along with any liquid that hasn’t been absorbed), cream cheese and ricotta in a blender and puree until very smooth.
Remove the cheesecake base from the freezer and pour in the filling mixture. Gently tap the pan against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Refrigerate overnight before cutting.
Run a spatula around the cheesecake and carefully remove the ring. Dust with the cacao/cocoa powder (optional) or chocolate shavings and serve!

Notes

Use either regular or decaffeinated coffee.
Use regular or low fat digestive biscuits. I discovered that low fat biscuits often contain marginally less fat but more sugar so decided to use regular biscuits. Personal choice. You can also use another base recipe if you like.
Make ahead: You can make this cake ahead but do not dust with the cocoa powder until you are ready to serve it.
Storing: Keep refrigerated, loosely covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezing: After you’ve removed the side ring place the cake in the freezer for 2-3 hours (do not dust with the cocoa). Remove the bottom of the pan and either place the cheesecake back in the freezer until completely frozen or cut in half or into quarters and freeze smaller pieces. Once completely frozen place in a freezer bag or plastic container and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve either defrost completely or remove from the freezer about 40 minutes before serving to soften it a little without fully defrosting. Sprinkle with the cocoa just before serving.
Preparation time includes the time needed to freeze the cheesecake base as well as soak the cashews.

Nutrition