caramel walnut cheesecake
Cheesecake is one of the most versatile desserts. There are so many base, filling and topping options, from fruits to chocolate to caramel and walnuts. Here’s the unique recipe we came up with and absolutely loved! Feel free to use this base recipe with any other toppings you can think of!
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs or graham crackers
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 (8 ounce) bricks cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping Ingredients:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and mix the crust ingredients together evenly. Press into the bottom of a 8-10 inch springform pan.
- Beat together cheesecake ingredients until smooth, a hand mixer is great for this step!
- Pour it on top of the crust and place the springform pan in a larger baking dish. Fill the larger dish about halfway with warm water.
- Bake about 60 minutes or until set. It should reach an internal temp of 145°F. If you tap the side of the pan, it should only jiggle slightly.
- Chilling overnight is recommended, but you can even eat it warm!
- Now make the walnut & caramel topping. Heat the butter and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Let simmer and thicken – about 3 minutes.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and mix until smooth. Add the cinnamon and walnuts and stir to combine evenly.
- Let the topping mixture cool but not harden completely, then pour on top of the cheesecake.
