In the realm of culinary adventures, the combination of sweet and salty has always been a tantalizing affair. But what happens when you dare to pair the iconic decadence of cheesecake with the smoky crunch of bacon? You get a masterpiece of flavors that defies expectations – the Bacon Caramel Cheesecake. This creation is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on your palate, blending the rich, creamy sweetness of cheesecake with the savory bite of bacon, all wrapped in a luscious caramel and chocolate embrace.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
For the Cheesecake:
- 24 ounces of soft cream cheese
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Topping:
Ganache:
- ¾ cup of heavy cream
- ¾ cup of chocolate chips
Also:
- Caramel sauce
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and then chopped
- Coarse sea salt
Directions:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the crushed Oreo cookies with melted butter until well combined.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C).
Bake the Cheesecake:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Incorporate the flour and sour cream, mixing well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter onto the cooled crust and bake for 1 hour.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for an additional 30 minutes to cool gradually.
- Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
Prepare the Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in the microwave until it’s just about to boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Cover and let it sit for a minute.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth. Let it cool slightly at room temperature.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the chilled cheesecake.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle a dash of coarse sea salt and garnish with the crispy chopped bacon.
Serving:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour and 38 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours and 8 minutes (plus chilling time) | Serves: 12 | Calories per serving: 720
This Bacon Caramel Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Each bite marries the smoothness of cheesecake with the crunch of bacon, all enhanced by the sweet and salty drizzles of caramel and chocolate ganache. It’s a daring dessert that’s bound to become the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether you’re a cheesecake aficionado or a bacon enthusiast, this recipe promises an unforgettable adventure into the world of sweet and salty delights. So, why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to this utterly decadent creation and revel in the symphony of flavors that only a Bacon Caramel Cheesecake can offer.