Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If your go-to coffee order is a caramel macchiato, you’re going to fall head over heels for this dessert. This Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake captures everything you love about the drink — smooth espresso, creamy richness, and a luscious caramel drizzle — all baked into a silky, indulgent cheesecake. It’s like your favorite coffee shop treat, only in sliceable dessert form.

The crust is buttery and crisp, the filling is velvety with hints of real coffee, and the topping? A decadent caramel swirl that brings the entire thing together like a warm hug in cheesecake form. Whether you’re making it for a celebration, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you love cheesecake (and coffee), this one hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

The combination of caramel and espresso makes this cheesecake uniquely addictive. It’s the perfect dessert for coffee lovers, with a deep, slightly bitter espresso note that balances the sweetness. It sets beautifully without being overly dense, and that swirl of caramel on top adds both flavor and elegance. Serve it chilled for a refreshing finish or let it sit at room temperature for a more melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What Kind of Espresso Should I Use?

For the best flavor, go for a strongly brewed espresso shot or concentrated instant espresso powder. Avoid using regular brewed coffee—it’s not intense enough and can water down the filling. If you’re using espresso powder, just make sure it’s well-dissolved before adding it to the batter. And yes, you can use decaf if you still want the flavor without the caffeine buzz.

Ingredients for the Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

To create a cheesecake that truly tastes like a caramel macchiato, every ingredient plays a role in building that bold, sweet, and creamy flavor.

• Graham cracker crumbs — This creates the classic cheesecake base with a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor.
• Unsalted butter — Used to bind the crust and add rich flavor.
• Cream cheese — The star of the filling, it gives the cheesecake its signature creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar — Sweetens the filling and balances the tang of the cream cheese.
• Brown sugar — Adds depth and a slight molasses flavor to complement the caramel.
• Eggs — Essential for structure and that silky consistency.
• Vanilla extract — Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.
• Espresso or espresso powder — Brings the rich coffee flavor that makes this a macchiato-inspired dessert.
• Sour cream — Helps create a smoother filling and adds subtle tang.
• Caramel sauce — Swirled on top and drizzled before serving for that iconic caramel macchiato finish.

How To Make the Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven and line a springform pan with parchment. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake until golden. Let it cool.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and beat until creamy. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, espresso, and sour cream. Make sure not to overmix—you want the filling airy but not bubbly.

Step 3: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the filling over the crust. Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over the top in a spiral. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the caramel into the top layer of the batter.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake in a water bath until the center is just set. Cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open, then chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, add extra caramel sauce over the top and garnish with espresso beans or a dusting of cocoa if you like. Slice and enjoy the creamy, caffeinated delight.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesecake

This cheesecake is rich, so it serves about 10 to 12 people depending on how generous you slice it. For best flavor and texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. It pairs beautifully with a cup of dark roast coffee or even a creamy iced latte.

Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them in parchment and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

What to Serve With Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake?

A Scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The cool creaminess is a lovely contrast to the dense cheesecake.

Whipped Cream with Sea Salt

Add a dollop on top and a light sprinkle of flaky salt for sweet-salty balance.

Chocolate Espresso Bark

Something crunchy with a caffeine kick to match the theme.

Fresh Berries

Their tartness helps balance out the richness of the cake.

Hazelnut Liqueur

If you’re serving this at a dinner party, a shot of nutty liqueur enhances the espresso notes.

Iced Caramel Latte

Double the fun by sipping your cheesecake’s flavor twin.

Spiced Nuts

Their warmth complements the caramel and adds a satisfying crunch.

Want More Cheesecake Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious ideas:

• Try the Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for a fruitier take on cheesecake delight.
• The No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake is a southern favorite that’s smooth and nostalgic.
• Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches offer a crispy, decadent twist you won’t see coming.
• Indulge in the creamy comfort of Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream for a cold and tangy spin.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a homemade caramel or your favorite store-bought brand? Did you add a sprinkle of sea salt on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that brings coffeehouse charm into your kitchen. With its buttery crust, creamy espresso-infused filling, and luscious caramel topping, it’s both luxurious and comforting. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something special, this cheesecake captures everything we love about a caramel macchiato in every single bite.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?