Description
A Southern-inspired caramel cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, and golden caramel drizzle. It’s nostalgic comfort with a gourmet twist—perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a personal treat.
Ingredients
3 (8 oz) blocks Cream cheese (room temp)
1 cup Granulated sugar
3 large Eggs
1 cup Sour cream
2 tsp Vanilla bean
1½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup Caramel sauce + more for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap the outside of a springform pan with foil.
2. In a bowl, mix graham crumbs and melted butter, then press into the pan to form a crust.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool while you prep the filling.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Stir in sour cream and vanilla, then gently swirl in ½ cup caramel.
6. Pour mixture into crust. Smooth the top.
7. Place pan in a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with warm water halfway up the cheesecake.
8. Bake for 65 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly.
9. Remove and cool thoroughly on a rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Before serving, drizzle with extra caramel. Add flaky salt or whipped cream for that final wow.
Notes
To avoid cracks, don’t overmix your batter and let the cheesecake cool slowly.
Use Carnation caramel for convenience if short on time.
Serve with espresso, whipped cream, or toasted nuts for a luxury touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: caramel cheesecake, Southern dessert, holiday baking