Name: Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed pretzels.; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.; ¼ cup granulated sugar.; 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened.; 1 cup granulated sugar.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 4 large eggs.; 1 cup sour cream.; ½ cup heavy cream.; 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce).; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel sauce).; ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce).; 1 tsp sea salt (for caramel sauce).

This Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake brings together the best of salty and sweet. It starts with a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. The dessert is finished with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. The blend of textures from the crunchy crust and the smooth cheesecake, combined with the contrast of sweet and salty flavors, makes this dessert a true showstopper.

This Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake is the ultimate combination of sweet and salty, with a buttery pretzel crust and a creamy cheesecake center, topped with a rich, homemade salted caramel. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat at home. The crunchy pretzel base provides a savory balance to the sweet and creamy layers of cheesecake, while the salted caramel sauce adds an irresistible finish.

INGREDIENTS

Crushed pretzels: 2 cups, for a salty, crunchy crust
Unsalted butter: ½ cup, melted, to bind the crust
Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness in the crust
Cream cheese: 4 (8 oz) packages, softened, for a creamy filling
Granulated sugar: 1 cup, to sweeten the cheesecake filling
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
Large eggs: 4, added one at a time for a smooth mixture
Sour cream: 1 cup, for tanginess
Heavy cream: ½ cup, for richness in the cheesecake
Granulated sugar: 1 cup (for caramel sauce), for the base of the caramel
Unsalted butter: 6 tbsp (for caramel sauce), added to the caramel
Heavy cream: ½ cup (for caramel sauce), to create a smooth, rich texture
Sea salt: 1 tsp, to finish the caramel sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Step 2:: In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the springform pan.
Step 3:: Bake the pretzel crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool.
Step 4:: Beat softened cream cheese until creamy, then gradually mix in sugar and vanilla.
Step 5:: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed, then fold in sour cream and heavy cream.
Step 6:: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Step 7:: Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
Step 8:: Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for an hour.
Step 9:: To make the caramel sauce, melt sugar over medium heat until amber, then remove from heat and stir in butter and heavy cream.
Step 10:: Add sea salt to the caramel and let it cool before drizzling over the cheesecake.
Step 11:: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drizzle with caramel and sprinkle extra sea salt before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to set the flavors.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Helpful Notes

Substitute graham crackers for pretzels if a sweeter crust is desired.
Feel free to experiment with different flavored salts for the caramel topping.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Ensure the sugar caramelizes evenly for a smooth caramel texture.

The Perfect Sweet and Salty Cheesecake

The Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for lovers of the sweet and salty combination. The pretzel crust adds crunch and a savory touch, while the caramel brings rich sweetness that complements the creamy cheesecake.

Make Ahead for Effortless Entertaining

This cheesecake is ideal for making ahead, as it requires chilling to set properly. Prepare it the day before, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready to go with minimal effort on the day of serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust instead of pretzels?

Yes, graham crackers or a chocolate cookie crust would work well as alternatives.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven helps to prevent cracks. Also, ensure not to overbake it.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the caramel sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm it up slightly before drizzling.

Can I freeze the cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake without the caramel topping. Add the caramel once it has thawed.

Summary

Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake combines a crunchy, salty pretzel crust with a velvety smooth cheesecake filling, all topped with a rich and luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. This decadent dessert brings together contrasting flavors and textures for a treat that’s sure to impress. The process begins with making the pretzel crust, which is baked to set before adding the cheesecake filling. Once the cheesecake is baked to perfection, it’s cooled gradually and topped with a layer of salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop. Serve with an extra sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet finish.