Indulge your senses with a dessert that’s as decadent as it is unique: the Maple Cheesecake with Candied Bacon and Salted Caramel Crust! This delightful fusion of sweet maple, creamy cheesecake, and the savory crunch of bacon is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for more. Imagine a rich, velvety cheesecake topped with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust—it's a flavor explosion you won't want to miss! Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game to new heights. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This will ensure that your cheesecake bakes evenly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it tightly. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon gently into the cheesecake batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
- After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of the chilled cheesecake. You can also sprinkle some additional crumbled bacon for garnish.
- Slice the cheesecake into 10 servings and enjoy this delicious Maple Cheesecake with Candied Bacon and Salted Caramel Crust!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: For the best flavor, prepare the cheesecake a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a firmer texture when slicing.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help you achieve a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the eggs and other ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Water Bath Method: For an even creamier texture and to prevent cracking, consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the outside of your springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
- Chill Properly: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open. This step is crucial for preventing cracks on the surface.
- Garnish with Style: Just before serving, add a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce to make your cheesecake look as good as it tastes!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
