Description
This rich and creamy caramel cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling swirled with caramel, and a luscious caramel topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion, it’s a decadent dessert that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil to prevent water from leaking in. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream, then gently fold in the caramel sauce. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake the cheesecake: Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add the topping and serve: Before serving, pour the remaining caramel sauce over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
Notes
- For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
- This cheesecake can be made a day ahead for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
