Name: Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 14 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar (200g); 5 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature and sliced (70g); 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (120g); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp salt; 200g Biscoff cookies (about 26 cookies); 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (85g); 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; 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature (80g); 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature (120g); 1 tbsp cornstarch, sifted; 2/3 cup homemade salted caramel sauce (room temperature); Remaining salted caramel sauce (for drizzling); Optional: Flaky sea salt for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 69 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgence that perfectly balances rich creaminess with gooey, buttery sweetness, this Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe is here to steal your heart. Imagine biting into a velvety cheesecake that melts on your tongue, layered over a spiced Biscoff crust and topped with luscious homemade salted caramel sauce that has just the right amount of salt to elevate the flavors. Each forkful is a celebration of smooth cream cheese, decadent caramel, and a hint of sea salt that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, this cheesecake isn’t just dessert; it’s a masterpiece you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven white bowls and a white plate placed on a black surface with faint white veins. The largest bowl contains a smooth white cream, while another bowl has a thick, swirled beige cream. A small bowl holds dark brown liquid, and nearby is another bowl with light yellow oil. One bowl is filled with broken golden-brown cracker pieces, and another contains pale yellow butter chunks. A white plate holds three whole white eggs, and another bowl has a fluffy white powder. A small bowl holds granulated white sugar, and an oval white bowl contains a spreadable white cheese. The bowls are arranged closely together, forming an organized layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that bring the cheesecake to life. From the cozy spice of Biscoff cookies to the rich, creamy layers of full-fat cream cheese and the golden homemade salted caramel, each component is simple but essential.

Granulated sugar: Essential for making that deep golden caramel with buttery richness and balanced sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Used both in the crust and caramel to add creaminess and a tender texture.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious silkiness to the caramel and cheesecake batter alike.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to all parts of the cheesecake, enhancing every bite.
Salt: The secret ingredient in the caramel that balances sweetness perfectly to achieve that coveted salted caramel flavor.
Biscoff cookies: Ground finely to create a crunchy, flavorful crust that complements the cheesecake’s creaminess.
Full-fat cream cheese: The foundation of this cheesecake, providing the signature rich and creamy texture.
Eggs: Bind the cheesecake together, ensuring it sets just right without losing its silky texture.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and helps keep the cheesecake irresistibly moist and tender.
Cornstarch: Stabilizes the cheesecake filling so it stays smooth and cuttable.
Optional flakey sea salt: Sprinkled on top to finish off the salted caramel with a crunchy pop of salty goodness.

How to Make Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Salted Caramel Sauce

The magic begins with the homemade salted caramel, which takes patience but is so worth it. Start by slowly melting sugar over low heat until it reaches a deep golden amber color; resist the urge to rush this step because this slow caramelization develops the rich, complex flavor. After removing from heat, whisk in butter and warm cream carefully to create that glossy, creamy sauce, then finish with vanilla and a pinch of salt to make it perfectly balanced. This caramel is the soul of your cheesecake.

Step 2: Prepare the Biscoff Cookie Crust

While the caramel cools, crush the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan—if you love a thicker crust, you can even push some up the edges. Baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the batter helps it hold together beautifully and adds a toasty depth that pairs so well with the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Batter

With all ingredients at room temperature, whip the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gradually add eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, and cornstarch, mixing gently to avoid overbeating, which keeps the texture dense and silky rather than airy. The crowning touch is folding in the room-temperature salted caramel sauce, creating swirls of luscious flavor that make this cheesecake irresistible.

Step 4: Bake Using a Water Bath

To achieve that velvety, crack-free cheesecake texture, pour the batter into the crust and cover the pan in foil. Place the pan into a larger tray filled with boiling water inside a preheated oven. Baking gently in a water bath ensures even cooking, preventing the cheesecake from drying out. After 75 to 80 minutes, expect a firm edge with a slight wobble in the center, signaling perfect doneness.

Step 5: Chill and Decorate

After removing the cheesecake from the oven, allow it to cool at room temperature, then chill overnight in the fridge—this step is crucial for setting the flavors and texture fully. Before serving, warm up the remaining salted caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top, finishing with an optional sprinkle of flakey sea salt. The result is stunning both visually and taste-wise.

How to Serve Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

The image shows two slices of cheesecake on white scalloped plates placed on a white marbled textured surface with crumbs scattered around. Each slice has three layers: a thin, dark brown crumb crust at the bottom, a thick creamy pale yellow cheesecake layer in the middle, and a smooth shiny caramel-colored topping covering the top. One slice is closer in the foreground with a gold fork placed in front of it, while the second slice is slightly blurred in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flakey sea salt adds a delightful crunch and sharp pop of saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel. You can also add toasted pecans or chopped Biscoff cookies for texture and an extra nod to the crust’s flavors. A few dollops of whipped cream can lend lightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this cheesecake with a simple cup of black coffee or an espresso to cut through the richness. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced pears add a refreshing fruity contrast. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an over-the-top decadent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cheesecake in individual ramekins or jars for personalized portions at gatherings. You could also drizzle extra caramel not just on top but in a beautiful lattice pattern on serving plates. For holiday celebrations, add edible gold leaf or caramelized nuts on top to give it an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and flavor. Wrapped well, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, so you can enjoy that perfect slice any time without rush.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and your cheesecake will be almost as perfect as freshly made.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, usually there’s no need to reheat. However, if you prefer a softer texture, bring individual slices to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, and warm extra caramel sauce gently to pour on top.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While Biscoff cookies add a unique spiced flavor, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed pretzels can work well. Just adjust the butter amount as needed to get a firm crust.

What if I don’t have a water bath for baking?

You can make a water bath by placing the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and pouring boiling water around it. The foil wrap prevents leaks, ensuring gentle baking to avoid cracks.

Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese?

Yes, full-fat cream cheese gives the cheesecake its signature creaminess and structure. Lower-fat options can make the texture icier or less rich, which is not ideal for this recipe.

How long does the salted caramel sauce keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade salted caramel sauce stays good for up to two weeks. Warm gently before use to restore its smooth consistency.

Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature texture and flavor. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy creams, but results will vary. The caramel sauce would also require adaptation using coconut cream or similar substitutes.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe that makes it stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s a celebration or simply a sweet treat for yourself, this cheesecake brings together comforting flavors and elegant textures in a way that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a slice of heaven that you’ll proudly call your new favorite dessert.