Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cut into 6 pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt

Cake:

• 1 cup finely crushed Oreo cookies
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• Sea salt (optional, for topping)

Directions:

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring continually with a heat-resistant spatula.
2. As the sugar melts, it will form brown clumps. Keep stirring until completely melted.
3. Add the butter carefully, stirring continuously as the caramel bubbles up.
4. Once the butter is melted, slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring. Continue to stir as the mixture boils for 1 minute.
5. Remove the pan from heat, immediately stir in the salt, and set the sauce aside to cool. Store it in a glass jar in the fridge for later use.

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 300º. Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly and set it aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine finely crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan.
3. In a stand mixer or mixing bowl with an electric beater, beat the cream cheese until fluffy (2-3 minutes).
4. Beat in the sweetened condensed milk, then add the eggs one by one until thoroughly mixed.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract, and gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula.
6. Pour the filling into the springform pan and top it with a handful of mini chocolate chips.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and jiggles slightly in the center.
8. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake (keeping it in the pan) and place it on a cooling rack.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool before chilling it in the fridge in the springform pan overnight.

Indulge in the velvety richness of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake – a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dessert experience. Enjoy!