If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for something utterly indulgent, you are in for a treat with The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe. This luscious dessert combines the creamy, tangy richness of classic cheesecake with the buttery, sweet, and slightly salty notes of homemade salted caramel. Every bite melts in your mouth while the buttery Biscoff cookie crust adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels both luxurious and comforting — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round cake with three visible layers sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly, golden-brown crust. The middle layer is a dense, smooth, light brown filling with a soft texture. The top layer is a shiny, deep caramel color glaze, glossy and smooth, garnished with a ring of white flakes around the edge. Around the plate, there are a few rectangular light brown cookies and a pink flower laying on the white marbled surface with green leaves in the background. A white cloth and a pink cloth are softly draped in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is simpler than you’d think, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe to life. From the smooth cream cheese to the crunchy Biscoff cookies and that dreamy salted caramel sauce, every element complements one another perfectly to create this unforgettable dessert.

  • Caster sugar: Essential for sweetening both the salted caramel sauce and the cheesecake filling without being grainy.
  • Salted butter, room temperature: Adds depth and richness to the caramel sauce and helps bind the cookie crust together.
  • Double cream: Brings luxurious creaminess to the salted caramel sauce for that silky mouthfeel.
  • Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatics into the caramel sauce and cheesecake for a subtly sweet complexity.
  • Flakey sea salt: A sprinkle on top and in the caramel to enhance the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
  • Biscoff cookies: Give the crust that irresistible crunch and a spiced undertone that pairs beautifully with the sweet filling.
  • Philadelphia cream cheese, full fat: The creamy base of the cheesecake, lending richness and a smooth texture.
  • Plain flour: Helps stabilize and firm up the cheesecake so it slices perfectly.
  • Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while providing structure to the cheesecake.
  • Full fat sour cream: Adds tanginess and moisture for a velvety finish inside the cheesecake.

How to Make The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

Start by melting the caster sugar over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color. Immediately whisk in the cubed salted butter, stirring continuously until smooth. Slowly add the double cream and vanilla extract, taking care as the mixture bubbles up. Finally, stir in the flakey sea salt. Set aside to cool as this salted caramel sauce will swathe the cheesecake in creamy, sweet, and salty bliss.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Crust

Crush the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs and combine them with melted salted butter. Press this buttery, fragrant mixture evenly into the base of a springform pan. This crust will provide a deliciously crunchy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add caster sugar and plain flour, mixing well. One by one, incorporate the eggs, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and about one third of the cooled salted caramel sauce. This gives the cheesecake its perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor profile, making it truly The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Swirl a little more salted caramel sauce on top using a knife or skewer to create beautiful decorative patterns. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This ensures the cheesecake remains creamy and silky.

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Once baked, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle flakey sea salt on top to amplify that saltiness in the caramel and add a touch of gourmet flair.

How to Serve The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

A dark round baking pan holds a thick, crumbly light brown crust pressed along the bottom and sides. A thick, smooth, creamy beige mixture is being poured into the crust center, swirling gently as it fills toward the edges. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with scattered square light brown cookies and crumbs nearby. Part of a red and white striped cloth is visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is where the fun begins — think delicate shards of caramelized sugar, toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch, or a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon to complement the caramel’s warm notes. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a tart balance to the richness.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bold black tea to offset the sweetness. For a decadent touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creaminess even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, serve individual mini cheesecakes in clear glass jars layered with crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, and cheesecake filling. Alternatively, create a salted caramel cheesecake trifle with layers of broken cheesecake pieces, whipped cream, and extra caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cheesecake tightly in cling film or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and the velvety texture for up to 4 days.

Freezing

The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice into portions and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and cause separation in the decadent salted caramel sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Biscoff cookies add a wonderful spiced flavor and crunch, you can substitute with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies depending on your taste preference.

Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream?

Yes, using full-fat versions ensures the cheesecake is rich and creamy. Lower-fat alternatives can result in a less satisfying texture and may affect baking consistency.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

To avoid cracks, make sure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, avoid overmixing, bake at a low temperature, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The salted caramel sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before using to bring back its smooth, pourable consistency.

What if I don’t have flakey sea salt?

You can substitute with regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt, but flakey sea salt gives a more delicate texture and melts beautifully on top, enhancing the flavor without overwhelming it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert recipe that delivers both comfort and elegance, you truly cannot go wrong with The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe. Its harmonious marriage of creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and luscious salted caramel will captivate everyone lucky enough to have a slice. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to enjoy a homemade treat that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat!

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The Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

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4.1 from 35 reviews

This indulgent Salted Caramel Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy Philadelphia cream cheese filling with a smooth, buttery Biscoff cookie crust. The star of the show is a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce, made from caster sugar, salted butter, and double cream, that is swirled into the cheesecake and drizzled on top with flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes including chilling
  • Yield: 10-12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 70 g salted butter, room temperature, cubed
  • 120 ml double cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

Crust

  • 200 g Biscoff cookies
  • 85 g salted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 900 g full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature
  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 120 g full-fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 90 g cooled salted caramel sauce (about 1/3 cup)
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Heat the caster sugar in a dry saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and quickly add cubed salted butter, stirring until melted. Slowly pour in the double cream while stirring constantly. Return to a low heat to combine well, then stir in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool completely before using.
  2. 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. Mix the cookie crumbs with melted salted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the caster sugar and plain flour, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
  4. Add Salted Caramel Swirl: Pour about two-thirds of the cheesecake batter onto the prepared crust. Dollop spoonfuls of the cooled salted caramel sauce over the batter, then gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining batter over the top and smooth the surface.
  5. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for approximately 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles when shaken. To prevent cracking, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath (optional). Once baked, turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for an hour.
  6. Chill and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set. Before serving, drizzle remaining salted caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth cheesecake batter and prevent lumps.
  • Using a water bath while baking reduces cracking and promotes even cooking.
  • Allow the salted caramel sauce to cool before swirling into the batter to avoid melting it completely into the cheesecake.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For a firmer crust, chill the crust mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes before adding the filling.

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