Step 1

CRUST

Step 2

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.

Step 3

. Mix together the crust ingredients until well combined and press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan.

Step 4

. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.FILLING

Step 5

p id=”instruction-step-5″>To make the filling, mix the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese and sugar together on medium-low speed until combined. Do not mix on high speed or overmix or the mascarpone cheese can begin to separate. Set aside.

Step 6

. In another mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 7

. Slowly fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese mixture. Set aside.

Step 8

. Combine the warm water and espresso powder for the Kahlua mixture in a small bowl. Add the Kahlua and stir to combine.

Step 9

. Dip the ladyfingers into the Kahlua mixture one at a time, then add to the springform pan, on top of the crust.

Step 10

. Spread the mascarpone cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.

Step 11

. Set the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill and firm, 5-6 hours or overnight. Set remaining Kahlua mixture in the fridge for later.

Step 12

. When the cheesecake is firm, make the Kahlua whipped cream. Add the heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup of the remaining Kahlua mixture and powdered sugar to a large mixer bowl. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 13

. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and use an offset spatula to smooth the sides, if needed.

Step 14

Add the Kahlua whipped cream to the top of the cheesecake. You can simply spread it on top or pipe it in a similar pattern as I did. I used the Ateco 844 tip.

Step 15

Sprinkle a little cocoa over the top of the cheesecake, if desired.

Step 16

Refrigerate the cheesecake until ready to serve.