Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (for water bath)
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). First, I grab my trusty springform pan and prepare the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. It’s always a pleasure to inhale that buttery aroma as I mix—it practically smells like cookies! Once it’s well combined, I pack the mixture tightly into the base of the springform pan, creating a solid crust. I like to bake it for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step truly sets the stage for that indulgent cheesecake layer to come. (See the next page below to continue steps…)