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A close-up of a fork holding a bite of caramel cheesecake, with caramel sauce dripping down the side.

How to Make the Best Caramel Cheesecake: Step-by-Step Recipe & Tips

This Caramel Cheesecake is a rich, velvety dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a glossy, golden caramel topping. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cheesecake will leave everyone asking for more!

  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Topping:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add sugar and beat until well combined.
  3. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until just incorporated.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and flour, mixing until smooth.

Bake the Cheesecake:

  1. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
  2. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan with 1 inch of hot water (water bath method).
  3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
  4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  5. Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Make the Caramel Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar while stirring constantly until it turns golden brown.
  2. Add the butter and stir until fully melted.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Once the cheesecake is chilled, pour the caramel sauce over the top.
  2. Sprinkle with sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
  3. Slice, serve, and enjoy! 🍰

Notes

  • Avoid cracks! Use a water bath and don’t overmix the batter.
  • Make ahead: Cheesecake tastes even better after 24 hours in the fridge!
  • Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Author: EMY
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg