The Ultimate Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe: Creamy, Dreamy, and Irresistibly Delicious (Plus, Easy Tips!)

Salted caramel. Just the name conjures up images of rich, buttery sweetness balanced with a tantalizing hint of salt. And what better way to showcase this flavor combination than in a show-stopping dessert? Today, we’re sharing our ultimate Salted Caramel Cheesecake recipe. Get ready to experience a creamy, decadent treat that will leave you and your guests begging for more. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey to salted caramel cheesecake perfection! Here at TastyTaleCraft, we’re all about creating simple recipes, and this Salted Caramel Cheesecake has become a reader favorite.

Cheesecake is a classic dessert, but adding a layer of homemade salted caramel takes it to a whole new level. We’ve perfected this recipe over time, ensuring the ideal balance of creamy filling, crumbly graham cracker crust, and luscious salted caramel topping. This Salted Caramel Cheesecake recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. So, ditch the store-bought version and prepare to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

There are a million cheesecake recipes out there, so why choose this one? Here’s why we think you’ll absolutely fall in love with our salted caramel cheesecake:

• The Perfect Balance: The creamy, tangy cheesecake filling is perfectly complemented by the sweet and salty caramel. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
• Easy to Make: We’ve broken down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake is even better the next day! You can easily make it ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good cheesecake and this salted caramel cheesecake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Impressive Presentation: With a drizzle of caramel, this cheesecake looks as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for special occasions.

 Ingredients for the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Let’s gather our ingredients. We’ll break it down into three parts: the crust, the filling, and the salted caramel sauce.

Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Salted Caramel Masterpiece

Now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps to create your own incredible salted caramel cheesecake.

Making the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Gently stir in the heavy cream.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.

Baking the Cheesecake:

1. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
2. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan, filling it about halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this is a water bath).
3. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. This will help prevent cracking.
5. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Making the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns into a golden amber color. Be patient, it will happen!
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up.
4. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Taste and add more salt if desired. Let cool completely.

Assembling the Salted Caramel Cheesecake:

1. Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, remove it from the springform pan.
2. Pour the cooled salted caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
3. Slice and serve! Garnish with extra sea salt flakes, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key: This ensures a smooth and lump-free filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing incorporates too much air and can cause the cheesecake to crack.
• The Water Bath is Crucial: This helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed!
• Patience is a Virtue: Let the cheesecake cool slowly to prevent cracking. Cooling in the oven helps a ton.
• Salted Caramel Sauce Consistency: Don’t overcook the caramel sauce or it will become too thick.
• Customize it! Use other cookies for the crust! Add chocolate to the filling! Have fun and make it your own.

 

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A: Absolutely! Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight.

🎉 Time to Indulge!

This Salted Caramel Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly delicious!

Hungry for more? Try our Ultimate Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for another showstopping treat.

For more dessert inspiration, check out these amazing recipes from Serious Eats or Food Network.