Cheese cake with nuts and caramel

Cheesecake with cheese, nuts, and caramel - a true delight that combines rich flavors and delightful textures! This recipe will transform any ordinary day into a celebration of the senses. Get ready to discover a perfect combination of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and sweet caramel, all on a cocoa cookie base. I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve this quick, simple, yet impressive dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes + cooling time
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

*For the cookie base:*
- 200 g whole grain cookies (choose cookies with a high fiber content for a healthier taste)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (high-quality cocoa powder adds a rich flavor)
- 70 g butter (melted, to bind the ingredients)

*For the filling:*
- 100 g caramel (homemade or store-bought, but make sure it is of good quality)
- 100 g dark chocolate (chopped, for an intense chocolate note)
- 600 g cream cheese (at room temperature, for better incorporation)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream (use high-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 1/4 cup cocoa (for an extra flavor boost)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (which adds a caramelized note)
- 1 pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for an inviting aroma)
- 100 g roasted and coarsely chopped nuts (choose fresh nuts for a more intense flavor)

*For decoration:*
- 300 ml whipping cream (make sure it is cold to whip better)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar (or regular sugar, according to preference)
- Caramel (for decoration)
- Chocolate chips (optional, for a more elegant look)

Step by step - Your guide to a perfect cheesecake

1. Preparing the cookie base
Start by placing the cookies in a food processor. Pulse them until they become fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and cocoa, then blend.
Tip: Make sure the butter is well melted but not hot, so it doesn't overly melt the cookies.

2. Forming the crust
Line a springform pan (21 cm in diameter is ideal). Place the cookie mixture in the bottom of the pan and press down firmly with a spatula to form an even base.
Practical tool: Use the bottom of a glass to compact the cookies.

3. Baking the base
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake the crust for 10 minutes. After baking, remove the pan and let it cool slightly.

4. Adding the caramel and chocolate
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the caramel evenly over the base, being careful not to reach the edges of the pan. Then sprinkle the dark chocolate pieces on top.

5. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese at room temperature with the sour cream, cocoa, salt, and sugar for about 3 minutes until it becomes a smooth mixture.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, fold in the roasted nuts and vanilla extract.

6. Pouring the filling
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie base, ensuring to evenly cover the caramel and chocolate.

7. Baking the cheesecake
Bake the cake at 160 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes. The center of the cheesecake should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. If it seems too soft, leave it for another 10 minutes.

8. Cooling the cheesecake
Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 2 hours. Then transfer it to the fridge, where it should ideally cool overnight or at least for 6 hours.

9. Decorating
When you are ready to serve, whip the cream for 1 minute, then add the vanilla sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm consistency. Decorate the cheesecake with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and streams of caramel.

Serving and variations
This cheesecake with cheese, nuts, and caramel is perfect for serving at any special occasion or simply as a weekend treat. You can pair it with a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of sweet wine for a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips
- For an even more intense flavor, you can toast the nuts before adding them to the filling. This will enhance their aroma.
- If you don't like nuts, you can replace them with almonds or hazelnuts.
- For homemade caramel, you can melt 100 g of sugar in a pan until it turns golden, then add 100 ml of cream and mix well.

Frequently asked questions
- Why didn't my cheesecake rise? Make sure you used room temperature ingredients and followed the baking time.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake? Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but ensure it is well covered to prevent excessive moisture freezing.

In conclusion, this cheesecake with cheese, nuts, and caramel is not just a delicious dessert but also a true culinary experience. By experimenting with the ingredients and techniques, you can customize the recipe to your taste. From the first bite, you will be captivated by the perfect combination of sweet caramel and the creamy texture of the cheese. So, don't hesitate! Start preparing this cheesecake today and turn your cooking moment into a true pleasure! Enjoy!