Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

### **How to Make Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Crust**
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed bacon, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it’s fully combined and the crumbs are well-coated with butter.

Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

#### **Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling**
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in the sugar and mix until well-combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and mix again until the filling is smooth and fluffy.

Pour the cheesecake mixture onto the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. Afterward, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

#### **Step 3: Make the Bacon Bourbon Caramel Sauce**
While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the bacon bourbon caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring, and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Add the bourbon, continuing to stir, and allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the crumbled bacon and sea salt (if using), then remove the sauce from the heat. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes to thicken further.

#### **Step 4: Assemble and Garnish the Cheesecake**
Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the bacon bourbon caramel sauce generously over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle additional crispy bacon pieces on top.

For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle some more caramel sauce on the plate around the cheesecake. The contrast of the rich caramel sauce with the smooth cheesecake and crunchy bacon will make your dessert irresistible.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Serve it as the Main Dessert**: This decadent cheesecake is perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or dinner parties.
– **Pair with Coffee or Bourbon**: The rich, boozy flavors of this dessert pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon to complement the sweetness and depth of flavor.
– **Top with Whipped Cream**: For extra indulgence, top each slice of cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

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### **Tips for the Best Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake**

1. **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: For a smooth and creamy filling, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
2. **Cool Gradually**: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracks in the surface.
3. **Bacon Texture**: Ensure your bacon is crispy and crumbled finely for the best texture. You can bake or pan-fry the bacon until it’s golden and crispy.
4. **Make Ahead**: This cheesecake is best made ahead of time. It needs to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. The caramel sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
5. **Garnish with Extra Bacon**: For extra flavor and visual appeal, garnish with additional bacon pieces on top of the cheesecake just before serving.

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### **Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesecake**

The **Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake** is a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, creating a dessert experience that’s rich, indulgent, and completely unique. The smoky bacon paired with the sweetness of the bourbon-infused caramel sauce adds depth and complexity, while the creamy cheesecake base brings everything together in a beautifully balanced way. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or indulge in a luxurious treat, this cheesecake will become a favorite among friends and family.

Perfect for those who appreciate bold flavor combinations, this recipe takes the classic cheesecake to new heights—guaranteeing that every bite will be a delicious surprise.