Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin liner.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into an amber color.
- Carefully add the butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream (mixture will bubble vigorously!). Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the salt.
- Let cool slightly.
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined (do not overmix!).
- Spoon cheesecake filling into each muffin liner, filling almost to the top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of each cheesecake.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to create a swirl pattern.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let cheesecakes cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.