Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Salted Caramel Cheesecake, where velvety smooth cream cheese meets the irresistible flavor of salted caramel. Topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave something sweet. The buttery graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch, making this cheesecake an unforgettable treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 lbs cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Once all eggs are incorporated, stir in the sour cream and heavy cream.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 per serving
Servings: 12
History and Origin of Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Cheesecake, a beloved dessert with roots dating back to ancient Greece, has undergone many transformations over the centuries. Its modern form, with a smooth, creamy filling atop a crumbly crust, is most often attributed to American bakers in the 19th century. The idea of combining salted caramel with cheesecake is a more recent innovation, gaining popularity in the early 2000s when salted caramel became a trend in desserts. The balance of sweet and salty flavors provides a perfect contrast to the richness of cheesecake, making this variation a standout among classic cheesecakes.
Salted caramel itself originated in France, where it was first used as a sauce in the 1970s. The French treat, known for its perfect harmony of sweet and salty, was soon embraced by chefs worldwide. Over time, salted caramel found its way into all kinds of desserts, from cookies to ice cream, and of course, cheesecake. This Salted Caramel Cheesecake combines the smooth texture of classic cheesecake with the indulgent, sweet-and-salty flavor of caramel, making it a truly decadent dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Creamy and Rich: The creamy texture of the cheesecake combined with the buttery graham cracker crust creates a perfect mouthful in every bite.
- Sweet and Salty Harmony: The salted caramel sauce adds a delightful contrast to the rich, smooth filling of the cheesecake, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or just a Sunday treat, this salted caramel cheesecake is a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: This cheesecake can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dessert for busy parties or family gatherings. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days and even freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix the batter on low speed. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause cracks.
- Chill for Best Texture: For the best texture, chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures that the cheesecake will slice beautifully.
Variations You Can Try
- Nutty Crust: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust for a little extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle some melted chocolate over the salted caramel for a delicious twist.
- Caramel Swirl: For a marbled effect, swirl the salted caramel sauce into the cheesecake batter before baking.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Turn this recipe into individual servings by using a muffin tin and lining each cup with a cupcake liner.
How to Store Your Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: To store the cheesecake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why This Salted Caramel Cheesecake is a Must-Try
Salted Caramel Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert that combines the richness of a classic cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of salted caramel. Whether you’re a caramel enthusiast or a cheesecake lover, this dessert is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and salty—offering something for everyone. Here’s why this recipe should be on your must-try list:
- Perfectly Creamy Texture
The smooth, velvety filling of this cheesecake is created by blending cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. These ingredients give the dessert its rich, creamy consistency, making it a luxurious treat that melts in your mouth. - Buttery, Crunchy Crust
The graham cracker crust is the perfect contrast to the rich filling. It’s crisp, buttery, and just sweet enough to complement the smoothness of the cheesecake. The crust helps hold everything together and adds a delightful crunch with every bite. - Salted Caramel Perfection
The salted caramel sauce is the star of the show in this cheesecake. The sweetness of the caramel pairs perfectly with the saltiness, creating a balanced flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake. Whether you drizzle it on top or swirl it into the batter, it enhances the overall experience and adds a decadent finishing touch. - Great for Special Occasions
Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday, or just a gathering of friends, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Its elegant appearance and irresistible flavor make it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, which is a bonus for busy hosts! - Easy to Customize
While this recipe is delicious as is, it also lends itself well to variations. You can experiment with different crusts (like using chocolate graham crackers or adding nuts) or topping the cheesecake with additional toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or chopped toffee.
Tips for Making the Perfect Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth, lump-free batter, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a silky texture and ensures even blending.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When adding the eggs to the cheesecake filling, mix them in one at a time on low speed. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, which could cause cracks during baking.
- Baking and Cooling: Baking at a lower temperature for a longer period of time allows the cheesecake to cook evenly without browning. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This helps the flavors to set and develop.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: You can either use store-bought salted caramel sauce or make your own. If you want to make it at home, simply combine sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of sea salt. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
This Salted Caramel Cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with various accompaniments to elevate the experience:
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries like raspberries or strawberries contrasts nicely with the rich sweetness of the cheesecake.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds an airy, light touch that balances the richness of the dessert.
- Chopped Nuts: Add texture and a bit of crunch with chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts, which pair well with the caramel flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this cheesecake is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s best when allowed to set in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the cheesecake is firm and easy to slice. If you need to prepare it in advance, simply bake it the day before, let it cool, and refrigerate. Top it with salted caramel sauce just before serving to maintain its glossy finish.
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence, with its creamy texture, buttery graham cracker crust, and irresistible salted caramel topping. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will impress anyone. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite.
It’s also a make-ahead dessert, which makes it convenient for busy hosts. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize to your taste. Once you try this decadent dessert, you’ll want to make it again and again!