The Most Heavenly Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

My recent obsession with salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake started when a friend shared her secret family recipe.

Sweet and salty notes dance together in this decadent dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Rich chocolate chips nestled within creamy cheesecake create a luxurious texture that melts instantly.

caramel drizzles add a golden complexity that transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Salt crystals provide unexpected bursts of flavor, cutting through the dessert’s inherent sweetness.

Home bakers can easily recreate this restaurant-quality masterpiece with simple ingredients and basic techniques.

Each slice promises a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Everyone Raves About

• Decadent Dessert Delight: This salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake offers a luxurious twist on a classic dessert, combining rich chocolate and smooth caramel for an indulgent treat that'll wow everyone at the table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for special occasions, this cheesecake impresses guests with its gorgeous layers, gourmet flavor combination, and professional-looking finish that looks like it came from a fancy bakery.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or family gatherings. The make-ahead nature means less kitchen chaos when you're ready to serve.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bliss

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: A rich, chocolatey base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it bind together.
• Melted Butter: Helps the crust ingredients stick and creates a crisp texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of chocolate throughout the creamy filling.

• Salted Caramel Sauce: A sweet and salty drizzle that adds rich flavor and visual appeal to the cheesecake.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkled on top for extra chocolate crunch and decoration.

Directions for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325F (160C) temperature, preparing the perfect environment for your cheesecake adventure.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Cookie Base

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Blend these ingredients until they form a delightful, cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Form the Crust Foundation

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Once done, let it cool completely.

Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and free of any lumps.

Step 5: Sweeten the Mixture

Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla into the cream cheese.

Mix until the combination becomes luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Introduce the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, giving each a thorough beating to ensure perfect integration into the batter.

Step 7: Blend in Creamy Goodness

• Sour cream
• Flour

Fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 8: Fill the Crust

Carefully pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust, creating an even layer.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cheesecake for 60-70 minutes.

Look for a set center and golden edges as your doneness indicators.

Step 10: Gentle Cooling Process

Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for one hour with the door slightly open.

Then let it come to room temperature before refrigerating for 4 hours or overnight.

Step 11: Caramel Cascade

Drizzle the chilled cheesecake with rich salted caramel sauce, creating beautiful golden streams.

Step 12: Chocolate Chip Finale

Sprinkle a generous handful of mini chocolate chips across the top for a delightful crunch and extra chocolate kick.

Tips for Creamy, Salty-Sweet Cheesecake Results

• Avoid overbeating eggs and use room temperature ingredients to minimize surface cracks on your cheesecake.
• Gently fold chocolate chips to maintain an even distribution without deflating the batter.
• Warm salted caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for easier and more attractive presentation.
• Press cookie crumb mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble.
• Leave cheesecake in oven with door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause splitting.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Replace chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free chocolate chips for a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream, silken tofu, and vegan caramel sauce. Substitute eggs with cornstarch or flax eggs.
• Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Create a crust using almond flour or crushed pecans. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and low-carb caramel sauce.

Serving Salted Caramel Cheesecake for Special Occasions

• Decadent Dessert Companions: Fresh raspberries add bright tartness that cuts through the rich cheesecake sweetness.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a strong espresso or cappuccino to complement the chocolate and caramel notes.
• Elegant Presentation Style: Garnish each slice with a delicate chocolate curl and extra caramel drizzle for a restaurant-quality finish.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Top with crunchy candied pecans or toasted almond slivers for an exciting textural experience.

Storing Cheesecake for Maximum Caramel Flavor

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the surface doesn't touch the wrap to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep at room temperature for no more than 2 hours due to dairy ingredients. Always refrigerate after serving to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

FAQs

• Can I use graham crackers instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs. The crust will have a slightly different flavor but will still work well with the cheesecake.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set, and the edges are golden brown. A slight wobble in the center is normal and indicates it’s perfectly baked.

• Why do I need to cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar?

This gradual cooling prevents cracking by allowing the cheesecake to slowly adjust to temperature changes. It helps the cheesecake maintain a smooth, crack-free surface.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Indulgent salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake brings rich layers of creamy decadence to dessert lovers’ dreams. Silky chocolate chips and golden caramel swirls create an irresistible symphony of sweet and salty flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salted caramel sauce
• 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
2. Create a rich chocolate crust by thoroughly blending cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
4. Briefly bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
5. In a large mixing bowl, cream the cream cheese until smooth and completely free of lumps.
6. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
7. Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
8. Gently fold in sour cream and flour, mixing just until combined to maintain a silky texture.
9. Delicately fold chocolate chips throughout the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly.
10. Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
11. Bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for a set center and golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
12. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open for one hour.
13. Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
14. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to achieve optimal texture.
15. Before serving, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
16. Garnish with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for added visual appeal and crunch.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to reduce surface cracks during baking.
• Place a water bath underneath the cheesecake to create humid baking environment and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Toast chocolate cookie crumbs briefly before making crust to intensify deep, rich chocolate notes.
• Substitute gluten-free cookie crumbs and use dairy-free cream cheese for celiac or lactose-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 465 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg