Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe: A Perfectly Sweet Treat

I return to this recipe because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The flavors blend perfectly, and the fun technique of torching the sugar always gets rave reviews.

It’s perfect for any occasion, but especially for holiday gatherings or special events. It never fails to impress: Every time I bring it to the table, guests are wowed by the gorgeous caramelized top. The salted caramel adds a rich, irresistible depth to the cheesecake.

This recipe is also great for prepping ahead of time, which means less stress when it’s time to serve.

Surprisingly easy, it looks fancy but comes together with just a few key techniques. After a long week, a slice of this is the ultimate treat—comforting, indulgent, and never too heavy.

Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?

• It never fails to impress: Every time I bring this to the table, I’m met with awe. It’s a real conversation starter, and guests are always wowed by the gorgeous caramelized top.
• The salted caramel is irresistible: There’s something about that sweet-salty combo that keeps me coming back for more. It adds so much depth to the cheesecake’s flavor.
• I can make it ahead of time: This recipe is fantastic because it’s just as delicious and made a day or two in advance, meaning I can focus on other parts of my meal without any last-minute stress.
• It’s surprisingly easy: While it looks fancy, this cheesecake is surprisingly simple to make. It’s all about layering great flavors and using the right technique to get that perfect brûlée top.
• It’s my favorite way to treat myself: After a long week, a slice of this dessert is the ultimate comfort. It’s the perfect combination of indulgent and satisfying, never too heavy.

Salted Caramel Creme Brulee Cheesecake Recipe

This Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the crispy, caramelized top of a classic crème brûlée. The sweet and salty salted caramel adds a delicious depth, making each bite indulgent and unforgettable. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixer
• Pairing knife
• Roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Kitchen torch
• Whisk or spatula

Ingredients

  

Graham Cracker Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Cheesecake batter

• 907 grams cream cheese softened 4 packages of 8 oz.
• 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 vanilla bean pods
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs room temp
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the topping

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

 

Graham Cracker Crust

• Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
• Process graham crackers in a food processor to make fine crumbs.
  
• Mix in brown sugar.
• Melt butter and combine with the crumbs and sugar.
  
• Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8” or 9” cheesecake pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

Cheesecake Batter

• Grease the sides of the cheesecake pan.
• Beat cream cheese for 3 minutes until smooth, then mix in granulated sugar.
• Scrape vanilla bean seeds into the mixture and beat for 2 minutes. Add sour cream, mix, and scrape the bowl.
  
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
  
• Pour batter over cooled crust. Wrap the pan in foil and place it in a roasting pan with hot water.
  
• Bake at 325ºF for 60-75 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit for 1 hour.
  
• Cool the cheesecake and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
  

To Decorate

• After chilling, remove the cheesecake from the pan and sprinkle sugar on top.
  
• Use a torch to caramelize the sugar, moving in a circular motion.
  
• Let the sugar harden, then slice and serve.
  
• For leftovers, re-toast the sugar with a torch to harden it again.

Nutrition Info:

Variations for Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake:

1. Add Chocolate Layers: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate or milk chocolate between the graham cracker crust and cheesecake batter for a rich, decadent twist.
2. Nutty Crust: Instead of graham crackers, use crushed nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a more textured and flavorful crust.
3. Bourbon Infusion: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the caramel mixture for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the salted caramel.
4. Fruit Topping: For a fresh contrast to the sweetness, top your cheesecake with fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries before torching the sugar.
5. Spiced Caramel: Infuse your caramel with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of chili powder for a warm and spicy kick.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Turn this recipe into individual servings by baking the cheesecake in a muffin tin for mini salted caramel crème brûlée cheesecakes.
7. Coffee Flavor: For coffee lovers, mix in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the batter or caramel topping for an added depth of flavor.

Joe Miller

Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.

Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.