Chocolate and Salted Caramel Cheesecake

A layered chocolate cake with a creamy cheesecake center, caramel frosting, and chocolate ganache.

Ingredients

Cheesecake

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate cake

• 1 recipe chocolate layer cake (9-inch layers), homemade or cake mix

Caramel frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, homemade or jarred
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Ganache

• 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare the cheesecake

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with two layers of foil. Spray the inside of the pan with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.
3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Beat in the salt and eggs, one at a time, then add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Place the pan in a large roasting pan and pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
5. Bake the cheesecake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for an additional 30 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Once the cheesecake has cooled, place the entire springform pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Prepare the cake

1. Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package directions. Let the cakes cool completely.

Prepare the frosting

1. Beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the caramel sauce, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the cake

1. Place one layer of the chocolate cake on a serving plate. Top with the cheesecake and then the other layer of chocolate cake.
2. Spread the frosting all over the cake, including the sides and top.
3. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the ganache.

Prepare the ganache

1. Place the chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted.
2. Stir in the caramel sauce and salt until combined.
3. Let the ganache cool slightly, then spread it over the top of the chilled cake.
4. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake and sprinkle with kosher salt.
5. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

Enjoy!