If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that blends the richness of cheesecake with the indulgence of chocolate chips and the sweet-salty perfection of caramel, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is your dream come true. This luxurious treat starts with a chocolate cookie crust, filled with velvety cream cheese and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, then topped with a golden drizzle of salted caramel and flakes of sea salt.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Recipe
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Rich and Creamy: The filling is smooth, indulgent, and balanced in sweetness
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Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Semi-sweet chocolate chips and Oreo-style crust
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Salted Caramel Finish: The perfect sweet-salty combo for gourmet flavor
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Simple Yet Elegant: Ideal for parties, holidays, and special occasions
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill overnight for best flavor and texture
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Crushed Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (1 ½ cups): Forms the rich, chocolatey base of the cheesecake.
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Melted Butter (¼ cup): Binds the crust and adds a smooth, buttery flavor.
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Cream Cheese (3 x 8 oz packages): The creamy foundation of the cheesecake filling.
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Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
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Eggs (3 large): Bind the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup + extra for garnish): Add bursts of melty chocolate throughout and on top.
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Caramel Sauce (½ cup + extra for drizzle): Brings rich, buttery sweetness to the dessert.
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Sea Salt Flakes (1 tsp): Cuts through the sweetness and highlights the caramel flavor.
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Whipped Cream (optional): Adds a light, airy finish for presentation and texture contrast.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake
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Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures a smooth batter with no lumps.
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Avoid Overmixing: Incorporate eggs gently to prevent air bubbles.
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Chill Completely: The flavor and texture improve significantly after chilling.
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Use a Water Bath (Optional): Helps prevent cracks and gives a smooth top.
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Slice with a Hot Knife: Clean between cuts for picture-perfect slices.
Delicious Variations
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Salted Caramel Pecan Cheesecake: Add crushed pecans to the crust or sprinkle on top.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Divide into muffin tins for single-serve portions.
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White Chocolate Swirl: Add white chocolate chips or swirl in melted white chocolate before baking.
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Peanut Butter Twist: Mix ¼ cup peanut butter into the batter for a nutty addition.
What to Serve With Cheesecake
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Coffee or Espresso – Balances sweetness with bitter notes
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Dark Chocolate Ganache Drizzle – For a double-chocolate indulgence
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Fresh Berries – Adds a tart contrast to the rich flavors
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Glass of Dessert Wine – A touch of sophistication for special events
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 5 days in the fridge.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
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Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance for best flavor and texture.
Popular Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but use high-quality caramel for the best flavor. Homemade also works great.
Do I need a water bath for this cheesecake?
It’s not required but recommended if you want an ultra-smooth, crack-free top.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat is best for texture and richness, but you can use low-fat in a pinch.