Ingredients
Scale
Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups finely ground pretzels
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a food processor, crush pretzels into fine crumbs.
- Mix crushed pretzels with sugar and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil.
- Place the pan in a large roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath method).
- Pour cheesecake filling over the pretzel crust.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until sugar melts and turns deep amber (about 8-10 minutes).
- Carefully whisk in butter (mixture will bubble).
- Slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
- Let cool slightly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove cheesecake from water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Optional: Garnish with additional crushed pretzels.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Water Bath: Prevents cracks and ensures even baking.
- Cooling Process: Cool slowly to prevent cracking.