No Bake Caramel Cheesecake

This luscious no bake caramel cheesecake is topped with a simple homemade caramel sauce and fresh whipped cream! This is a delicious dessert that everyone will be sure to enjoy!

I definitely prefer no bake cheesecake over regular baked cheesecake and knew I needed to create a classic caramel version! It is one of my favorite desserts now! I have perfected my cheesecake base recipe but just needed to play around with the caramel ratio. I used store-bought caramels to speed up the process and they made for a delicious batch of gooey homemade caramel! Feel free to make yours from scratch if you prefer! Stay tuned for this fall where I will be testing a caramel ice cream recipe that you don’t want to miss! Check out my instagram for more cheesecake recipes!

Ingredients for No Bake Caramel Cheesecake

Caramels: I use Béquet caramels for my caramel sauce recipe but feel free to use any brand you can find! Use TICARAT25 for 25% off your order!

Cream cheese: You will need this for the base of this cheesecake recipe.

Powdered sugar: For the fresh whipped cream and cheesecake base to add a touch of sweetness.

Vanilla extract: I highly recommend using vanilla to enhance the flavor of this dessert! You could also use vanilla bean paste.

Sour cream: Helps create a luscious texture and smooth flavor.

Graham crackers: For the crust of the cheesecake.

Butter: For the caramel sauce and crust.

How to Make No Bake Caramel Cheesecake

• Leave ingredients out to get to room temperature.
• Crush your graham crackers or pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Use a spatula to combine cracker crumbs with melted butter. Transfer the graham cracker crumbs to your 7 inch springform pan and use a glass to press down the crumbs. You will also want to do it on the sides of the springform pan as well for a tall crust.
• Make the cheesecake batter: First, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 2 tbsp of powdered sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside. Then, in a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. On low speed, add your remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla.
• Microwave your caramels with butter and heavy cream for 15 seconds and then pour into cheesecake mixture. Lastly, fold in the whipped cream mixture that you set aside until smooth but be sure not to over-mix! 
• No bake cheesecake sets: Pour mixture into your prepared crust and then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 10 hours, or overnight for the best texture. This is a great make ahead dessert. If you’re going to eat it in the same day, you could get away with freezing it for 3 hours before serving.
• Make the stabilized whipped cream topping: Beat another 1 cup of heavy cream on high speed then add in the sugar and instant pudding mix. Mix until stiff peaks form and store in the fridge until ready to use.
• Decorate and enjoy: Melt your caramels with butter and heavy cream in the microwave for 15 seconds. Pour the smooth caramel topping on top of your chilled cheesecake after it has set.  Use a piping bag to decorate the top of the cheesecake with the remainder of the stabilized whipped cream. Then, top with more caramels and enjoy! Use a sharp knife for the cleanest cuts! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days!

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Swap caramel in the recipe for chocolate fudge for a chocolate version of this cheesecake!
• Top with flakey salt or sea salt and pretzels for the toppings for a sweet and salty flavor!
• Use shortbread cookies or golden Oreos (or regular chocolate) for the crust of this recipe instead of graham crackers!
• Make these mini cheesecakes by using a mold or smaller pan!
• Make no bake caramel cheesecake bars by using a square pan for this recipe instead of a round cake pan!

This is a great make ahead recipe that everyone will love! You don’t need a special occasion to try this perfect treat! Please be sure to leave a five star rating below if you loved this recipe and check out my Instagram for more easy recipes and no bake dessert! As always, poftă bună!