I’ve always been a fan of Biscoff cookies (those buttery, spiced biscuits are just irresistible!), so when I first saw this Viral Biscoff Cheesecake trend making its rounds online, I knew I had to give it a try. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
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How to make Viral Biscoff Cheesecake
A Viral Biscoff Cheesecake is a super-popular dessert that blew up on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube because of how indulgent and photogenic it is.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 200g Lotus Biscoff biscuits (or any similar spiced cookie)
- 75g unsalted butter (melted)
For the Filling:
- 400g cream cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 150g Lotus Biscoff spread (this creamy cookie butter is the star of the show!)
- 100g icing sugar (sifted for smoothness)
- 200ml heavy cream (also called whipping cream, chilled)
Optional Topping:
- Crushed Biscoff cookies
- A drizzle of melted Biscoff spread
- Whipped cream for extra flair
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscoff Base
- Crush the Biscoff biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor. If you don’t have one, pop the cookies into a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The goal is to achieve a sandy, uniform texture.
- Combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated, and the mixture feels like wet sand.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan. Pat down the mixture firmly using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to form an even layer.
- Chill the crust in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Lotus Biscoff spread to the cream cheese mixture and beat again until fully combined. The filling will take on that beautiful caramel color and smell heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is key to adding lightness to your cheesecake.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this slowly, in batches, to keep the filling airy and light.
- Once combined, pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled Biscoff crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for a clean finish.
Step 3: Chill and Set
- Place the cheesecake in the fridge and let it set for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight. This ensures the filling firms up and holds its shape when sliced.
- Once the cheesecake is completely set, decorate it with your favorite toppings. Drizzle melted Biscoff spread across the top for an elegant finish, scatter crushed Biscoff cookies for texture, or pipe dollops of whipped cream along the edges.
- Slice and serve. Each bite will be creamy, sweet, and packed with that irresistible Biscoff flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Viral Biscoff Cheesecake
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth filling without any lumps.
- Chill the heavy cream: Cold cream whips more easily, creating the light and fluffy texture you’re looking for in your filling.
- Don’t rush the chilling time: Patience is key to setting the cheesecake properly. Cutting into it too soon can cause a runny filling.
- Mix in sections: Always fold in the whipped cream gently so you don’t lose the airiness.
- Customize the sweetness: If you prefer your cheesecake less sweet, reduce the amount of icing sugar.
- Add some flair: Go beyond crushed cookies or Biscoff drizzle by topping with caramelized bananas, chocolate shavings, or toasted nuts for a flavor twist.
- No springform pan? Use a deep dish or glass serving bowl and turn this into a layered cheesecake dessert.
What to serve with
Viral Biscoff Cheesecake is already a show-stopping dessert on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate it to an entirely new level.
Whipped Cream – For Extra Indulgence
While Viral Biscoff Cheesecake is already incredibly creamy, dollops of whipped cream can add a light and airy texture that pairs beautifully with its density.
- Use plain whipped cream for a simple, neutral addition.
- Try vanilla-flavored whipped cream for a touch of extra sweetness.
- Pipe it prettily around the edges of the Viral Biscoff Cheesecake for added decoration.
Drizzles and Sauces – Add Depth and Drama
Drizzling sauces over or alongside your cheesecake can bring in a new layer of flavor.
- Melted Biscoff Spread: Warm the Biscoff spread slightly and drizzle it over the cheesecake for extra cookie butter goodness.
- Caramel Sauce: The buttery-sweet notes of caramel take the dessert’s indulgence to another level.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocoholics, a drizzle of dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate sauce adds a rich contrast to the spiced flavors.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The added twist of salt balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and enhances its overall flavor.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Viral Biscoff Cheesecake is a fun and indulgent way to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dessert, but sometimes you might need to make ingredient substitutions based on what you have in your pantry or dietary needs.
Substitutes for Biscoff Cookies (For the Base)
The signature spiced caramel flavor of Lotus Biscoff cookies forms the base of this dessert, but you can use these alternatives if they’re unavailable:
- Graham Crackers + Brown Sugar + Cinnamon: Graham crackers are a common cheesecake crust alternative but lack the spiced warmth of Biscoff cookies. To mimic that flavor, mix your crushed graham crackers with a tablespoon of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon before binding it with butter.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: Ginger snap cookies add a lovely spiced profile and crunch to the crust. These are especially great if you want an even spicier and aromatic flavor.
- Digestive Biscuits: Digestives are a popular alternative to Biscoff, offering a similar crumb structure that’s slightly sweet and buttery. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a closer taste match to Biscoff.
- Oat Cookies: Crushed oat cookies (e.g., Hobnobs) work well and provide a chewy, hearty texture. While they lack the spiced caramel kick, they can be a fantastic option for a wholesome twist.
- Gluten-Free Cookies (for a gluten-free crust): Use gluten-free graham crackers, ginger snaps, or oat cookies to create a crust that’s safe for gluten-sensitive guests. Most brands have options with added flavors similar to regular cookies.
Substitutes for Biscoff Spread (For the Filling and Topping)
The creamy, caramelized Biscoff spread is the heart and soul of this cheesecake, but in case it’s not available, here are a few alternatives to capture similar flavors:
- Homemade Biscoff Spread: Make your own Biscoff spread by blending Biscoff cookies with some melted butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar until smooth. Store it in a jar and use it 1:1 in the recipe.
