Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 24 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch sifted
- 12 ladyfinger biscuits
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder with melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes and then set aside.

- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time—mixing gently after each addition—to avoid too much air. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and sifted cornstarch until just combined.

- Dip each ladyfinger briefly in the cooled coffee and arrange them in a layer over the baked crust, breaking them apart to fill gaps if needed. Pour the cheesecake filling over the ladyfingers and smooth the surface gently.

- Prepare a water bath by wrapping the base and sides of the springform pan with aluminum foil and placing it into a larger baking dish filled with about 1 inch of boiling water. Bake the cheesecake at 320°F for approximately 65-75 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just a little jiggly.

- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.

- For the topping, whip the chilled heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake and dust lightly with cocoa powder before serving.

