Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brulee Recipe

Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brulee Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Crafting a decadent salted caramel cheesecake brulee demands creativity and passion for sweet indulgence.

My kitchen adventures often lead to unexpected culinary delights that surprise even seasoned bakers.

Silky cream cheese mingles with rich caramel, creating a luxurious dessert that feels like pure magic.

Torching the delicate sugar surface produces a gorgeous golden crackle that makes everyone’s eyes light up.

Professional pastry techniques merge with home cooking comfort in this spectacular treat.

Caramelized edges and smooth interior promise a sensational experience that will impress anyone around your table.

You can transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary celebration with just one slice of this incredible dessert.

Why Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brulee Is a Treat

  • Each bite offers a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham cracker crust, and caramelized sugar topping that creates a sensational dessert experience.
  • The brulee method transforms an ordinary cheesecake into an elegant restaurant-style dessert that looks impressive and delivers sophisticated flavors.
  • Despite looking complicated, this recipe uses straightforward steps that even novice bakers can successfully execute without specialized skills.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different salt types or adding extra caramel drizzle to match personal taste preferences and make the dessert uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Caramel Cheesecake Brulee

Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a crunchy and sweet foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Butter: Melted butter helps the crust hold its shape and adds richness.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help the cheesecake set properly.
  • Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Contribute to the rich, velvety texture of the cheesecake.
Topping:
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a luxurious, sweet layer of flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Sea Salt: Provides a perfect balance to the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
  • Sugar: Used for creating the crisp, caramelized brulee topping.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brulee

Step 1: Craft The Delectable Crust

Grab your ingredients and preheat the oven to a cozy 325F.

Combine these delightful base components:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.

Pop it into the oven and bake for 10 magical minutes.

Once done, let it cool completely and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Time to create pure magic!

Grab your mixer and beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

Gently incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended.

Fold in these luxurious ingredients:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream

Pour this dreamy mixture over the cooled crust, creating a cloud-like layer of deliciousness.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Slide the cheesecake into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

You’re looking for a slightly jiggly center that signals cheesecake greatness.

Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake rest for an hour.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Step 4: Create The Brulee Magic

Remove the chilled cheesecake and prepare for the wow factor.

Drizzle caramel sauce generously across the top.

Sprinkle sea salt to create that irresistible sweet-salty contrast.

Evenly dust the surface with sugar.

Grab a kitchen torch and caramelize the sugar until it transforms into a golden, crispy layer that crackles when touched.

Step 5: Serve And Devour

Allow the bruleed sugar to set for a few moments.

Slice into this heavenly creation and serve immediately.

Watch as your guests marvel at the stunning combination of creamy cheesecake and crisp caramel topping.

Tips for Caramel Brulee Success

  • Firmly press graham cracker mixture into the pan's base, ensuring a compact and stable foundation that won't fall apart when serving.
  • Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Watch the cheesecake closely during baking – a slightly jiggly center indicates perfect doneness, preventing dry or cracked surfaces.
  • Hold the kitchen torch 2-3 inches from the sugar, moving constantly to create an even, golden-brown brulee top without burning.
  • Refrigerate cheesecake overnight to develop deeper, richer flavors and allow the texture to set perfectly.

Store and Reheat Cheesecake Brulee Easily

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
  • Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a crisp brulee top, use a kitchen torch to re-caramelize the sugar just before serving.
  • Let the cheesecake sit out for maximum 2 hours. Discard if left longer to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.

Tasty Pairings for Cheesecake Brulee

  • Pair Luxurious Sauternes Wine: Complement the rich, creamy cheesecake with a sweet French dessert wine that matches its decadent caramel notes. Its honeyed complexity balances the saltiness and cuts through the cheesecake's dense texture.
  • Serve Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated cocktail pairing that enhances the dessert's caramel and cream profile. The coffee's boldness and slight bitterness perfectly contrast the sweet, salty cheesecake.
  • Match Dark Chocolate Port: Select a robust port wine with deep chocolate undertones that echo the caramel's warmth. Its intense flavor profile elevates the dessert's luxurious experience while providing a complementary richness.
  • Accompany Salted Caramel Latte: Craft a warm beverage that mirrors the dessert's flavor components. The drink's creamy texture and similar flavor notes create a harmonious and indulgent sensory experience.

Recipe Swaps for Salted Caramel Brulee

  • Gluten-Free Crust Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs mixed with melted butter for a celiac-friendly base.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute sugar with erythritol or stevia, use almond flour for crust, and swap heavy cream with coconut cream to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free whipping cream to create a lactose-free cheesecake that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Vegan Transformation: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cheese, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and swap butter with coconut oil for a completely plant-based dessert.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this cheesecake?

The key ingredients include cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, heavy cream, caramel sauce, sea salt, and sugar for the brulee topping.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make for beginners?

While it requires multiple steps, a home baker with basic baking skills can successfully create this dessert by following the instructions carefully and using a kitchen torch for the brulee effect.

  • Can I make this cheesecake without a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use the broiler setting in your oven. Place the cheesecake close to the top heating element and watch carefully to caramelize the sugar without burning it, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It should not be completely solid when you gently shake the pan, and the edges will be slightly pulled away from the sides of the springform pan.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brulee Recipe

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brulee Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Salted caramel cheesecake brulee brings luxurious French pastry techniques to a classic dessert, merging creamy cheesecake with crisp caramelized sugar. Sweet-salty layers promise a sophisticated indulgence that delights sophisticated palates and leaves everyone craving another heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Main Filling Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Craft a buttery foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a springform pan. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
  2. Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar. Introduce eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until mixture achieves a luxurious consistency.
  3. Transfer filling onto the prepared crust, creating an even layer. Place in preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center that indicates perfect doneness.
  4. Once baked, switch off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door slightly open for one hour. This gradual cooling prevents surface cracking. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  5. After chilling, generously drizzle caramel sauce across the surface, creating elegant swirls. Delicately sprinkle sea salt to enhance flavor complexity.
  6. For the signature brulee finish, evenly dust granulated sugar across the cheesecake. Use a kitchen torch to transform sugar into a crackling golden crust, moving flame continuously to prevent burning.
  7. Allow caramelized sugar to solidify for 2-3 minutes, creating a glass-like topping. Slice and serve immediately to preserve the crisp sugar shell.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky filling.
  • Use a water bath when baking to prevent cracks and promote even, gentle cooking of the cheesecake.
  • Crush graham crackers finely for a more compact and stable crust that holds together perfectly.
  • Experiment with alternative crusts like chocolate cookie or nut-based options for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star