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Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars, divided
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
- Extra crushed Butterfinger pieces for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the sour cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Gently fold in half of the crushed Butterfinger candy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger pieces on top of the filling.
- Place the cheesecake pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with about an inch of hot water to create a water bath. This helps prevent cracking.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for another 30 minutes to gradually cool.
- Remove from the oven, then chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
- Before serving, drizzle the top of the cheesecake with caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra Butterfinger pieces for a delicious and eye-catching presentation.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature.
- Prevent Cracking: The water bath method helps keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free, but you can also avoid overmixing the eggs to reduce air bubbles.
- Make Ahead: This cheesecake tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it 1-2 days in advance.
- Freeze Leftovers: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
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