This Caramel Toffee Crunch Cheesecake is a dessert masterpiece featuring a chocolate-toffee crust, velvety caramel-infused cheesecake filling, and a whipped caramel-toffee topping that will wow your guests. It’s perfect for any celebration or when you’re simply craving indulgence!
Yield: 12 Servings
Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 2 packages, crushed)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel topping (recipe below)
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
Homemade Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Toppings:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel (from the caramel recipe above)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, toffee bits, salt, brown sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust and bake for 5 minutes, just until the chocolate melts.
- Smooth the melted chocolate with an offset spatula, then place the crust in the freezer to chill.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
- Stir in butter until fully melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- If clumps form, return the saucepan to low heat and stir until dissolved. Let cool. (Makes about 3/4 cup.)
Step 3: Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add vanilla and caramel sauce, mixing until fully combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Wrap the springform pan with dampened kitchen towels to minimize cracking.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open to let the cheesecake cool slowly for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool at room temperature for another 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Mix 1/2 cup caramel sauce with 1/2 cup toffee bits, then spoon the mixture over the cheesecake. Spread gently.
- Pipe the whipped cream along the edges of the cheesecake and garnish with additional toffee bits.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the cheesecake using a large knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.
- Serve and savor every creamy, crunchy bite!
Chef’s Tips
- Prevent Cracks: Wrapping the springform pan in damp kitchen towels or baking in a water bath helps ensure a smooth top.
- Chill Thoroughly: The cheesecake needs sufficient time to set, so don’t skip the refrigeration step!
- Customize the Crust: Swap graham crackers with digestive biscuits or chocolate wafers for a twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time, though homemade caramel adds an extra touch of flavor.
2. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, this cheesecake is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
3. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake without the whipped cream topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
4. What can I use instead of toffee bits?
Chopped caramel candies or crushed Heath bars make excellent substitutes.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
Conclusion
This Caramel Toffee Crunch Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgent dessert, featuring layers of luscious caramel, creamy cheesecake, and a crunchy toffee crust. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to impress, this show-stopping recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!