Delicious Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe for Special Occasions and Cozy Nights

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake and rich salted caramel that makes my taste buds dance.

This Salted Caramel Cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, bringing together the smoothness of cream cheese with the sweet and savory notes of caramel.

It’s the perfect indulgence for any special occasion or just a cozy night in.

Ingredient List

To create my indulgent Salted Caramel Cheesecake, I gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• Additional salted caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings

I ensure I have all these ingredients ready before I start the preparation to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust
   In a medium bowl, combine 1 and 3/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and mix it into the crumb mixture until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Once golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
   In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 ounces of cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix again. Incorporate 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Lastly, fold in 1 cup of sour cream until the filling is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
4. Bake the Cheesecake
   Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to create a water bath. Bake in the same preheated oven at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Cool and Chill
   Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
6. Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
   In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a golden-brown liquid. Carefully add in 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• Chill Time: Allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 4 hours before serving. This chilling period helps the flavors meld and makes the cheesecake easier to slice.
• Graham Cracker Alternatives: If you want to mix it up, try using crushed Oreo cookies or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for the crust. This adds a different flavor profile and can complement the salted caramel beautifully.
• Add Flavors: For a twist on the classic cheesecake, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the filling. These flavors can enhance the overall taste.
• Nutty Crunch: If you enjoy a bit of texture, fold chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the cheesecake batter. Sprinkling them on top before adding the salted caramel can create a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzling melted chocolate over the top of the cheesecake after adding salted caramel can create an irresistible combination.
• Salt Variations: Experiment with different types of salt for the caramel sauce. Fleur de sel or smoked sea salt can add unique depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
• Mini Cheesecakes: To create individual portions, divide the crust and filling into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until the centers are set. These mini versions can be perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Leftover Caramel: If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It makes a delicious topping for ice cream, pancakes, or even drizzling over fruit.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve my Salted Caramel Cheesecake, I love to elevate the presentation and flavor profile with a few simple touches.

Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that make this dessert even more irresistible:

• Drizzle of Salted Caramel Sauce: I recommend generously drizzling warm salted caramel sauce over each slice. This adds not only a beautiful visual appeal but also enhances the rich flavors.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side or atop each slice adds a delightful creamy contrast. I often sweeten it lightly and usually add a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Shavings or Chips: For a little extra decadence, I sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake. This is especially perfect for chocolate lovers and provides a nice textural contrast.
• Fresh Berries: A burst of freshness can really balance the richness of the cheesecake. I love to add fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries on the plate. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Nuts for Crunch: I sometimes add a light sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch. This brings a lovely nutty flavor that complements the salted caramel perfectly.
• Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pairing my cheesecake with a strong cup of coffee or a fragrant cup of tea enhances the overall experience. The warmth of the beverage contrasts with the chill of the cheesecake.
• Individual Portions: For gatherings, I often make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins. This way, guests can easily grab their own portion, making it a fun and interactive dessert option.

By adding these serving options, I ensure my Salted Caramel Cheesecake is the star of the dessert table and a memorable treat for everyone.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for a single serving of my Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

This will help you keep track of your caloric intake while indulging in this delicious treat.

I’ve calculated this based on a standard slice from a 9-inch cheesecake that serves about 12 people.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Total Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Cholesterol	100 mg
Sodium	250 mg
Total Carbohydrates	36 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	25 g
Protein	5 g

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try making this Salted Caramel Cheesecake. It’s such a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long week this cheesecake is a fantastic choice.

Don’t forget to get creative with the toppings and variations. Personalizing it to your taste can make it even more special.

So gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of making this indulgent dessert. I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine!

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