Homemade Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe

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The Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake recipe promised a journey through textures and flavors: a crumbly cocoa crust, a robust cold brew cheesecake layer, and a sumptuous mascarpone topping—a blueprint to what could only be described as dessert heaven.

How to make Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake

Costco’s Tiramisu Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining traditional tiramisu and cheesecake elements.

Ingredients:

For the Cocoa Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed ladyfingers
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 cups cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cold brew coffee concentrate
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Topping:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cocoa Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the crushed ladyfingers with cocoa powder and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.

2. Making the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in the sour cream, cold brew coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
6. Bake for about 55 minutes or until the center is just set.
7. Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
8. Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preparing the Mascarpone Topping:

1. In a bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and forms soft peaks.
2. Carefully spread the mascarpone mixture over the cooled cheesecake.
3. Dust the top with cocoa powder for the classic tiramisu finish.

Tips for a Perfect Tiramisu Cheesecake:

• Ensure Ingredients Are at Room Temperature: Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and evenly, preventing lumps in your cheesecake.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing, especially after adding the eggs, can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to rise and crack.
• Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier texture, bake your cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the bottom of the pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
• Chill Thoroughly: The flavors and texture of the cheesecake significantly improve after a night in the refrigerator.

What to serve with

A slice of the luxurious and rich Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake, with its delightful coffee flavor and creamy texture, is a show-stopping dessert on its own. However, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the entire dining experience, making it even more memorable.

Beverages:

Coffee:

• Espresso: The robust flavor of espresso complements the coffee notes in the tiramisu cheesecake without overpowering it.
• Cappuccino or Latte: A creamy cappuccino or latte can match the creaminess of the Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake while adding a touch of coffee flavor.

Tea:

• Black Tea: A strong black tea can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake.
• Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea, such as peppermint or chamomile, offers a light, refreshing finish after the rich dessert.

Dessert Wines and Spirits:

• Sweet Dessert Wine: A Moscato d’Asti or a late-harvest Riesling complements the dessert with its sweetness and can cleanse the palate.
• Liqueurs and Spirits: For an adult gathering, a small glass of amaretto, Bailey’s Irish Cream, or a coffee-flavored liqueur pairs beautifully.

Light Bites and Snacks:

• Cheese and Fruit Platter: A cheese platter with a selection of mild cheeses and fresh fruits like grapes, figs, or slices of pear can be a delightful precursor or follow-up to the cheesecake, offering a nice textural and flavor contrast.

Savory Snacks:

• Assorted nuts: A bowl of lightly salted or candied nuts can offer a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
• Crostini: Small, savory bites like crostini topped with a mild cheese and fruit preserve can prepare the palate for the dessert course.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of the Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake involves various components: a rich and creamy cheesecake with coffee and possibly mascarpone flavors, a sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in coffee, and a cocoa or chocolate topping.

1. Mascarpone Cheese:

• Cream Cheese: The most common substitute. It’s tangier and less fatty but can be made creamier and richer by adding heavy cream or sour cream. Combine 8 oz of cream cheese with ¼ cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter for a closer texture to mascarpone.
• Ricotta Cheese (Strained): This cheese offers a more grainy texture but can be whipped to smoothness, for a creamier texture, mix with a little cream or yogurt.

2. Ladyfingers (Savoiardi):

• Sponge Cake: You can bake a thin sponge cake, flavor it with coffee, and use it as a layer instead of ladyfingers. It provides a soft, absorbent base.
• Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: Slice thinly and brush with your coffee mixture. These cakes provide a denser base but soak up coffee well.

3. Coffee (for Soaking):

• Espresso Powder: If you can’t make fresh espresso or strong coffee, dissolve espresso powder in hot water as a quick substitute.
• Decaffeinated Coffee: This is for those avoiding caffeine but still craving the coffee flavor in their cheesecake.
• Coffee Liqueur: If a non-alcoholic version isn’t a necessity, coffee liqueur can add both the coffee flavor and a bit of a kick. Consider reducing the liquid content elsewhere.

4. Eggs (in Cheesecake Batter):

• Egg Replacers: Commercial egg replacers are available for those allergic to eggs or vegans, and they can be used in a cheesecake batter.
• Silken Tofu: Pureed silken tofu can replace eggs in recipes, providing moisture and binding ingredients. Use ¼ cup of pureed tofu for each egg.

5. Alcohol (Common in Tiramisu Flavoring):

• Alcohol-Free Vanilla or Almond Extract: A small amount can mimic the complexity that alcohol might add to the dessert without the alcohol content.
• Coffee or Chocolate Syrup: For a kid-friendly version, using a bit of flavored syrup adds depth without alcohol.

6. Cocoa Powder (for Dusting):

• Chocolate Shavings: Instead of or in addition to cocoa powder, finely shaved chocolate can add a similar flavor and a bit of texture.
• Ground, Sweetened Chocolate: For a sweeter topping, ground a sweet chocolate bar.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a cheesecake that not only pays homage to Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake but also stands as a testament to your baking prowess.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
• Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe