Description
Creamy caramel crunch cheesecake delivers a symphony of textures and rich flavors that dance across your palate. Sweet caramel and crisp toffee bits elevate this classic dessert, promising a luxurious experience you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 3 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup caramel corn (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, incorporating vanilla extract seamlessly. Introduce eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Gently fold sour cream and heavy cream into the mixture, creating a luxurious base. Swirl caramel sauce throughout the filling for delightful pockets of sweetness.
- Transfer the creamy filling onto the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes until the center maintains a gentle wobble when nudged.
- Create the signature crunch by combining chopped nuts, caramel corn, melted butter, and brown sugar, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest in the turned-off oven for one hour, promoting even cooling and preventing unsightly cracks. Remove and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal setting and flavor development.
- Just before serving, cascade the prepared crunch topping over the chilled cheesecake and drizzle with additional caramel sauce for a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
- Adapt the base by swapping graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
- Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly and prevents cracking during baking.
- Control baking temperature precisely by using an oven thermometer, as slight variations can significantly impact the cheesecake’s texture and prevent potential overbaking.
- Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water to distribute heat evenly and maintain consistent moisture during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg