Sinfully Rich Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

Silky smooth cheesecake meets smoky bourbon and crispy bacon in a decadent dessert that breaks all traditional rules.

Sweet and salty notes dance across your palate with surprising elegance.

Creamy Philadelphia cheese blends seamlessly with rich caramel undertones.

Rich maple-glazed bacon pieces add unexpected crunch and depth to each luxurious bite.

Sophisticated yet playful, this recipe challenges conventional dessert boundaries.

Whiskey lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts will absolutely adore this indulgent creation.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice of pure culinary magic.

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crushed cookies forming the base of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust together.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to the filling.
• Eggs: Helps bind and set the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor.
• Bourbon: Gives a rich, complex taste to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture.
• Bacon: Adds a savory, crispy element to the cheesecake.

• Sugar, Water: Base for creating caramel.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky caramel texture.
• Bourbon: Enhances the caramel with a complex flavor.
• Salt: Balances and deepens the caramel's sweetness.

• Bacon, Sea Salt: Provides extra crunch and flavor contrast.

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Assembly Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Springform Pan

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Carefully grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap it completely in aluminum foil to create a waterproof barrier for the water bath method.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it sets, then remove and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Gently stir in vanilla extract, bourbon, and heavy cream until the filling is completely blended and silky.

Step 4: Incorporate Crispy Bacon

Carefully fold crumbled bacon pieces into the cheesecake mixture. Distribute the bacon evenly throughout the filling for consistent flavor in every bite. Pour the batter smoothly over the cooled crust.

Step 5: Bake with Precision

Place the cheesecake in a water bath and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The center should be mostly set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for one hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Step 6: Craft the Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Bourbon
• Salt

Let the sauce cool slightly to thicken.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Generously drizzle the bourbon caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle additional crispy bacon bits and a pinch of sea salt on top. Slice and serve this decadent dessert that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.

Cheesecake Tips with Bourbon Bacon Caramel Layers

Prevent Cracking Caution: Avoid overbeating cream cheese and eggs to stop surface cracks. Gently mix ingredients and use room temperature components for a smooth, crack-free cheesecake.

Bacon Binding Trick: Pat bacon dry before crumbling to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cheesecake’s texture. Use crispy, well-drained bacon pieces for maximum flavor and crunch.

Water Bath Wisdom: Wrap springform pan tightly in multiple layers of aluminum foil to ensure no water seeps into the delicate cheesecake during baking. Place pan in a larger roasting dish with hot water.

Caramel Cooking Clarity: Watch caramel sauce closely while cooking – it can burn quickly. Remove from heat the moment it turns amber to prevent bitter flavors. Stir carefully to maintain smooth consistency.

Chilling Champion: Allow cheesecake to cool completely in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps set the texture and allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Save Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake for Later

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the caramel sauce separate in a sealed jar to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warm experience, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds or use a toaster oven at 50% temperature for 1-2 minutes.
• Gently reheat bourbon caramel sauce in a microwave or small saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of cream if the sauce becomes too thick.

Bacon Caramel Cheesecake Flavor Matches

• Bourbon Whiskey Companion: Select a smooth, small-batch bourbon like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace that echoes the caramel and bacon notes in the cheesecake. Its warm vanilla and oak undertones will beautifully complement the rich dessert.
• Craft Coffee Pairing: Brew a dark roast cold brew or espresso with subtle chocolate hints. The coffee's deep, robust flavors will cut through the cheesecake's sweetness and enhance the bourbon's complexity.
• Salty-Sweet Wine Match: Choose a late harvest Riesling with balanced acidity and honeyed characteristics. Its light sweetness will harmonize with the caramel sauce while the wine's crisp profile prevents the dessert from feeling too heavy.
• Artisan Cocktail Option: Mix an Old Fashioned using the same bourbon in the recipe. The cocktail's bitters and sugar will mirror the dessert's sweet-savory profile, creating a delightful flavor echo across your palate.

Bacon Caramel Cheesecake Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour for a celiac-friendly crust. Use certified gluten-free ingredients throughout the recipe.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace butter with coconut oil in caramel sauce.
• Vegetarian Bacon Option
• Lower-Sugar Adaptation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Reduce caramel sauce quantity and choose a sugar-free bourbon or omit alcohol for a lighter dessert option.

FAQs

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative. Just crisp it up first and chop it into similar-sized pieces as regular bacon.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Use a water bath, avoid overmixing the batter, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.

• Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?

No, you can substitute bourbon with vanilla extract or apple brandy. If avoiding alcohol completely, use vanilla extract and a touch of maple syrup for similar depth of flavor.

• How can I tell if my cheesecake is fully baked?

The edges will be set, but the center should have a slight wobble. It will continue setting while cooling. The internal temperature should reach about 150°F for a perfectly baked cheesecake.

Cheesecake That Mixes Bourbon, Bacon, and Caramel Bliss

Elevate Your Dessert Game: A Flavor-Packed Delight

• Craft a Unique Flavor Profile: Combine sweet, salty, and smoky notes that transform an ordinary cheesecake into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Master a Show-Stopping Dessert: Impress friends and family with a gourmet-level treat that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
• Indulge in Luxurious Ingredients: Enjoy the rich combination of bourbon, cream cheese, and crispy bacon that creates an unexpected and decadent dessert sensation.
• Easy Entertaining Hero: Prepare a dessert that's perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or when you want to create a memorable sweet moment.

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent bacon bourbon caramel cheesecake combines sweet and savory flavors for an unforgettable dessert experience. Rich layers of creamy filling and smoky bacon create a luxurious treat that delights sophisticated palates with its complex taste profile.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) bourbon
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Topping:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce
• Additional bacon for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously wrap a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil, creating a waterproof barrier. Adjust oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Craft a robust crust by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into pan base, creating an even foundation. Bake for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a golden hue.
3. Transform cream cheese and sugar into a silky smooth blend using an electric mixer. Incorporate eggs methodically, ensuring each integrates completely before adding the next. Infuse the mixture with rich vanilla, smoky bourbon, and luxurious heavy cream, stirring until perfectly harmonized.
4. Introduce crispy, crumbled bacon into the cheesecake batter, gently folding to distribute the savory morsels throughout the creamy landscape. Carefully pour the enhanced mixture over the cooled crust.
5. Position the cheesecake within a water bath, creating a gentle steaming environment. Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center indicating perfect doneness. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the turned-off oven for an hour, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
6. Construct the decadent bourbon caramel sauce by carefully melting sugar and water in a saucepan. Watch intently as the mixture transforms to a rich amber color. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, cream, bourbon, and salt, creating a complex and glossy sauce.
7. Elevate the finished cheesecake by artfully drizzling the bourbon caramel sauce across the surface. Garnish with additional crisp bacon fragments and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt. Slice with precision and savor the harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

• Choose high-quality bourbon for a richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Crisp the bacon beforehand to ensure a crunchy texture and prevent sogginess in the final dessert.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that bakes evenly.
• Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing the batter and using a water bath during baking for gentle, even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg