Ultimate Sweet & Salty Bacon Caramel Cheesecake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you love desserts that balance rich sweetness with bold savory notes, this Bacon Caramel Cheesecake will instantly win your heart. Creamy baked cheesecake meets smoky crispy bacon, silky caramel, and a chocolate cookie crust for a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or when you simply want a standout homemade dessert, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with clear, approachable steps.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookie Crust

• 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• ¾ cup crispy bacon, finely crumbled

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Optional Finish

• A small pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Prepare the Crust
   Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Base
   Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and lump-free.
4. Add the Sour Cream
   Blend in sour cream, scraping down the bowl to ensure a silky mixture.
5. Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings
   Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Gently fold in caramel sauce and crumbled bacon.
6. Fill the Pan
   Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the surface.
7. Bake
   Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
8. Cool Gradually
   Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked for 1 hour.
9. Chill Thoroughly
   Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
10. Make the Ganache
    Heat the cream until steaming, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit briefly, then stir until smooth.
11. Finish the Cheesecake
    Spread ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with extra bacon and a pinch of sea salt if desired.
12. Serve
    Remove the springform ring, slice, and serve chilled.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth, crack-free cheesecake
• Mix gently after adding eggs to avoid excess air
• Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor development

Why This Recipe Works

• Combines sweet caramel and savory bacon for balanced flavor
• Baked low and slow for a creamy, rich cheesecake texture
• Chocolate ganache adds a professional, bakery-style finish

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap chocolate cookies for graham crackers
• Use gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free crust
• Add a caramel swirl on top before baking
• Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-Ahead: Bake up to 24 hours in advance
• Refrigeration: Store covered for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices up to 3 months
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; serve chilled

Serving Ideas

• Pair with fresh berries for contrast
• Serve alongside coffee or espresso
• Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce
• Garnish with whipped cream for extra elegance

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~450
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better when made a day in advance.

How do I prevent cracks?

Avoid overmixing and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually.

Can I freeze the cheesecake?

Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Is homemade caramel better than store-bought?

Both work well, but homemade caramel adds deeper flavor.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, slightly reduce the sugar or caramel to suit your taste.

This Bacon Caramel Cheesecake is a bold twist on a classic dessert, delivering creamy texture, rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and irresistible savory bacon in every bite. It’s a memorable dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress.

Ultimate Bacon Caramel Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache

Rich bacon caramel cheesecake with chocolate ganache, creamy texture, and bold sweet-savory flavor perfect for special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Chilling Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chocolate Cookie Crust

• 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• ¾ cup crispy bacon, finely crumbled

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Optional Finish

• A small pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat the OvenPreheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• Prepare the CrustCombine cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
• Mix the Cream Cheese BaseBeat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and lump-free.
• Add the Sour CreamBlend in sour cream, scraping down the bowl to ensure a silky mixture.
• Incorporate Eggs and FlavoringsAdd eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Gently fold in caramel sauce and crumbled bacon.
• Fill the PanPour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the surface.
• BakeBake for 35–45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
• Cool GraduallyTurn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked for 1 hour.
• Chill ThoroughlyRefrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Make the GanacheHeat the cream until steaming, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit briefly, then stir until smooth.
• Finish the CheesecakeSpread ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with extra bacon and a pinch of sea salt if desired.
• ServeRemove the springform ring, slice, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Always use full-fat dairy for best results
• Crisp bacon thoroughly to avoid sogginess
• Chill completely before slicing for clean cuts

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?