Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe

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### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Crust:**
– **Preheat the oven** to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
– In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
– Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the springform pan, making sure to pack it down firmly. Bake the crust for **8-10 minutes**, or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, set aside to cool.

#### **2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a golden liquid. Be careful not to burn it.
– Once the sugar is melted, add the cubed butter and stir until fully combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it may bubble), and continue stirring until smooth and thickened.
– Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

#### **3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing each one into the batter before adding the next.
– Pour in the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix until smooth. The batter should be silky and thick.

#### **4. Assemble the Cheesecake:**
– Pour **half of the cheesecake batter** into the prepared crust.
– Gently spoon about **1/3 cup of the cooled salted caramel sauce** over the batter, then swirl it lightly using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
– Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the caramel layer and smooth the top.
– **Bake** the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for **50-60 minutes**, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden. If you notice the top getting too brown, cover it with aluminum foil.
– Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour to cool slowly, which helps prevent cracks. Afterward, let it cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least **4 hours**, or preferably overnight.

#### **5. Add the Crème Brûlée Topping:**
– Once the cheesecake has cooled and chilled, spread an even layer of **granulated sugar** over the top of the cheesecake. Be sure to coat the entire surface.
– Using a **kitchen torch**, carefully caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can also place the cheesecake under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

#### **6. Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the sugar has hardened and turned into a crispy, golden topping, your **Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake** is ready to serve!
– Slice and enjoy this decadent dessert with the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, rich salted caramel, and that signature crunchy brûlée topping.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake:**

1. **Perfect Balance of Flavors**: The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet and salty caramel, and the crunchy brûlée topping creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. The salt in the caramel adds depth and enhances the sweetness, making it irresistible.

2. **Show-Stopping Presentation**: Not only does this cheesecake taste amazing, but it also looks impressive. The shimmering caramelized sugar topping will surely wow your guests, making it the perfect dessert for special occasions.

3. **Rich and Creamy Texture**: The texture of this cheesecake is incredibly smooth and indulgent. It’s thick yet velvety, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every forkful.

4. **Customizable Caramel**: You can adjust the level of salt in the caramel sauce to suit your taste, whether you prefer a more subtle saltiness or a bolder flavor.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake:**

– **Chill the Cheesecake Overnight**: For the best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
– **Use a Torch for Crème Brûlée Effect**: A kitchen torch is the ideal tool for achieving the classic brûlée topping, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry—using the broiler works too, as long as you keep a close eye on it.
– **Make Extra Caramel**: If you’re a fan of salted caramel, make extra caramel sauce to drizzle over individual slices when serving. It adds an extra layer of indulgence!

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### **Conclusion:**

This **Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cheesecake** combines three beloved desserts into one incredible masterpiece. It’s creamy, rich, and just the right amount of decadent, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Give it a try and experience the magic of salted caramel, crème brûlée, and cheesecake all in one glorious dessert!