Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake 🥓🥃🍰
Rich, creamy, and indulgently decadent, this Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake blends smoky, salty, and sweet flavors into one luxurious dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth bourbon-spiked filling, and a glossy caramel bacon topping, it’s a show-stopping treat perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress. Each bite delivers that perfect mix of creamy cheesecake richness, sweet caramel, and crispy bacon crunch.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Caramel Bacon Topping:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set, then let cool.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream, bourbon, vanilla extract, and flour until just combined. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour (this helps prevent cracking). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
3. Make the Caramel Bacon Topping
In a small saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns amber in color, stirring occasionally. Add butter and whisk until melted, then slowly pour in the cream while whisking constantly (it will bubble up). Stir in bourbon and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before folding in the crumbled bacon.
4. Assemble and Serve
Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan and pour the caramel bacon mixture over the top, spreading it gently with a spatula. Chill for another 15 minutes to let the topping set. Slice and serve with extra caramel drizzle if desired.
Tips for Success
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. To make the crust crispier, bake it for a few minutes longer. If you prefer a lighter flavor, replace bourbon with vanilla extract or maple syrup. For perfect slices, run your knife under hot water before cutting.
Serving Ideas
Serve each slice with a drizzle of extra caramel or a dollop of whipped cream. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a glass of bourbon, espresso, or black coffee.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 36g
Conclusion
The Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake is a dessert that’s bold, rich, and unforgettable — where smoky bacon meets silky cheesecake and buttery caramel in perfect harmony. Every bite offers a luxurious balance of sweet, salty, and creamy, making it the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a little indulgence with a touch of Southern flair.