Dreamy Caramel Candy Cheesecake Recipe

Irresistible Caramel Candy Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet, creamy cheesecake meets indulgent caramel candy in a dessert that promises pure bliss.

Layers of rich, velvety filling dance with buttery graham cracker crust and golden caramel swirls.

Every bite tells a story of decadence and comfort.

This classic dessert brings warmth and nostalgia to your table with its luxurious texture and deep, complex flavors.

The harmonious blend of smooth cream cheese and luscious caramel creates a symphony of taste that will leave everyone craving more.

No ordinary cheesecake compares to this delightful creation that transforms an everyday treat into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and prepare to be amazed.

Tools You’ll Use For Caramel Candy Cheesecake

  • Springform pan: 9-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake removal.
  • Mixing bowls: Medium and large sizes for preparing crust and filling.
  • Electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and creating smooth filling.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helpful for mixing ingredients evenly.
  • Aluminum foil: Wraps pan bottom to prevent water leakage during baking.
  • Large baking pan: Used for water bath during cheesecake baking.
  • Parchment paper: Helps line pan bottom for easy cake removal.
  • Sharp knife: For running around pan edges and slicing cheesecake.
  • Spatula: Useful for smoothing filling and folding in caramel pieces.

How To Bake Caramel Candy Cheesecake

  • Crust Foundation

Create a buttery base by crushing graham crackers and mixing with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your decadent dessert.

  • Creamy Filling Preparation

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, gently incorporating eggs one by one. Introduce sour cream and vanilla for depth of flavor. Fold in soft caramel pieces, creating pockets of sweet surprise throughout the creamy mixture.

  • Baking Technique

Carefully pour the luscious filling over the crust. Wrap the pan in foil and place in a water bath to ensure even, gentle cooking. Bake until the edges are set but the center maintains a gentle wobble.

  • Cooling Ritual

Allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven after baking, letting it slowly adjust to room temperature. This prevents cracking and ensures a luxurious, velvety texture.

  • Chilling Phase

Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly firm and creamy.

  • Caramel Finale

Drizzle rich caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt to enhance the sweet-savory balance.

  • Serving

Cut into elegant slices and serve chilled. Enjoy the smooth, indulgent layers of flavor that tell a story of careful preparation and delicious anticipation.

Tips For Creamy Caramel Candy Cheesecake

  • Room Temperature Magic: Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Water Bath Wisdom: Always use a water bath when baking cheesecake to create a gentle, even heat that prevents cracking and ensures a silky-smooth texture without dry edges.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to make this decadent dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and use plant-based egg replacers to create a vegan-friendly version of this indulgent treat.
  • Flavor Twist: Experiment with different caramel variations by using salted caramel, dark caramel, or even adding a hint of bourbon to the caramel sauce for an extra layer of sophisticated flavor that will elevate the classic cheesecake.

Ways To Serve Caramel Candy Cheesecake

  • Cozy Dessert Companion: Pair this decadent caramel cheesecake with a warm cup of coffee or espresso to balance its rich sweetness.
  • Elegant Presentation Platter: Garnish individual slices with extra caramel drizzle, crushed caramel candies, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for restaurant-style visual appeal.
  • Temperature Delight: Serve slightly chilled from the refrigerator to maintain the creamy texture and allow the caramel sauce to hold its beautiful drizzled pattern on top of the cheesecake.
  • Party Perfection: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for easy sharing at gatherings, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks professionally prepared.

Best Storage For Caramel Candy Cheesecake

  • Smart Slice Strategy: Cut the cheesecake into portions before storing to make future servings quick and easy. Place wax paper between slices to prevent sticking and maintain individual piece integrity.
  • Fridge Protection Plan: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing Magic Trick: Freeze individual slices or the whole cheesecake for up to 3 weeks. Wrap securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap and a final layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
  • Temperature Timing Tips: Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the caramel and creamy texture to reach optimal deliciousness. Keep cheesecake away from direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain its perfect consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s In Caramel Candy Cheesecake

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet foundation with delightful crunch and traditional cheesecake texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients, creating a rich and cohesive base that holds together perfectly.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps crisp the crust during baking.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, luxurious base with tangy richness and creamy consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and provides gentle sweetness.
  • Large Eggs: Helps stabilize and set the cheesecake structure with rich, smooth texture.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances moisture and adds subtle tang for complex flavor profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers extra silkiness and lightens the filling's density.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertones that complement caramel notes.
  • Caramel Candies: Brings pockets of sweet, buttery flavor throughout the cheesecake.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Caramel Sauce: Provides luxurious drizzle with deep, golden sweetness.
  • Sea Salt: Offers delightful contrast and intensifies caramel's complex flavor.
  • Chopped Nuts: Adds delicate crunch and complementary nutty dimension.
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Dreamy Caramel Candy Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Caramel Candy Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Creamy caramel candy cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, indulgent flavor profile. Sweet caramel swirls and smooth cream cheese create a luxurious dessert experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (24 oz / 675 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 g) caramel candies, chopped into small pieces
  • 1 cup (240 ml) caramel sauce
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating an even base. Toast in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden, then cool completely.
  2. Filling Creation: Blend cream cheese until silky, gradually mixing in sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Incorporate chopped caramel candies throughout the mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
  3. Assembly and Baking Technique: Pour filling over cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Wrap pan exterior in aluminum foil and place in a larger baking dish filled with hot water. Bake at 325°F for approximately 60-70 minutes, looking for set edges with a slight center wobble.
  4. Cooling Process: Turn off oven, leave door slightly ajar, and allow cheesecake to rest for 1 hour. This gradual cooling prevents surface cracking and maintains a luxurious, creamy texture.
  5. Finishing and Presentation: Remove from pan after complete cooling, running a thin knife around edges. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce, optionally garnishing with sea salt and chopped nuts for added complexity.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and press firmly into the pan to create a compact, stable base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
  • Avoid Cheesecake Cracking: Bake in a water bath and cool gradually with the oven door slightly open to prevent surface fractures and maintain a smooth, creamy texture throughout.
  • Enhance Caramel Flavor: Chop caramel candies into smaller pieces before folding into the batter to ensure even distribution and maximize sweet, buttery notes in every bite.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut to achieve pristine, clean slices that showcase the cheesecake’s luxurious layers and caramel swirls.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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