Decadent Toffee Cheesecake with Velvety Caramel Drizzle
Indulge in this decadent Toffee Cheesecake with a luxurious velvety caramel drizzle. Creamy and rich, this cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a smooth cream cheese filling blended with sweet toffee bits. Topped with a homemade caramel sauce and a light whipped cream border, this dessert will surely impress your guests. Perfect for any celebration or special occasion, this cheesecake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Share this tempting treat with friends and family, and watch them savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Crushed)
Unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (Melted)
Dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (Firmly packed)
Cream cheese
2 lbs (Room temperature)
Large eggs
5 (Room temperature)
Fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (Divided)
Vanilla extract
2 1/2 teaspoons (Pure)
Granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups (For caramel sauce)
Water
1/3 cup (Cold)
Whipping cream
1 cup (Heavy cream)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (Cut into small pieces, room temperature)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Whipping cream
3/4 cup (Heavy cream, for whipped topping)
Granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (For whipped cream)
Chocolate-covered English toffee bars
4 1/4 ounces (Chopped (e.g., Heath or Skor))
Instructions
1
For the crust, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with 2 3/4-inch high sides.
2
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and packed dark brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
3
Press the crumb mixture firmly over the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
4
For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is completely smooth.
5
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice until just combined.
6
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheesecake rises about 1/2 inch over the rim and the center jiggles slightly when the pan is shaken, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. Note that the cake will sink in the center as it cools. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
9
To prepare the caramel topping, in a medium heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then increase the heat and bring to a boil without stirring until the mixture turns a rich caramel color (about 8 minutes). Swirl the pan occasionally and wash down the sides with a wet brush if needed.
10
Reduce the heat to very low and carefully add the whipping cream; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir until the caramel sauce is smooth before mixing in the small butter pieces and vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
11
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, use a small sharp knife to cut around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake. Release the sides of the springform pan.
12
Pour 2/3 cup of the caramel sauce into the center of the cheesecake, then cover the remaining sauce and let it stand at room temperature.
13
Chill the cheesecake until the caramel topping is almost set, about 2 hours.
14
In a medium bowl, whip the 3/4 cup of cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until firm peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe decorative borders around the edge of the cheesecake.
15
Sprinkle the toffee pieces over the whipped cream border.
16
Refrigerate the cheesecake until ready to serve, and pass the remaining caramel sauce separately for drizzling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Toffee Cheesecake?
It is a rich and creamy cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling with toffee bits, and a homemade velvety caramel drizzle.
What type of crust is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses a crust made from graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and firmly packed dark brown sugar.
How should I prepare the springform pan?
Lightly butter the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with sides that are at least 2 3/4 inches high.
What temperature should the oven be for the crust?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the crust.
How high should I press the crumb mixture up the pan?
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly over the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature cream cheese ensures the filling is fluffy and completely smooth when beaten.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 5 large eggs, which should be added to the filling one at a time.
Why is lemon juice added to the cheesecake filling?
Two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice are added to provide a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
Bake the cheesecake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center jiggles slightly.
Is it normal for the cheesecake to sink in the center?
Yes, the cake will naturally sink in the center as it cools on a wire rack.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated after baking?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 6 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best texture.
How do I make the homemade caramel topping?
Combine sugar and water over low heat until dissolved, then boil until it reaches a rich caramel color before adding whipping cream, butter, and vanilla.
What should I do if the caramel mixture bubbles vigorously?
This is a normal reaction when adding cream to hot sugar; simply reduce the heat to very low and stir until the sauce is smooth.
How do I prevent sugar crystals from forming in the caramel?
You can wash down the sides of the saucepan with a wet brush while the sugar is boiling.
How do I remove the cheesecake from the springform pan?
Once fully chilled, run a small sharp knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake before releasing the springform sides.
How much caramel sauce should be poured on the cheesecake?
Pour 2/3 cup of the prepared caramel sauce into the center of the chilled cheesecake.
How long does the caramel topping take to set?
Chill the cheesecake for about 2 hours after applying the caramel until it is almost set.
What kind of toffee bars should I use for the garnish?
Use 4 1/4 ounces of chopped chocolate-covered English toffee bars, such as Heath or Skor.
How do I make the whipped cream border?
Whip 3/4 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until firm peaks form, then pipe it around the edges using a star tip.
What should I do with the remaining caramel sauce?
Pass the remaining sauce separately when serving so guests can drizzle extra over their individual slices.
Can I substitute the dark brown sugar in the crust?
While dark brown sugar provides a deep molasses flavor, you can use light brown sugar if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 specific ingredients required to make the crust, filling, caramel, and topping.
What is the serving size for this cheesecake?
The recipe is designed for a standard 9-inch cheesecake, typically serving 12 to 16 people.
Is the caramel sauce served warm or cold?
The initial topping is chilled to set, but the extra sauce can be kept at room temperature for drizzling.
What is the best way to chop the toffee bars?
You can chop them with a sharp knife or place them in a bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
Does the recipe require a water bath for baking?
This specific recipe does not mention a water bath, relying on the 1 hour and 15 minute bake time for structure.
How can I ensure the filling is not lumpy?
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and beat it until fluffy before adding any other ingredients.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires significant chilling time (overnight plus 2 hours for the topping), it is an excellent make-ahead dessert.
What makes this cheesecake 'decadent'?
The combination of a high-fat cream cheese filling, a rich homemade caramel, and chocolate-toffee pieces makes it exceptionally indulgent.
Is this cheesecake suitable for a birthday?
Absolutely, its impressive appearance and rich flavor make it perfect for celebrations or special occasions.