Ingredients
For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookies)
• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
For the filling:
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 blocks)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
For the bacon bourbon caramel swirl:
• 6 strips bacon, cooked until very crisp and finely chopped
• ½ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional, or sub with ½ tsp vanilla + ½ tsp water)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil.
- Make the crust: Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Beat in vanilla, sour cream, and orange zest (if using) until silky.
- Pour over crust.
- Make the swirl: Stir chopped bacon and bourbon into the caramel sauce. Drop spoonfuls evenly over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl into the cheesecake—don’t overmix!
- Bake 50–60 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cool inside for 1 hour. Remove and chill 4+ hours (or overnight).
- Serve chilled—each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and creamy!
✨ Garnish with extra candied bacon if desired.
💡 Pro tip: Wipe your knife with hot water between slices for clean cuts.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 25 mins , Cook Time : 1 hr , Total Time : 6 hrs (includes chilling) , Servings : 10 slices , Calories : 420 per slice , Net Carbs: 36g , Fats: 28g , Protein: 8g