A delightful variation of the classic Black Forest dessert, this cheesecake features a rich cream cheese base topped with roasted nuts and a glossy caramel finish. It’s a unique take on a favorite, merging velvety texture with nutty crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unlike the cherry-heavy traditional version, this cheesecake leans into buttery caramel and toasted nuts. It’s smooth, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. The contrast of soft cheesecake and crisp nuts creates a luxurious mouthfeel, making it perfect for holidays or indulgent nights in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce
- Mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, or cashews)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix crumbs with melted butter and press into the base of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla.
- Pour into crust and bake for 50–60 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
- Once chilled, drizzle with caramel and scatter with chopped nuts. Chill again before slicing.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: Approx. 5.5 hours
Variations
- Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
- Fruit Addition: Add dates, figs, or even dried cherries for balance.
- Chocolate Crust: Use crushed Oreos or chocolate grahams.
- No-Bake Version: Use gelatin and a chilled filling.
Storage/Reheating
Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Always thaw in the refrigerator. Do not reheat—serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, jarred caramel sauce works well.
What nuts work best?
Pecans, walnuts, or a mix. Toast them for extra flavor.
How do I prevent cracks?
Use a water bath and avoid overbaking.
Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cookies for the crust if needed.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, you can top with just caramel or shaved chocolate.
How do I serve clean slices?
Chill thoroughly and slice with a hot knife.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes, it’s even better the next day.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use full-fat Greek yogurt.
Is this version sweet?
Yes, the caramel makes it rich—cut small slices.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, but adjust to keep the balance of tang and sweetness.
Conclusion
This nutty Black Forest Cheesecake brings a fresh twist to a beloved dessert. With creamy cheesecake, silky caramel, and crunchy nuts, it’s sure to please a wide range of palates and become a repeat favorite.
Print
Black Forest Cheesecake (Nut & Caramel Style)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent twist on the classic Black Forest dessert, this cheesecake swaps cherries for rich caramel and toasted nuts, creating a luxurious balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese (3 blocks), softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, or cashews), chopped and toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the base of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Once fully chilled, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts.
- Chill briefly again to set the topping before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel topping for a salted caramel twist.
- Try adding chopped dried figs, dates, or cherries to the filling for added depth.
- Substitute crushed Oreos or chocolate grahams for a chocolate crust variation.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt if sour cream is unavailable.
- For best presentation, use a hot knife to slice and clean between cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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