- Other Cookie Butters: Brands like Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter are great alternatives if you can’t find Lotus Biscoff spread. Any spread labeled as “cookie butter” will have a similar caramelized flavor.
- Caramel Sauce + Spices: Combine caramel sauce with a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger powder. Whisk until smooth to replicate the spiced notes of Biscoff spread.
- Nut Butters (Almond, Peanut, or Cashew Butter): While nut butters won’t give the spiced flavor of Biscoff, a creamy almond or cashew butter with a dash of cinnamon can still create a flavorful cheesecake. Opt for lightly sweetened or unsweetened nut butters for the best texture.
- Dulce de Leche or Sweetened Condensed Milk: These caramel-like spreads provide the sweet, sticky component similar to Biscoff spread. You can add a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract to achieve a more complex flavor.
- Tahini + Brown Sugar: For those looking for non-cookie alternatives, tahini (sesame seed paste) mixed with a bit of brown sugar and a tiny amount of cinnamon surprisingly mimics the earthy, rich tones of Biscoff spread.
Substitutes for Cream Cheese (For the Filling)
Cream cheese is what gives the cheesecake its classic tang, but there are great substitutes available, whether you’re out of cream cheese or need a dairy-free alternative:
- Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone is an excellent substitute if you have it on hand. It’s creamy like cream cheese but slightly sweeter and less tangy, giving your cheesecake an ultra-smooth texture and a subtly different flavor.
- Greek Yogurt + Heavy Cream: Mix full-fat Greek yogurt with heavy cream to mimic the tang and creaminess of cream cheese. Use a 2:1 ratio of yogurt to cream and whip it until smooth.
- Cottage Cheese: Blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth, as the curds will need to be fully broken down to create a creamy cheesecake filling. Add a touch of lemon juice for that slight tang.
- Silken Tofu (For Vegan/Dairy-Free Cheesecakes): Silken tofu is a fantastic plant-based cream cheese substitute. Blend it with some lemon juice and powdered sugar to get the right creamy and sweet balance.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: If you’re making a dairy-free or vegan version, many brands now offer plant-based cream cheese made from almond milk, soy, or cashews. These work 1:1 in recipes.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese adds creaminess but has a grainier texture compared to cream cheese. To make it suitable for cheesecake, process it in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Substitutes for Heavy Cream (For the Filling and Topping)
Heavy cream helps to lighten the cheesecake filling and gives it a smooth, velvety texture. If you’re out of heavy cream or need a different option, try these substitutes:
- Whipping Cream: If heavy cream isn’t available, regular full-fat whipping cream works just as well. It has slightly less fat content but will still whip up nicely.
- Coconut Cream (For Dairy-Free Recipes): The thick cream layer from a can of chilled full-fat coconut milk can replace heavy cream. Whip the coconut cream until fluffy, and it makes for a fantastic dairy-free option.
- Evaporated Milk: Whipping evaporated milk is an old-school trick to replace heavy cream. Chill it in the fridge first, then beat until fluffy, but note that it’s slightly less stable and rich.
- Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute for heavy cream in the filling. It adds creaminess but has a tangier flavor, which works well in cheesecakes.
Substitutes for Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
Icing sugar is added to sweeten, but there are alternatives if you run out:
- Granulated Sugar + Cornstarch: Blend granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cornstarch until it forms a fine powdered texture. Use it in the same measurements.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Powder: For a low-calorie option, replace icing sugar with stevia or monk fruit-based sweeteners designed for baking.
- Coconut Sugar: Blitz coconut sugar into a powdered form (using a blender). It adds a caramel-like sweetness, which complements Biscoff flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Viral Biscoff Cheesecake is perfect because it offers the best of both worlds: it’s easy to make and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The buttery spiced Biscoff crust complements the creamy, caramel-like filling perfectly.
More Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 200g Lotus Biscoff biscuits
- 75g unsalted butter
For the Filling:
- 400g cream cheese
- 150g Lotus Biscoff spread
- 100g icing sugar
- 200ml heavy cream
Optional Topping:
- Crushed Biscoff cookies
- A drizzle of melted Biscoff spread
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscoff Base
- Crush the Biscoff biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor. If you don’t have one, pop the cookies into a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The goal is to achieve a sandy, uniform texture.
- Combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated, and the mixture feels like wet sand.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan. Pat down the mixture firmly using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to form an even layer.
- Chill the crust in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Lotus Biscoff spread to the cream cheese mixture and beat again until fully combined. The filling will take on that beautiful caramel color and smell heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is key to adding lightness to your cheesecake.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this slowly, in batches, to keep the filling airy and light.
- Once combined, pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled Biscoff crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for a clean finish.
Step 3: Chill and Set
- Place the cheesecake in the fridge and let it set for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight. This ensures the filling firms up and holds its shape when sliced.
- Once the cheesecake is completely set, decorate it with your favorite toppings. Drizzle melted Biscoff spread across the top for an elegant finish, scatter crushed Biscoff cookies for texture, or pipe dollops of whipped cream along the edges.
- Slice and serve. Each bite will be creamy, sweet, and packed with that irresistible Biscoff flavor!