Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Silky-smooth cheesecake filling with the irresistible taste of caramel
Crunchy buttery crust that complements the creamy center
Sweet-salty caramel drizzle enhances every bite
Easy to customize with toppings like nuts or whipped cream
Makes a stunning centerpiece for holidays, birthdays, or dinner parties

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham crackers or digestive biscuits, finely crushed
Unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar
Large eggs, room temperature
Pure vanilla extract
Sour cream or heavy cream
Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Coarse sea salt (for topping)

directions

Prepare crust – Preheat oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Mix crushed crackers and melted butter, press firmly into the bottom of a 9‑inch springform pan; bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Make filling – In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugars and beat until creamy. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and sour cream (or heavy cream) until well combined.
Bake – Pour filling over crust, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes until edges are just set and center has a slight jiggle.
Cool gradually – Turn oven off and leave cheesecake inside with door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracks. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
Chill – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
Finish and serve – Warm caramel sauce slightly, drizzle generously over the cheesecake, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Slice with a sharp knife wiped between cuts.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes + 10 minutes pre-bake
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Cooling & chilling: 5–6 hours total (1 hour in oven, room cool, and refrigerate)
Total time: ~6.5–7 hours

Variations

Nut crust: Swap biscuit crust for ground almonds or pecans mixed with butter
Chocolate swirl: Gently swirl melted chocolate into batter before baking
Snickers style: Drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle chopped peanuts
Bourbon caramel: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce for depth
Mini cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings and shorter bake time

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Keep covered with plastic wrap or under a cake dome for up to 5 days
Freezing: Slice and wrap individual portions tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Serving: Best served chilled or room temperature—don’t microwave
Reheat drizzle: Warm caramel in a small saucepan or microwave before serving if it firms in fridge

FAQs

What kind of crust should I use?

A classic graham cracker or digestive biscuit crust works beautifully; you can also use crushed nuts for extra flavor.

Can I bake this without a water bath?

Yes—but a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures smooth texture. If skipped, follow the “cool gradually” step after baking.

Is coarse sea salt necessary?

Not mandatory, but it enhances the salted caramel flavor—regular fine salt works too, but use sparingly.

Can I make caramel from scratch?

Absolutely! Cook sugar until amber, add cream, butter, and finish with salt. Cool before drizzling.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, choose a high-quality brand and add a pinch of sea salt before serving.

How do I avoid cracks in the cheesecake?

Mix gently, bake at low temp, and cool gradually by letting the cake rest in the turned-off oven.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—bake one day ahead, chill overnight, and add caramel just before serving.

How do I get clean slices?

Wipe your knife with a warm damp towel between each cut to ensure smooth edges.

Can I reduce sugar in the filling?

You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly, but keep some sugar in cream cheese for structure and sweetness.

Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free crackers for the crust to make the entire dessert gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Cheesecake delivers velvety creaminess, buttery crunch, and the addictively balanced sweetness of caramel with just a hint of salt. Effortlessly impressive yet totally achievable, it’s the perfect dessert to elevate any gathering or make any occasion feel indulgent. Enjoy a slice and savor the harmony of textures and flavors.