Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

Irresistible Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent desserts have a special way of stealing hearts, and this salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake recipe promises pure indulgence.

Rich, creamy textures meld with sweet and salty notes that dance across your palate.

chocolate chips scattered throughout add delightful crunch and bursts of intense flavor.

The silky smooth cheesecake base provides a luxurious foundation for the caramel drizzle.

Every slice promises a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of pure culinary bliss.

Prepare to impress and savor each heavenly bite.

Storage Solutions for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Fans

  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep your delectable cheesecake tightly wrapped in plastic film or stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Protecting the dessert from absorbing other refrigerator odors ensures maximum flavor preservation.
  • Freezing Techniques: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These pre-portioned treats stay fresh for approximately 2-3 months, ready for spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Temperature Management: Always allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Sudden temperature changes can cause unwanted cracking or texture disruptions in your creamy masterpiece.
  • Caramel Sauce Care: Store homemade caramel sauce in a sealed glass jar within the refrigerator. The sauce maintains its rich, smooth consistency for up to 2 weeks. Gently reheat in short microwave bursts or let it sit at room temperature for smooth drizzling before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 356 kcal

Servings: 13

Salted Caramel Cheesecake: Ingredients That Matter

For The Crust:
  • Oreo Cookies: Provides a rich, chocolatey base with a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the cookie crumbs together, creating a sturdy and delectable foundation for the cheesecake.
For The Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that delivers a smooth, tangy, and luxurious texture to the cheesecake. Choose full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the best consistency.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky, luscious filling that's irresistibly creamy.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent, providing structure and helping the cheesecake set perfectly. Ensure they're at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the most robust taste.
For The Chocolate And Finishing Touches:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout the cheesecake, these morsels add delightful chocolatey bursts and textural contrast. Fold gently to prevent sinking.
  • Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top elevates the salted caramel flavor, creating a perfect balance between sweet and salty. Use flaky sea salt for the best flavor pop.

Tools for Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

  • Small saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, rich caramel sauce.
  • Heat-resistant spatula: Essential for stirring sugar without scratching pan surfaces.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining Oreo crust ingredients.
  • Stand mixer or electric beater: Critical for whipping cream cheese to fluffy perfection.
  • 9-inch springform pan: Crucial for baking and presenting cheesecake with easy removal.
  • Wire rack: Great for cooling cheesecake after baking.
  • Microwave: Quick tool for warming caramel sauce before serving.
  • Thin knife: Helpful for running along pan edges during cooling.
  • Spatula: Useful for gently folding chocolate chips into batter.
  • Glass jar: Ideal for storing prepared caramel sauce.

Baking Instructions for Salted Caramel Cheesecake

  • Caramel Magic Sugar Transformation

Melt sugar slowly in a pan, stirring gently until rich golden brown color emerges. Watch carefully as sugar transforms into liquid gold.

  • Butter Fusion

Add butter to melted sugar, creating a smooth silky mixture that blends seamlessly and develops deep golden tones.

  • Cream Infusion

Pour heavy cream into caramel, creating dramatic bubbling and developing luxurious sauce. Sprinkle sea salt for intense flavor complexity.

  • Chocolate Cookie Foundation

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press firmly into springform pan creating solid base for cheesecake.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Whip cream cheese until ultra smooth and fluffy. Blend condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract creating velvety mixture. Fold chocolate chips gently throughout.

  • Baking Transformation

Bake cheesecake at low temperature allowing gentle cooking. Watch for slight center jiggle indicating perfect texture. Cool completely before refrigerating.

  • Decadent Finishing

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and sea salt flakes for dramatic presentation. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips to Customize Salted Caramel Cheesecake

  • Refrigerate the caramel sauce at least 2 hours before serving to help it thicken and develop a richer, more intense flavor profile.
  • Toast mini chocolate chips in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to the cheesecake batter to enhance their nutty, deep flavor and provide a subtle crunch.
  • Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water during baking to prevent cracking and ensure a silky-smooth cheesecake texture that remains creamy throughout.
  • Experiment with different salt varieties like flaky Maldon or Hawaiian pink salt to create unique flavor dimensions when garnishing the final cheesecake – each salt type offers a distinctive taste experience.
  • This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and develop even more intensely before serving at your special gathering.

Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

  • Sweet Slice Pairing: Complement this decadent cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding creamy smoothness to each rich bite.
  • Caramel Drizzle Drama: Create stunning visual appeal by artfully swirling warm caramel sauce across the cheesecake's surface, allowing delicious golden ribbons to cascade dramatically over chocolate chip peaks.
  • Texture Adventure Topping: Sprinkle crushed sea salt flakes and toasted chopped pecans around the edges, introducing a crunchy element that beautifully balances the creamy cheesecake's soft texture and enhances the salted caramel's complex flavor profile.
  • Beverage Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cup of dark roast coffee or a smooth espresso, which cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweet, indulgent cheesecake experience.
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Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich and creamy salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake delivers a luxurious dessert experience. Chocolate chips and caramel swirls create a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (170 g) mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (100 g) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
  • Sea salt (optional, for topping)
  • Additional mini chocolate chips (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Caramel Preparation: Melt granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until transforming into a rich amber liquid. Whisk in unsalted butter until fully integrated, allowing the mixture to bubble and darken for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Cream and Cool: Stream in heavy cream while continuously stirring, managing potential splattering. Simmer for one minute, incorporate kosher salt, and let the caramel cool completely before refrigerating in a glass container.
  3. Crust Formation: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs, blend with melted unsalted butter, and press firmly across the pan’s bottom to create a compact crust.
  4. Cheesecake Batter: Cream softened cream cheese until smooth, gradually incorporating sweetened condensed milk. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture, reserving some for topping. Pour batter over the crust, smoothing the surface and sprinkling remaining chips on top. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly and edges are set.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Run a thin knife around the pan’s edges to prevent cracking. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. Before serving, warm the caramel sauce briefly in the microwave.
  7. Presentation: Remove cheesecake from the springform pan, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, and optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press Oreo cookie crumbs firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
  • Master Caramel Technique: Watch sugar closely while melting, stirring constantly to avoid burning and achieve perfect amber color without scorching.
  • Ensure Smooth Cheesecake Texture: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy consistency.
  • Achieve Perfect Baking Doneness: Look for a slightly jiggly center with set edges, as over-baking leads to cracks and dry texture; cheesecake continues cooking while cooling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 356
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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