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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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