If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with something indulgent yet warmly familiar, this Chai Spice Cheesecake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the ever-cozy, aromatic spices of chai tea with the creamy decadence of cheesecake creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegantly complex. With a crispy biscoff cookie crust and a luscious spiced filling, each bite takes you on a comforting journey that’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a special treat just for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single-layer round cake sits on a piece of parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The cake is light brown in color with a soft texture and is topped with a thick, creamy layer of white frosting spread in gentle swirls. There is a light dusting of cinnamon powder unevenly covering the top of the frosting, adding a warm orange-brown contrast. Around the cake, there are subtle shadows and soft lighting enhancing its smooth and creamy appearance. In the background, there is a white vase, a white cloth, and a white plate stacked with more white plates and silver forks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps the ingredient list straightforward but packs a punch with every component, carefully chosen to balance texture, flavor, and aroma. Each ingredient works harmoniously to bring out the signature chai spice warmth nestled in a smooth and velvety cheesecake that everyone will rave about.

Biscoff cookies (250 g): These caramelized cookies create a perfectly crunchy and flavorful crust, but ginger snaps work well too for a little extra spice.
Granulated sugar (1 tbsp + 250 g): Twofold usage; a bit for the crust to enhance its sweetness and a larger amount to sweeten and tenderize the cheesecake filling.
Butter (75 g): Melted and mixed with the cookie crumbs to give the crust a satisfying richness and hold it together firmly.
Ground cardamom (1 tbsp): This spice adds floral brightness that beautifully complements the deeper chai spices.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp + ½ tsp): Cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness, used both in the filling and as a finishing dust.
Ground ginger (1½ tsp): Adds a gentle spicy zing making the chai flavor true to form.
Ground allspice (½ tsp): Provides a blend of sweet, spicy, and peppery nuances for depth.
Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Infuses subtle earthiness to enhance the chai blend.
Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Just a hint to uplift the spices with a slight kick.
Cream cheese (800 g, full fat, room temperature): The creamy base creating that silky cheesecake texture.
Sour cream (200 g, 14-18%, room temperature): Adds tanginess and moisture to keep the cheesecake luscious yet light.
Cornstarch (1½ tbsp): Helps stabilize the cheesecake for the perfect set without cracks.
Vanilla extract (2½ tsp): Infuses a sweet aromatic background enhancing all flavors.
Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together while providing structure.
Heavy cream (120 g): Whipped for the topping, lending a fresh, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake.
Powdered sugar (1 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream perfectly without grittiness.

How to Make Chai Spice Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) and lining a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom, greasing the sides, and adding baking paper to the sides to make sure removing the cheesecake will be a breeze. In a food processor, pulse the biscoff cookies and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until they resemble fine sand. Then, add the melted butter and blend until the mixture comes together like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass to create an even, well-packed crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and then allow it to cool completely while keeping the oven on for the cheesecake step.

Step 2: Create the Chai Spice Mix

In a small bowl, lovingly stir together the ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. This chai spice mix is the fragrant heart of your cheesecake and will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aromas, setting the mood for what’s to come.

Step 3: Whip the Cheesecake Filling

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on low for about one minute until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and the chai spice blend, then scrape down the sides of the bowl before mixing again to marry all those warm flavors smoothly. In another small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and cornstarch until perfectly smooth, then add it to the cream cheese mixture along with vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined to maintain that silky texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs two at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. This slow incorporation prevents overwhipping the batter while ensuring even consistency. Give the mixture a final scrape and mixing to make sure everything is seamlessly blended.

Step 5: Set Up the Water Bath and Bake

Pour the cheesecake batter over your cooled crust in the springform pan. To keep your cheesecake moist and crack-free, boil water in a kettle to prepare a water bath. Place the springform inside a slightly larger cake pan, then place that pan inside another baking tray or roasting pan. Pour the hot water carefully into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Alternatively, tightly wrap your cake pan with triple layers of aluminium foil to prevent water from leaking in, ensuring a stable, moist cooking environment. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 10 to 15 minutes. When it’s done, the center should still jiggle slightly when gently shaken.

Step 6: Cooling and Setting

Turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open, letting it cool down slowly for one hour. Remove it from the water bath, unwrap any foil, and transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack to come to room temperature. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is best, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully.

Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

Right before serving, whip the heavy cream together with the powdered sugar until medium stiff peaks form. This light whipped cream topping adds a dreamy contrast to the spicy richness of the cheesecake. Spread it generously on top, then lightly dust with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for that final inviting touch.

How to Serve Chai Spice Cheesecake Recipe

A round, two-layer dessert on brown parchment paper shows a thick, light brown base layer topped with a thick, white creamy layer. The white layer is spread unevenly with soft peaks and sprinkled with light brown powder. A slice is cut and pulled slightly out, revealing the smooth texture of the light brown base and the fluffy white top. In the background, there is a clear glass with light brown liquid and stacked white plates with two forks on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add a little flair and texture to this beautifully spiced cheesecake. Think toasted cinnamon sticks, crystallized ginger pieces, or a dusting of cocoa powder. A few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can also offer a pop of color and a refreshing bite alongside each slice.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a latte, complementing the spice profile perfectly. For a cold contrast, fresh berries or a tangy berry compote can balance the sweet creaminess and add a splash of that fresh fruit brightness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the cheesecake slices on rustic wooden boards with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce swirling around the plate. Alternatively, individual mini cheesecakes layered in clear jars with a sprinkle of crushed biscoff crumbs give an adorable, modern look and make portion control effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Chai Spice Cheesecake Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to protect it from absorbing other fridge odors and keep it moist.

Freezing

You can freeze this cheesecake for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap the cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For a slightly warmed cheesecake experience, let the slices come to room temperature and then warm gently in a low oven (about 120°C/250°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture and cause the fats to separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cookies for the crust?

Absolutely! While biscoff cookies give a caramelized depth perfect for this recipe, ginger snap cookies or graham crackers also work wonderfully if you want a different flavor profile or something you already have on hand.

Is it necessary to use a water bath?

Using a water bath is highly recommended as it creates a gentle, moist environment that prevents cracking and helps the cheesecake set with that silky smooth texture everyone loves.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This Chai Spice Cheesecake Recipe relies on cream cheese and heavy cream for its signature creaminess, so substituting these ingredients requires careful selection of vegan alternatives designed for cheesecakes, but the spice blend would remain just as delicious.

How spicy is this cheesecake?

The spice blend is warm and aromatic rather than hot or overpowering. The black pepper adds just a subtle kick that enhances the chai flavor, making it accessible for most palates.

Can I prepare this cheesecake a day in advance?

Yes! In fact, letting the cheesecake chill overnight improves the flavor dramatically as the spices mellow and meld beautifully with the creamy base.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Spice Cheesecake Recipe is truly one of those special desserts that feels both familiar and exciting, cozy and elegant — perfect for those moments when you want to share something unforgettable with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch as the inviting scents of chai spices fill your home, turning ordinary gatherings into cherished memories.