Introduction

This Kahlua Mudslide Cheesecake is a luscious and indulgent dessert combining rich cream cheese with the bold flavors of coffee liqueur and Irish cream. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a creamy, boozy treat with a hint of chocolate.

A slice of layered cheesecake is shown on a white plate set on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a dark brown, crumbly cookie crust, topped by a thick, smooth, creamy light beige cheesecake layer. On top, a thin layer of dark chocolate covers the surface, with chocolate drips running slightly down the cream layer. The cheesecake is decorated with two rectangular dark chocolate pieces and swirls of whipped cream sprinkled with small chocolate shavings near the top edge. In the background, there is a blurred white plate with a spoon on the white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
3 large eggs, at room temperature
⅓ cup Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
⅓ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
3 tablespoons vodka
Kahlua chocolate sauce for drizzling or whipped cream for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well blended. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur over the cooled crust first, then carefully pour the Kahlua coffee liqueur on top. Alternatively, you can mix the Kahlua, Bailey’s, and vodka into the cream cheese batter before pouring it into the crust for a uniform flavor.
Step 4: Use a skewer or knife to swirl the liqueurs through the batter gently, creating a marbled effect if layered.
Step 5: Place a heat-safe bowl filled with water on the lower oven rack to create steam, which helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Bake the cheesecake for about 40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Step 6: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 10-15 minutes to cool gradually. Then remove it and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 7: Cover loosely with foil and refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight to fully set.
Step 8: Before serving, drizzle with Kahlua chocolate sauce or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra tablespoon of Kahlua or espresso powder to the batter.
You can substitute Oreo crumbs for the graham cracker crust to add a chocolatey base.
Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the liqueurs with coffee and Irish cream-flavored syrups.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month; thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat slices gently at room temperature or enjoy them chilled.

How to Serve

A slice of layered cheesecake sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The bottom layer is a dark, crumbly chocolate crust. Above that is a thick, creamy, light beige cheesecake layer. The top layer is a smooth, thin coating of cocoa powder with some chocolate drips down the sides. On top, two square pieces of dark chocolate are stuck into a swirl of whipped cream, which is sprinkled with small chocolate shavings. Behind the plate, a spoon rests on a white saucer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the Kahlua and Bailey’s with coffee and Irish cream-flavored syrups to maintain the flavor profile without alcohol.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Baking the cheesecake with a water bath or placing a bowl of water in the oven adds moisture and helps prevent cracking. Also, allowing it to cool gradually in the turned-off oven reduces the chance of cracks.