Salted Caramel Chocolate

If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors, then this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cheesecake is sure to become your new favorite dessert. With layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and decadent salted caramel, this dessert is a true indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a delicious treat, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this heavenly dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake:

• 2 packages (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cake:

• 1 chocolate layer cake recipe (for 9-inch layers), homemade or from a mix

For the Salted Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Additional sea salt, for garnish

Instructions:

Making the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
7. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
8. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 1 hour to cool gradually.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled and set.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Prepare the chocolate cake according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely.
2. Once cooled, carefully slice the cake layers in half horizontally to create four thin layers.

Making the Salted Caramel Frosting:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and creamy.
3. Cook the frosting for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove the frosting from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of salted caramel frosting over the cake layer.
3. Carefully place one layer of cheesecake on top of the frosting.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake layers and cheesecake, ending with a layer of cake on top.
5. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining salted caramel frosting.
6. Sprinkle additional sea salt over the top of the cake for garnish.

Cook’s Notes and Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before making the cheesecake batter to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Chilling Time: Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before assembling the cake to ensure it sets properly.
• Cake Leveling: Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to evenly slice the cake layers for a professional-looking presentation.

Variations:

• Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the assembled cake with chocolate ganache before serving.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, between the layers for added texture and flavor.
• Fruit Compote: Serve slices of the cake with a side of fruit compote, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Almond Flour Cake: Replace the chocolate cake with a keto-friendly almond flour cake for a low-carb version of this dessert.
• Sugar-Free Frosting: Use a sugar-free sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, in place of powdered sugar in the frosting to reduce the carb content.

Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cheesecake. With its layers of velvety cheesecake, moist chocolate cake, and decadent salted caramel frosting, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a special celebration or enjoying a slice as a sweet treat, this dessert is guaranteed to delight your senses and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds!