Biscoff + Espresso Cheesecake
YOU WILL NEED
250g Lotus Biscoff biscuits, plus 3 biscuits
FOR DECORATION
100g salted butter, melted
300ml double cream
80g icing sugar
500g full-fat cream cheese
2 tsp vanilla extract
20ml strong espresso coffee
10ml coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
150g Biscoff spread
FOR THE COFFEE SYRUP
50ml strong espresso coffee
50ml coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
50ml caster sugar
1 Crush the biscuits into crumbs. Tip them into a medium-sized bowl with the melted butter and, using a flexible spatula, mix well, ensuring the butter has coated all the crumbs. Pour into a loose-based cake tin and press down firmly over the base and sides, ensuring the sides are even as that is the part you will see when the cheesecake is finished. Place in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
2 Pour the cream and icing sugar into a large bowl and whip until soft peaks form. In a separate large bowl, whisk the cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and use a spatula to mix. Pour half the cream cheese filling into another large bowl. Add the coffee and liqueur to one bowl and use a spatula to mix gently until smooth in colour. Take out the biscuit base from the freezer and pour over the coffee cream mixture. Spread evenly using a spatula and return to the freezer for 10 minutes.
3 Place the Biscoff spread into the remaining cream cheese mixture and use a spatula to mix well, again until smooth in colour. Remove the biscuit base from the freezer and gently spread on top of the coffee cream mixture, creating a two-layer cheesecake. The layers are very similar in colour, but the balance of flavours is perfect. Smooth the top and place in the fridge for at least five hours, allowing the cheesecake to set.
4 To make the syrup, pour all the syrup ingredients into a small saucepan and place over a medium heat. When bubbling, reduce the heat and simmer for about six minutes, creating a runny thick syrup, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
5 You can test it is ready by making sure it coats the back of a metal spoon. Pour into a small jug and allow to cool completely. When ready to serve the cheesecake, drizzle over the coffee syrup and arrange three biscuits standing up in the centre. This will be OK to eat for three days, if kept covered in the fridge… if it lasts that long.