Decadent Brandy Alexander Cheesecake
Indulge in this rich and velvety Decadent Brandy Alexander Cheesecake that combines the classic flavors of a Brandy Alexander cocktail with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. With a luscious chocolate graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy brandy-infused cream cheese filling, topped with delicate whipped cream and garnished with chocolate-covered coffee beans, this cheesecake is the perfect dessert for special occasions or a delightful finish to any meal. Impress your guests with this luxurious treat that gives a nod to vintage cocktail culture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate graham crackers
18 sheets (Finely crushed)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For crust)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Cream cheese
32 ounces (4 packages) (Room temperature)
Sugar
1 1/4 cups (For filling)
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons (None)
Eggs
4 large (None)
Brandy
3 tablespoons (None)
Creme de Cacao
3 tablespoons (None)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (None)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For whipped cream)
Chocolate-covered coffee beans
1/4 cup (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a food processor, pulse the chocolate graham crackers until they resemble fine crumbs.
3
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and the melted butter to the crumbs, and pulse again until the mixture is evenly moistened.
4
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Ensure it is evenly spread for a stable crust.
5
Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
6
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
7
Add 1 1/4 cups of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to the cream cheese. Beat on medium speed for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until well combined and fluffy.
8
Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a silky texture.
9
Next, mix in the brandy and Creme de Cacao, blending until fully incorporated and smooth.
10
Pour the cheesecake filling into the chilled crust, smoothing out the top evenly.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggles when moved.
12
Once baked, transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack. Run a knife around the inside edge of the pan to prevent cracks as it cools.
13
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
14
When ready to serve, center the cheesecake on a serving plate and carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
15
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form.
16
Generously top the cheesecake with whipped cream and scatter chocolate-covered coffee beans over the top as a delightful garnish.
17
Slice and serve this luxurious dessert to your guests, savoring the delightful combination of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Brandy Alexander Cheesecake?
It is a rich and velvety dessert that combines the classic flavors of a Brandy Alexander cocktail with a creamy cheesecake base and a chocolate graham cracker crust.
What type of crust is used for this cheesecake?
The recipe uses a chocolate graham cracker crust made from 18 sheets of crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the chocolate graham cracker crumbs?
Pulse the chocolate graham crackers in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 9-inch springform pan to bake this cheesecake.
Should the crust be chilled before adding the filling?
Yes, place the prepared crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 32 ounces of cream cheese, which is typically four standard 8-ounce packages.
What is the secret to a smooth cheesecake filling?
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and beat it until smooth and creamy before adding other ingredients.
How much sugar is in the cheesecake filling?
The filling uses 1 1/4 cups of sugar.
Why is cornstarch used in the filling?
3 tablespoons of cornstarch are added to help stabilize the cheesecake and create a fluffy, set texture.
How many eggs are used in the Brandy Alexander Cheesecake?
This recipe calls for 4 large eggs.
How should the eggs be added to the mixture?
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a silky texture.
What alcohols are used to flavor this cheesecake?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of brandy and 3 tablespoons of Creme de Cacao.
How long does the cheesecake bake?
Bake the cheesecake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?
The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when the pan is moved.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking as it cools?
Run a knife around the inside edge of the pan immediately after taking it out of the oven to loosen it from the sides.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated?
For the best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the cheesecake overnight.
How do I prepare the whipped cream topping?
Whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form.
What is the recommended garnish for this dessert?
Top the cheesecake with the whipped cream and a 1/4 cup of chocolate-covered coffee beans.
When should I remove the springform pan sides?
Wait until you are ready to serve and the cheesecake has been fully chilled before removing the sides.
Is there sugar in the crust?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is mixed with the cracker crumbs and melted butter for the crust.
What kind of butter should I use for the crust?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
Can I use a food processor for the whole recipe?
The food processor is used for the crust, but an electric mixer is recommended for the cream cheese filling.
How do I ensure the crust is stable?
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the springform pan.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is described as smooth, creamy, velvety, and luxurious.
What makes this cheesecake special occasion worthy?
Its rich brandy flavor and elegant garnish of chocolate-covered coffee beans give a nod to vintage cocktail culture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the garnish.
Does the filling contain heavy cream?
No, the heavy cream is used specifically for the whipped cream topping.
Is the sugar in the whipped cream optional?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar in the whipped cream to help it reach stiff peaks and provide sweetness.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as dessert, rich, brandy, cocktail-inspired, chocolate, and special occasion.