Mini Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake – A Style for Journey

April 21, 2025

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This mini chocolate Kahlúa cheesecake recipe makes 12 irresistible, bite-sized desserts that includes a chocolate cookie crust topped with creamy Kahlúa filling and a swirl of whipped cream dusted with espresso powder.

They’re good for any celebration from a Cinco de Mayo fiesta to a Mom’s Day brunch.

A mini Kahlua cheesecake on a wooden board.

Bounce to:

Ever since White Russian cocktails have been my go-to again in faculty, I’ve had a delicate spot for Kahlúa, the Mexican espresso liqueur.

Nowadays, I find it irresistible simply as a lot in desserts (and espresso martinis). So every time I spot a bottle in a Mexico duty-free store (we scored a bottle for simply $8 USD in Guadalajara simply this week), there’s no probability it’s staying on the shelf!

These mini Kahlua cheesecakes are a daily on my dessert desk, typically paired with mango mousse pie and coconut lime cookies. They’re at all times a success!

Why We Love This Kahlua Dessert

Completely Portioned – Particular person cheesecakes make serving a breeze. There’s no slicing, no mess.
Straightforward to Make – Nearly foolproof recipe with no sophisticated steps.
Deep Espresso-Chocolate Flavour – The combo of Kahlua, espresso, and chocolate is a contemporary traditional. It’s easy, wealthy, and simply the correct quantity of indulgent.
Nice for Entertaining – Make them forward and impress your friends with minimal effort.
Holds its Form – In contrast to no-bake variations, baking ensures these mini cheesecakes set firmly and keep completely intact.
Versatile for Events – Whether or not it’s a Cinco de Mayo get together. a bridal bathe, Mom’s Day or ladies’ evening in, mini-desserts are at all times a success. The boozy sweetness brings a grown-up twist to your dessert desk.

Components

Scroll all the way down to recipe card for the total checklist of substances and technique.

Chocolate cookie crumbs – Provides chocolatey crunch to each chew. You may make your personal by crushing chocolate wafer cookies in a bag. Or, should you can’t discover chocolate cookie crumbs ( or cookies) use graham wafer crumbs.

Unsalted butter (melted) – Binds the crust and provides richness.

Semi-sweet chocolate – Offers the principle layer an expensive cocoa undertone.

Cream cheese (softened) – The creamy, tangy star of the present. Use full-fat quite than mild or delicate cream cheese.

Pure vanilla extract – Mexican vanilla provides heat and depth to the flavour.

Kahlúa – The true hero on this recipe. You should utilize any espresso liqueur (Tia Maria, Bottega). However Kahlúa espresso liqueur is made with 100% Arabica espresso beans and rum so it has a fancy flavour profile. It additionally has a barely thicker viscosity.

Heavy whipping cream – 35% fats whipped into delicate peaks.

On the spot espresso – A dusting on prime provides flavour and aptitude. In the event you can’t discover prompt espresso you possibly can substitute chocolate cookie crumbs.

Methods to Make Mini Kahlua Cheesecakes

Scroll all the way down to recipe card for full technique and portions.

Preheat oven to 350 levels and line the cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Utilizing a big bowl, whisk collectively the chocolate crumbs and sugar. Gently combine within the melted butter till a sandlike combination varieties.
Spoon 2 tablespoons into every cupcake liner. Utilizing a flat bottomed glass, gently press all the way down to make a agency crust layer.
Bake the crust within the oven for five minutes. Take away and permit to chill fully. Cut back the oven temp to 250 F levels.

Utilizing a big bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar till mixed and easy. Add (room temperature) melted chocolate.
Beat within the egg till mixed. Beat within the pure vanilla extract and the Kahlua till mixed.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake batter into the cupcake liners. Gently faucet the pan onto the counter to launch any massive bubbles within the batter.
Bake for 25 minutes or till the centre doesn’t jiggle.
Take away from the oven and permit to chill to room temperature earlier than inserting within the fridge for just a few hours (or in a single day).

Close-up of mini cheesecake batter in a pan and then cooked.

Take away paper cupcake liners from cheesecakes.Utilizing a small bowl beat the heavy whipping cream and icing sugar till stiff peaks kind.
Scoop into piping bag and pipe whipped cream onto the highest of every of the cheesecakes.
Sprinkle a dusting of espresso powder (or cookie crumbs) over the cheesecakes.

Piping of whipped cream on to cheesecakes.

Serve barely chilled. They’ll maintain their form effectively for an hour or extra on a dessert desk as they’re baked quite than a calming gelatin-based dessert like a no-bake cheesecake.

For Cinco de Mayo or different celebrations, I prefer to serve these mini Kahlua desserts with Mexican dishes corresponding to arroz verde, salpicon de res (shredded beef salad), garnachas or gradual cooker chipotle rooster soup.

They pair properly with a chilled horchata (rice drink) or iced espresso.

Portrait of mini cheesecakes made with Kahlua and chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Variations

Wish to personalize this Kahlua dessert recipe? Attempt these twists:

Add a chocolate ganache topping for further richness.
Swirl in dulce de leche earlier than baking for a caramel kick.
Use graham cracker crumbs for a extra buttery crust.
High with chocolate-covered espresso beans for visible and textural aptitude.
Swap Kahlua for one more liqueur, like Baileys, Frangelico, Tia Maria or Amaretto, to alter the flavour profile. I’ve received it on my checklist to strive Nixta Licor de Elote, a corn liqueur I sampled throughout a cocktail class in Huatulco, Mexico.

Methods to Retailer

Fridge: Preserve in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze (with out whipped cream topping) for as much as 2 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than adorning.

Professional Ideas

Don’t over combine the batter. This helps keep away from cracks and retains the feel creamy.
Use an egg at room temperature.
Room temperature cream cheese ensures a easy filling.
Let the cheesecakes chill in a single day for one of the best flavour, texture and firmness.
Use a piping bag with a star tip for that good swirl of whipped cream on prime.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these with out Kahlua?

Sure! You possibly can substitute room temperature, sturdy brewed espresso or espresso for a non-alcoholic model.

Can I make these upfront?

Completely! They’re even higher after an evening within the fridge.

Love this recipe? Please go away a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟score within the recipe card under & a remark should you REALLY prefer it. Thanks!

Recipe

Feature shot of Chocolate Kahlua Mini Cheesecakes on a wooden board.

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