Dreamy Caramel Candy Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this decadent caramel candy cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with silky caramel notes, creating a dessert that whispers pure comfort.

Thick graham cracker layers nestled beneath creamy filling, each bite promising delightful complexity.

Luxurious textures meld together, promising a spectacular experience for anyone seeking something extraordinary.

Those chocolate caramel candies scattered across the top transform an already incredible dessert into something magical.

My family cannot resist this irresistible treat that balances sweetness with subtle sophistication.

We love how simple ingredients create such magnificent results.

Grab a fork and let’s make dessert magic happen!

Why Caramel Candy Cheesecake Tastes So Rich

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Luxury: Indulge in a creamy cheesecake that combines rich cream cheese with sweet caramel candies, creating a decadent dessert that feels like a special treat.
• Wow-Worthy Texture Adventure: Experience a perfect balance of crisp graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and gooey caramel sauce that provides multiple delightful sensations in every single bite.
• Stress-Free Dessert Magic: This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring basic baking skills and minimal complicated techniques, making it ideal for both novice and experienced home bakers who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Star: Perfectly suited for gatherings, holidays, or special occasions, this cheesecake delivers a stunning presentation and irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes In Caramel Candy Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base for cheesecake, providing a sweet and crunchy foundation.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor, best when melted and unsalted.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives cheesecake its creamy texture, room temperature works best.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set, use large eggs at room temperature.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smoother, lighter texture in the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the dessert.
• Caramel Candies: Adds pockets of sweet, buttery flavor throughout the cheesecake.

• Caramel Sauce: Provides a rich, sweet drizzle over the finished cheesecake.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the caramel flavor with a subtle salty contrast.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional topping that adds crunch and extra flavor, such as pecans or almonds.

How To Make Caramel Candy Cheesecake Smooth

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 175C (350F). Grab a 9-inch springform pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Lay down a circle of parchment paper on the bottom for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Stir everything together in a bowl until it looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool down.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped caramel candies

Beat the cream cheese and sugar until they’re smooth as silk. Add eggs one by one, mixing gently between each. Pour in the cream, sour cream, and vanilla. Fold in those caramel chunks with a light touch.

Step 4: Bake with Water Bath Magic

Pour your silky filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top until it looks perfect. Wrap the pan’s bottom in aluminum foil to block any water sneaking in. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water. This water bath trick helps your cheesecake bake evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges look set but the center still has a cute wiggle.

Step 5: Cool Down Slowly

Turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open. Let it rest for an hour – this prevents cracking and helps it cool gracefully. After an hour, pull it out and run a knife around the edges to loosen it up.

Step 6: Chill and Dress Up

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle caramel sauce all over the top. Sprinkle some sea salt and chopped nuts if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Cut into gorgeous slices and serve chilled. This beauty will hang out in the refrigerator happily for 5 days – if it lasts that long!

Helpful Tips For Caramel Candy Cheesecake Fans

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter thoroughly to ensure a compact, stable base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Achieve Creamy Texture: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky-smooth cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth.
• Master the Water Bath: Wrap springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage and ensure even, gentle baking that prevents cracking and delivers a luxurious texture.
• Control Caramel Distribution: Fold chopped caramel candies gently into the batter to prevent sinking and create delightful caramel pockets throughout the cheesecake.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of caramel candies or add a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the dessert's complexity and create a gourmet experience.

Storing Caramel Candy Cheesecake The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Place in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. For best results, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its smooth, creamy consistency.
• Prevent Moisture: Place a paper towel over the cheesecake before covering to absorb any condensation and prevent soggy edges.

Best Pairings With Caramel Candy Cheesecake

• Pair with Caramel Macchiato: Complement the rich caramel notes of the cheesecake with a creamy caramel macchiato. The espresso's warmth and sweetness will enhance the dessert's decadent flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Match with Moscato Wine: Select a sweet Moscato d'Asti to balance the cheesecake's creamy texture. Its light, fruity profile and subtle bubbles will cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Add a scoop of salted caramel ice cream alongside the cheesecake. The cold, smooth texture and additional caramel depth will elevate the dessert's existing flavor profile, creating an indulgent treat.
• Enjoy with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in a chai latte will beautifully complement the sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake. Its subtle heat and complex flavor notes will provide a delightful accompaniment to the dessert.

Flavor Changes For Caramel Candy Cheesecake

• Chocolate Caramel Candy Crunch: Replace some graham crackers with chocolate cookie crumbs and mix crushed chocolate-covered caramel candies into the crust for extra decadence.
• Salted Pecan Caramel Version: Swap graham crackers with crushed pecans in the crust, add toasted pecan pieces throughout the filling, and drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce before serving.
• No-Bake Caramel Dream: Skip the baking process by using a gelatin-stabilized filling, creating a chilled cheesecake with a similar caramel candy profile and graham cracker base.
• Coffee Caramel Swirl: Incorporate espresso powder into the cheesecake batter and create caramel swirls before baking, enhancing the rich caramel notes with a subtle coffee undertone.

Caramel Candy Cheesecake FAQs To Know

• What makes this cheesecake different from other cheesecake recipes?

This caramel candy cheesecake is unique because it incorporates actual chopped caramel candies directly into the filling, creating delicious pockets of sweet caramel throughout the creamy cheesecake.

• Can I use different types of caramel candies in the recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with various soft caramel candies like Werther’s Original or Kraft caramels. Just make sure they’re soft enough to chop and melt slightly during baking.

• Why do I need to use a water bath when baking this cheesecake?

A water bath helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking by creating a moist, even heating environment. It also ensures a smooth, creamy texture by preventing the edges from cooking faster than the center.

• Is there a way to tell if my cheesecake is perfectly baked?

Look for slightly jiggly centers with set edges. The cheesecake should have a gentle wobble when you softly shake the pan, but not appear liquid. This indicates it’s perfectly cooked and will set beautifully when chilled.

Caramel Candy Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel candy cheesecake delivers rich, indulgent layers of creamy perfection. Silky smooth textures and deep caramel notes promise an irresistible dessert experience that lingers long after the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 packages (24 ounces / 675 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (200 grams) graham cracker crumbs

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) sour cream
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 grams) caramel candies, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture evenly into a springform pan. Briefly toast the crust in the oven until golden, then allow it to cool completely.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Gently fold chopped caramel candies throughout the luscious mixture, ensuring even distribution.
3. Carefully transfer the creamy filling onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to create a perfectly level surface. Encase the pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent moisture infiltration.
4. Create a protective water bath by placing the wrapped pan into a larger baking dish filled with steaming water. Slide the assembly into a preheated oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake gently until the edges firm up while maintaining a delicate jiggle in the center.
5. After baking, switch off the oven and crack the door open, permitting the cheesecake to rest and cool gradually. This technique prevents unsightly surface cracks and ensures a silky texture.
6. Once completely cooled, liberate the cheesecake from its pan by running a thin knife along the edges. Refrigerate for several hours, allowing the dessert to set and develop deep, rich flavors.
7. Before serving, cascade a generous drizzle of caramel sauce across the surface. Optional embellishments include a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a handful of chopped nuts for textural contrast.
8. Slice with a warm knife and present the decadent creation, storing any remaining portions in the refrigerator to maintain optimal taste and consistency.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, preventing lumps and creating a silky texture.
• Prevent cracking by using a water bath and avoiding overmixing the batter, which can incorporate too much air and cause surface splits during baking.
• Customize the recipe by swapping caramel candies with chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or other mix-ins to create unique flavor variations that suit different tastes.
• Make the cheesecake gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or replacing the crust with ground nuts like almonds or pecans for a delicious alternative.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 483
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg