Indulge in the exquisite world of desserts with our Caramel Cheesecake Cubes. This tantalizing treat combines the rich flavors of caramel and the creaminess of cheesecake to create a truly irresistible dessert. Let's dive into the details of this delectable recipe.
Ingredients for Caramel Cheesecake Cubes:
Homemade Caramel Sauce:
- 200g granulated sugar
- 50g water
- 200g heavy cream (room temperature)
- 40g unsalted butter
- 1.5g salt
Crust:
- 90g crushed graham crackers
- 35g melted unsalted butter
Cheesecake:
- 250g softened cream cheese
- 65g granulated sugar
- 120g heavy cream
- 50g milk
- 4g gelatin
- 30g homemade caramel sauce
Topping:
- 200g caramel sauce (the rest of the homemade caramel sauce)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. Start by mixing 90g of crushed graham crackers with the melted unsalted butter.
2. Pour the mixture into a 6-inch square cake ring, pressing it down firmly.
3. Place the cake ring in the fridge to keep the crust cool.
Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Base
1. Soften the cream cheese until it's easy to work with.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix or beat until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
3. Add in the homemade caramel sauce and mix it thoroughly.
4. Introduce the heavy cream and mix it well to ensure a creamy consistency.
5. Soften the gelatin in ice-cold water.
6. In a separate container, bring together warm or hot milk and the softened gelatin, mixing until they are well combined.
7. Pour the gelatin mixture into the cream mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
8. Pour this creamy cheesecake mixture into the cake ring over the prepared crust. Smooth it out evenly.
9. Place the cake ring in the fridge and allow the cheesecake to chill until it's set, which typically takes about 15-30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Topping
1. Top the cheesecake with the remaining homemade caramel sauce. Spread it evenly over the surface of the cheesecake.
2. Return the cake to the fridge to cool for at least 4 hours or, for the best results, overnight.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
1. Once the cheesecake has had time to set, it's ready to be sliced.
2. To release the cake from the ring, you can use a warm towel or a kitchen torch.
3. Slice the cheesecake into cubes and serve.
Step 5: Optional Garnish
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, you can top each cheesecake cube with crushed graham crackers.
Homemade Caramel Sauce:
Creating your homemade caramel sauce is a key component of this recipe. Here's how you can prepare it:
1. Ensure the heavy cream and unsalted butter are at room temperature. Alternatively, you can heat the heavy cream to 140℉ (60℃) and set it aside.
2. In a saucepan, mix the granulated sugar and water. Do not stir or mix them; just let the sugar dissolve over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
3. Turn off the heat and quickly whisk while pouring in the heavy cream. Be cautious as this step will produce bubbles and steam.
4. Add in the salt and butter, mixing until well combined.
5. If you find that the caramel's color is not deep enough or the texture is not thick enough, you can turn on the heat and stir over low heat for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens. However, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become bitter.
6. Pour the caramel into a clean bowl to cool down, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Alternatively, you can store it in a clean, airtight container in the fridge if you're making it in advance.
In conclusion, our Caramel Cheesecake Cubes are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and luscious caramel, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible treat. Enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness of this culinary masterpiece!