Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake

Indulgent. Decadent. Unforgettable. That’s exactly how to describe this Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake — a dessert that delivers an irresistible balance of sweet, salty, smoky, and creamy flavors. Imagine a velvety cheesecake infused with a touch of bourbon, drizzled with rich caramel sauce, and topped with crispy candied bacon. It’s the perfect marriage of sophistication and comfort, sure to steal the spotlight at any dinner or celebration.

If you love desserts that break the mold and leave people talking, this cheesecake is your new signature showstopper.

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Why You’ll Love Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake

This isn’t your ordinary cheesecake. The combination of bacon, bourbon, and caramel might sound unexpected — but one bite, and you’ll see why it works perfectly. The smooth cream cheese filling melts in your mouth, the bourbon adds warmth and depth, and the bacon provides the ultimate sweet-and-savory crunch.

Here’s why this cheesecake deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• 🥓 Sweet meets savory – Bacon and caramel are a match made in heaven.
• 🥃 Rich bourbon flavor – Adds a smooth, smoky undertone.
• 🍮 Luscious texture – Silky cream cheese filling over a buttery crust.
• 🍰 Perfect for entertaining – A gourmet dessert that always wows guests.
• 🤎 Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Bourbon Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• Pinch of salt

For the Candied Bacon Topping:

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Add brown sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides after each addition.
4. Add sour cream, heavy cream, flour, bourbon, and vanilla. Mix just until smooth — don’t overmix.
5. Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

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Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracks).
2. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
4. Remove, let cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

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Step 4: Make the Bourbon Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring occasionally until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring — the mixture will bubble vigorously.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and a pinch of salt.
5. Let the sauce cool slightly before drizzling.

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Step 5: Prepare the Candied Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and top with a wire rack.
2. Lay out the bacon strips and brush them with maple syrup. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each piece.
3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until crispy and caramelized.
4. Transfer to parchment paper to cool, then chop into small pieces.

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Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan.
2. Pour or drizzle the bourbon caramel sauce generously over the top.
3. Sprinkle with chopped candied bacon for a stunning finish.

The result? A dessert that’s smooth, sweet, and slightly smoky — an absolute explosion of flavor and texture.

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Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients = no lumps in your batter.
• Don’t skip the water bath — it ensures a smooth, crack-free surface.
• Let it chill fully — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
• Adjust the bourbon to your taste; it should enhance, not overpower.
• Add a touch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.

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Creative Variations

Want to experiment with your own twist on this decadent dessert? Try these ideas:

• 🍫 Chocolate Caramel Bacon Cheesecake: Add a layer of melted chocolate between the crust and filling.
• 🥥 Coconut Bourbon Cheesecake: Replace half the cream with coconut cream and top with toasted coconut.
• 🍁 Maple Bourbon Version: Swap caramel sauce for a maple glaze and add extra pecans for crunch.
• 🧂 Salted Caramel Delight: Add flaky sea salt over the top for a balance of sweet and savory.

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How to Store Your Cheesecake

• Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Make Ahead: Both the cheesecake and caramel sauce can be made a day or two in advance for easy entertaining.

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Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is an experience all by itself, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with:

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce just before serving
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of chopped pecans or sea salt
• A bourbon cocktail or cup of espresso on the side

Each slice is a perfect blend of creamy, boozy, and crunchy — a dessert worth savoring slowly.

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 530
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 34g
• Protein: 9g

This cheesecake is undeniably indulgent — and every calorie is worth it for the bold, unforgettable flavor combination.

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Why This Cheesecake Is So Special

The Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake stands out because it hits every note — creamy, salty, sweet, and smoky. The bourbon deepens the flavor without overwhelming it, the caramel adds buttery richness, and the candied bacon gives each bite a crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

It’s not just dessert; it’s a statement piece — a conversation starter that transforms your dessert table into something extraordinary.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that truly impresses, Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake is your golden ticket. It’s bold, elegant, and completely addictive — the kind of dessert people remember long after the last bite.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special dinner, or just to treat yourself, this cheesecake delivers pure luxury in every slice. So pour a splash of bourbon, crisp up that bacon, and prepare to fall in love with one of the most decadent desserts ever created. 🥃🍰🥓

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