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.
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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.
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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.
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
- Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling)
- Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
Description
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake – A decadent dessert with a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake loaded with chocolate chips, and a salty-sweet caramel topping. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 packages (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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3 large eggs
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup high-quality caramel sauce (plus more for garnish)
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1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
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Extra chocolate chips (for garnish)
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Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan and Crust
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, combine crushed cookies with melted butter. Mix until evenly coated.
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Press into the bottom of the pan to form a firm, even crust.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps.
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Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
3. Assemble and Bake
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Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
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Bake in preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean (a slight jiggle in the center is okay).
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Turn off oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool slowly for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
4. Chill and Finish
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Once at room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with sea salt flakes and extra chocolate chips. Add whipped cream if desired.
Notes
This dessert is perfect for holiday tables, bake sales, or birthday celebrations.
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- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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