Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in the rich and creamy BEST Salted Caramel Cheesecake, featuring a smooth basque-style cheesecake layered with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce and a crunchy spiced Biscoff cookie crust. This dessert combines the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures, making it a show-stopper for any special occasion or a luxurious treat.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature and sliced (70g)
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed (120g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
Crust:
- 200g Biscoff cookies (about 26 cookies)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (85g)
Cheesecake:
- 32 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (4 8oz blocks or 907g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup heavy cream, room temperature (80g)
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature (120g)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ⅔ cup salted caramel sauce (from above)
Baking & Serving:
- Remaining salted caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Optional: Flaky sea salt for garnish
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Add the sliced butter carefully and stir until melted and fully combined. Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream while stirring continuously and bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Crust: Crush the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in heavy cream, sour cream, and cornstarch until just combined. Gently fold in ⅔ cup of the salted caramel sauce until swirled throughout the batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Pour the cheesecake batter over the chilled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set and flavors to develop.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Slice and enjoy this decadent salted caramel cheesecake.
Notes
- Allow all dairy ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream, sour cream) to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture; reduced fat versions may affect the taste and consistency.
- To avoid cracks, do not overbake and use the oven door ajar cooling method after baking.
- For easier cutting, chill the cheesecake thoroughly and dip the knife in hot water before slicing.
- Salted caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week; warm gently before using.
Keywords: salted caramel cheesecake, caramel sauce, Biscoff crust, creamy cheesecake, homemade caramel, dessert recipe, rich cheesecake