If you’re on the hunt for a truly indulgent dessert, look no further than the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe. This cheesecake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining a rich, creamy filling with a buttery Biscoff cookie crust and a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture and stunning flavor every time, making it a timeless favorite in my kitchen.

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with three distinct layers: a light brown crumbly base at the bottom, a thick creamy pale yellow middle layer, and a smooth golden caramel-colored top layer with a few salt flakes visible. The slice is placed on a white scalloped plate with a gold fork lying in front of it. In the background, there is another slice of the cheesecake on a similar white scalloped plate. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture scattered with crumbs. The lighting is soft and warm, highlighting the creamy texture of the cheesecake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each item plays an essential role—from creating the perfect crust to delivering that irresistible caramel tang—ensuring every bite is as decadent as the last.

1 cup granulated sugar (200g): The backbone for the caramel sauce, sugar transforms into golden goodness when cooked with patience.
5 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp and sliced (70g): Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel and crust.
1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (120g): Provides creaminess to the caramel, balancing sweetness and saltiness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle enhancing flavor that rounds out the cheesecake’s profile perfectly.
1 tsp salt: Essential for that signature salted caramel flavor, elevating sweetness to a new level.
200g Biscoff cookies (~26 cookies): The incredible base for the crust, adding a spiced crunch and distinctive flavor.
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (85g): Binds the cookie crumbs into a firm, buttery crust.
32 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temp (4x8oz blocks or 907g): The creamy heart of the cheesecake, providing the iconic smooth texture.
1 cup granulated sugar (200g): Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering.
2 tsp vanilla: Infuses warmth and depth in the filling.
4 large eggs, room temp: Helps set the cheesecake while keeping it luscious.
1/3 cup heavy cream, room temp (80g): Adds silkiness and richness to the filling.
1/2 cup sour cream, room temp (120g): Brings slight tang and creaminess, balancing sweetness.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Ensures the cheesecake holds a perfect, sliceable texture.
2/3 cup homemade caramel sauce: Swirled in the filling to infuse that iconic salted caramel flavor.
Remaining salted caramel sauce: For drizzling on top to finish the masterpiece.
Optional flakey sea salt for garnish: A pinch sprinkles a crunchy salty contrast enhancing the caramel’s richness.

How to Make Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Making the Salted Caramel Sauce

This salt-kissed caramel starts by melting sugar slowly over very low heat, requiring patience but rewarding you with a rich golden syrup bursting with deep flavor. Stirring gently helps ensure an even melt without burning. Once it reaches that perfect color, whisk in butter, warmed heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. You’ll end up with a glossy, velvety sauce begging to be drizzled all over your dessert.

Step 2: Preparing the Crust

Next, we transform crunchy Biscoff cookies into a fine crumb, combining them with melted butter to make a crust that is crisp yet buttery. Pressing this mixture firmly into a springform pan ensures a sturdy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. A quick bake at 350°F sets the crust perfectly before the oven temperature lowers for the cheesecake bake.

Step 3: Crafting the Cheesecake Batter

Here’s where the magic happens—softened cream cheese is whipped with sugar and vanilla to a pillow-soft texture. Eggs are added carefully to avoid over-beating, which keeps the batter silky and smooth. The combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and cornstarch creates the perfect consistency, while the salted caramel sauce is folded in last to infuse every bite with that signature flavor. Remember to work gently and scrape the bowl often for even mixing.

Step 4: Baking the Cheesecake in a Water Bath

To achieve that ultra-creamy texture without cracks, the cheesecake batter goes into the prepared crust, then into a water bath in the oven set at 325°F. The water bath prevents temperature shocks, allowing the cheesecake to bake slowly and gently. After about 75-80 minutes, when the edges are firm but the center jiggles slightly, it’s out to cool. Cooling gradually and chilling overnight lets flavors meld and sets the cheesecake to the perfect sliceable consistency.

How to Serve Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

The image shows a cheesecake with three clear layers on a white plate. The bottom layer is dark brown and crumbly, like a cookie crust. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and light beige. The top layer is a shiny caramel-colored glaze with a few small white salt flakes scattered on it. One slice is being lifted by a knife, revealing the smooth texture inside. The surface around the plate has small brown crumbs scattered on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of warmed salted caramel sauce over the top is an absolute must to bring that glossy, irresistible finish. A light sprinkle of flakey sea salt adds a textural contrast that highlights the caramel’s sweet-salty balance beautifully. You can also add a few Biscoff cookie crumbs for an extra hint of crunch and spice.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake shines best on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can elevate the experience. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced figs add freshness that cuts through the richness, making each forkful a delightful balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual mini cheesecakes in mason jars layered with caramel and cookie crumbs, perfect for parties. Alternatively, build a caramel drip cake by spooning extra salted caramel down the sides before chilling. A decorative arrangement of edible gold leaf or crushed nuts can also make your dessert the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cheesecake is fully chilled, keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 5 days without losing that smooth, creamy texture or luscious flavor—a definite lifesaver when you want to savor every last bite.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain its creamy consistency without compromising flavor or texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it a bit softer, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Avoid microwaving as this can make the texture grainy or melt the caramel topping. Patience here really pays off.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?

While store-bought caramel sauce can work in a pinch, homemade caramel sauce in this recipe brings unmatched depth of flavor and the perfect balance of salty and sweet that makes the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe stand out.

Do I need a water bath to bake the cheesecake?

Yes, the water bath is crucial for preventing cracks and ensuring the cheesecake bakes evenly with a creamy texture, which is a key part of what makes this the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the cheesecake a day ahead allows the flavors to fully develop and the texture to set perfectly, so it’s ready to impress whenever your guests arrive.

What if I don’t have Biscoff cookies?

You can substitute with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even gingersnaps for a different but delicious twist. Just be sure to finely crush them and mix with melted butter for the perfect crust.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

You’ll want the edges to be set and slightly firm while the center still has a gentle jiggle when you shake the pan. This ensures it will finish setting beautifully once chilled, without being overbaked.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe is worth every minute of your time and effort. Its creamy filling, buttery crust, and luscious salted caramel sauce combine to create a dessert that’s both elegant and comfortingly familiar. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and prepare to have a new favorite on your dessert rotation for years to come!

Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe