Caramel Cheesecake

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 07/4/21
Caramel Cheesecake

Kristina Vanni
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Chill: 8 hrs
Total: 9 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 10 slice
Yield: 10
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
711 Calories
44g Fat
74g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Amount per serving
Calories 711
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 44g 56%
Saturated Fat 24g 120%
Cholesterol 133mg 44%
Sodium 533mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 74g 27%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 59g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 209mg 16%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 299mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Dripping with delectable salted caramel, this cheesecake is pure decadence. This caramel cheesecake features not only a blanket of caramel sauce poured over the top, but there is also a layer of caramel poured over the graham cracker crust. Every bite is perfect for caramel lovers. Be sure to use a high-quality flaked sea salt for the garnish in this recipe. It will taste the best and offer the most elegant presentation.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 (14-ounce) package soft caramels

  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature

  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Garnish:

  • 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom with aluminum foil.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  2. For the crust, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until crumbs are moistened.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  3. Press mixture over bottom and 1-inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  4. In a large microwave safe bowl, heat the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir between each interval. 

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Pour half of the melted caramel mixture over the crust and sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Cover and set aside the remaining caramel mixture. Chill the crust and caramel layer in the refrigerator while preparing the next steps.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  6. For the filling, put cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt in large mixer bowl. Beat until well blended.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  7. Pour the cheesecake filling into the crust, over the caramel layer. Bake until the edges are set and the center is still slightly loose, about 60 minutes or until the cake has puffed and trembles just slightly when shaken. Do not overbake.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  8. Remove the cheesecake from the oven. Cool to room temperature on wire rack. The cheesecake will settle and firm as it cools.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  9. Cover lightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate to chill, several hours to overnight.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  10. When the cheesecake is cool and firm, remove it from the springform pan. Reheat the reserved caramel sauce in the microwave in 30 second intervals until it can be easily poured. Pour the caramel sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkle with additional flaked sea salt.

    Caramel Cheesecake

    Kristina Vanni

  11. Enjoy! Pass any remaining caramel sauce. Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator. Cheesecake is best for 3-4 days.

Tip

Even with the best springform pans, leaks can happen when baking a cheesecake. To prevent a mess at the bottom of your oven, wrap your springform pan in heavy duty in foil to prevent any leaks spilling out onto your oven floor. A rimmed baking sheet can also be placed beneath the cheesecake as it bakes to catch any drips.