This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sara Lee. The opinions and text are all mine.
I love every aspect of entertaining: setting a welcoming table, serving delicious food, and spending time with friends. But what I’ve learned after years of hosting gatherings is that food doesn’t have to be complicated. This chocolate espresso ganache cheesecake is so simple, positively decadent and delicious, and can be whipped up in about twenty minutes {with regular pantry ingredients} … even though it’ll seem like you spent hours in the kitchen!
The secret to this quick and easy recipe is a Sara Lee Original Cream Classic Cheesecake. Found in the freezer section at Walmart, you can keep a cheesecake in your freezer and be ready for last minute company any time! You simply have to thaw and serve for a fabulous dessert.
To make chocolate espresso ganache cheesecake, pop the cheesecake out of the package according to the instructions and place it on a cake plate.
While it’s thawing, prepare the chocolate espresso ganache. In a saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir regularly until the chocolate chips have melted completely. In a separate cup, stir together 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder and 1 tablespoon water. When the coffee powder is fully dissolved, stir the coffee mixture into the chocolate. Blend well then remove from the heat and let cool at room temperature.
Once cooled, slowly pour the ganache over the top of the cheesecake, using a spatula to carefully push it to the edge.
You can top the entire cheesecake with dollops of espresso whipped cream but I like to add a dollop to each individual piece instead.
To make espresso whipped cream, with an electric mixer, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream until it peaks. In a separate cup, dissolve 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder in 1 tablespoon of water and add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir till dissolved completely then fold in to the whipped cream. If you want a sweeter whipped cream, increase the sugar to taste.
Spoon the whipped cream into a plastic bag, trim the corner off, and pipe a dollop onto each slice of cheesecake.
Whether served after a meal or as a sweet evening treat, your guests will love this decadent dessert!
How do you top your cheesecake? For more #uniquelyyours inspiration be sure to follow the Sara Lee facebook page!
