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Slice of Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake showing caramel swirls and ganache topping

Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Recipe: 7 Decadent Layers That Melt in Every Bite

  • Author: Chef Paul
  • Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1 9-inch cheesecake 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake layers a velvety caramel-swirled cheesecake over a crunchy chocolate crust, topped with rich ganache and buttery caramel drizzle. It’s an indulgent dessert perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave something decadent.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups chocolate wafer or graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for swirling)

Chocolate Ganache

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

Caramel Drizzle & Garnish

  • ¼ cup caramel sauce, warmed
  • Optional: flaky sea salt, crushed chocolate, chopped toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: Mix crushed chocolate wafers or graham crackers with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix well. Fold in caramel sauce. Pour over cooled crust. Add swirls of extra caramel and gently blend into the surface.
  3. Bake and Chill: Bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for 60 minutes, until center is slightly jiggly. Cool in oven with door ajar for 1 hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  4. Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Spread over the chilled cheesecake.
  5. Caramel Drizzle: Warm caramel sauce and drizzle over ganache. Optionally swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
  6. Garnish: Sprinkle sea salt, crushed chocolate, or pecans. Chill briefly to set the top layer.
  7. Serve: Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Use a hot, clean knife for clean cuts.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest filling.
  • A water bath helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
  • Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use high-quality store-bought caramel or homemade for best results.
  • Garnish just before serving for freshness and texture contrast.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: chocolate caramel cheesecake, caramel swirl cheesecake, ganache cheesecake, holiday dessert, indulgent cheesecake

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Find it online: https://pasttaste.com/chocolate-caramel-cheesecake-recipe/