Description
Welcome, cheesecake lovers! Get ready to indulge in a truly decadent treat with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. Whether you’re a fan of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, or the sweet-and-salty perfection of caramel, this dessert will satisfy all your cravings. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just when you need a little pick-me-up, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake recipe combines all your favorite flavors into one irresistible dish. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzle)
For the garnish:
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- Extra chocolate chips (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Substitution suggestions:
- Gluten-free crust: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for a gluten-free option.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nut-free option: Ensure all products used are nut-free if you are catering to those with nut allergies.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with ¼ cup of melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased springform pan to form your crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Tip: For an even thicker crust, add a few extra cookies to your mix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat together 3 packages of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. One by one, beat in the 3 large eggs until fully incorporated, ensuring you don’t over-mix the batter.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Once your batter is ready, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step adds that rich chocolatey flavor to the cheesecake without overmixing the batter.
Step 5: Layer the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Then, drizzle ¼ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the top of the batter. Add the remaining cheesecake batter and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges will be lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 7: Garnish and Chill
Once the cheesecake has cooled, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes. Garnish with extra chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. For a decorative touch, you can also pipe whipped cream around the edges.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Chilling the cheesecake ensures the flavors fully develop and the texture becomes firm.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs. This helps create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Cooling Tip: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven by leaving the oven door slightly ajar after baking. This helps prevent cracks.
- Drizzling Caramel Sauce: For a beautiful presentation, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling so it flows smoothly.