Ingredients:
Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cut into 6 pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
Cake
- 1 cup Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened, condensed milk
- 3 large eggs, room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- sea salt (optional-for topping)
Directions:
Step 1: Make the caramel sauce- in a small saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat. Use a heat-resistant spatula to continually stir the sugar. It will start to melt and from brown clumps. Keep stirring!
Step 2: Once the sugar is melted, add the butter. Be careful to keep stirring as the caramel will bubble up when you add the butter. Stir the butter until completely melted, 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Continue stirring as you slowly drizzle the cream in. Keep stirring again, because the caramel will bubble up again when you add the cream. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute, then remove pan from heat. Immediately stir in the salt. Set sauce aside and allow to cool before using. Store in a glass jar for ease of use, keep sauce in the fridge.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 300º. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine Oreo’s and butter. Press mixture evenly into the springform pan.
Step 6: Prepare the filling- place cream cheese in a stand mixer or mixing bowl to use an electric beater on in. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Beat in the condensed milk.
Step 7: Beat in the eggs, one by one until thoroughly mixed. Mix in the vanilla. Add chocolate chips to the bowl, and fold in gently with a spatula. Pour filling into springform pan. Top with a handful of mini chocolate chips.
Step 8: Bake in preheat oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and jiggles slightly in the center. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheese cake (but leave it in the pan) and place on a cooling rack. Allow cheese cake to cool before chilling in the fridge in the springform pan overnight.
Step 9: Before serving, heat caramel sauce in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Pop springform pan off cheesecake. Pour enough caramel sauce over the top of the cheese cake to cover it. Top with more chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Slice, and serve immediately.
Tips:
Quality Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, chocolate chips, and caramel are of high quality for the best flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before using. This creates a smoother and creamier texture.
Graham Cracker Crust: Press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan for a solid base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling based on the sweetness of your chocolate chips and caramel to achieve a balanced flavor.
Layer the Goodness: Add a layer of chocolate chips and drizzled caramel between the crust and the filling for a delightful surprise.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the cheesecake batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
Water Bath Method: Consider using a water bath while baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.
Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door ajar before transferring it to the refrigerator. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
FAQs:
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well, but consider warming it slightly for easier drizzling.
2. Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! Experiment with cookie crusts or even pretzel crusts for a unique twist.
3. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Using a water bath and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually can help prevent cracks.
4. Can I freeze salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
5. What’s the best way to serve it?
Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly before serving, and consider topping each slice with an extra drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for added flair.
