If you love a rich, creamy dessert with a touch of salty crunch, this Caramel Cashew Cheesecake is your new obsession. Buttery cashews, velvety cheesecake, and gooey caramel come together for the ultimate sweet-and-savory treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
Combines sweet caramel and salty roasted cashews
-
Creamy cheesecake texture with crunchy topping
-
Great for holidays, birthdays, or special gatherings
-
A unique twist on traditional cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
-
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
¼ cup brown sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
-
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
3 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ cup sour cream
-
Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
-
¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
¾ cup salted roasted cashews, roughly chopped
-
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Directions
1️⃣ Make the Crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add sugar, then mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, sour cream, and salt.
Pour the filling over the crust.
3️⃣ Bake the Cheesecake:
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
4️⃣ Add the Caramel Cashew Topping:
Once chilled, pour caramel sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped cashews, and add a light touch of flaky sea salt if desired.
❄️ Storage Tips:
-
Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
-
You can freeze slices individually and wrap them tightly for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (per slice – approx.):
-
Calories: 450
-
Carbs: 36g
-
Fat: 31g
-
Sugar: 27g
-
Protein: 7g
Tips & Variations:
-
Use salted caramel for extra depth.
-
Swap cashews for pecans or macadamia nuts.
-
Add a layer of toffee bits for extra crunch!
Caramel Cashew Cheesecake (Sweet Meets Salty!)
- Total Time: ~6 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Who loves salty with their sweet? If that’s you, this ultra-creamy Caramel Cashew Cheesecake is your dream dessert. With a buttery crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake, a rich caramel drizzle, and roasted cashews on top — it’s the perfect balance of indulgent and nutty.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
-
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
6 tbsp melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
-
3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
3 large eggs
-
3/4 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
-
3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 cup roasted salted cashews, roughly chopped
-
Optional: sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until just combined.
Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides for a water bath.
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, pour the caramel sauce over the cheesecake.
Sprinkle generously with chopped cashews and sea salt flakes if desired.
Notes
-
Make it extra nutty with a mix of cashews and pecans.
-
Use dulce de leche instead of caramel for a deeper flavor.
-
Can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American