Creamy, smooth, with a sour cream topping and the unmistakable caramel flavor that only brown sugar can achieve. It keeps well and can be frozen. If you're looking for a new idea for a holiday dessert, this brown sugar cheesecake is a sure hit.
This brown sugar cheesecake had been on my bucket list for years. Well, it's finally here, and let me tell you, it's a fantastic recipe!
Brown sugar in cheesecake adds a wonderfully delicious caramel-molasses flavor that is not invasive but different from traditional ones.
Being a huge fan of cheesecake recipes - mega huge - I can assure you this is not the usual type, but definitely worth making, especially during the holidays.
Origin of cheesecake
For those unfamiliar with cheesecake, it is a sweet, creamy dessert that features cream cheese as its main ingredient and usually has a graham cracker crumb base.
Its origins are said to go way back to Ancient Greece.
But modern-day cheesecake started in late 1800, and there are a million and one different recipes nowadays, from the traditional to no-bake cheesecake, for special diets, etc.
Why you'll love this recipe
- It keeps well: as with most cheesecakes, it can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for a few weeks before serving.
- It's different: as much as we love a classic cheesecake filling, this is a welcome change with great flavors. This cheesecake filling is terrific, smooth and creamy, with a hint of burnt sweetness from the molasses. Fabulous.
- It's creamy: the texture is wonderfully soft and smooth.
Ingredients
For the crust:
This part involves the popular graham cracker crust with the addition of ground almonds. Pecans are another good option.
- Graham cracker crumbs: you need fine crumbs so using a food processor is the best choice. I use homemade graham crackers or regular graham crackers when I can get a hold of them, but honey maid graham crackers, cinnamon graham crackers, or vanilla wafers work well if you want to have a choice of cookie crusts.
- Almonds: are finely ground and meld with the cookie crumbs to make a firm crust.
- Unsalted butter.
For the filling:
- Brown sugar: is the star of this cheesecake recipe so use your favorite one. I go back and forth between light and dark brown sugar depending on what's available. You can use muscovado too, but it tends to sweeten less than regular brown sugar.
- Cream cheese: the regular type, full-fat cream cheese is needed for consistency and creaminess. I always use Philadelphia original cream cheese, but other premium brands work fine.
- Molasses: contributes to achieving a deep flavor, an almost burnt caramel undertone that is amazing. I wouldn't substitute it, but if you usually find it too overpowering, use half molasses and half runny honey.
- Bourbon: it's part of the topping flavoring. Use a teaspoon of vanilla if you don't want to use alcohol.
The crust
This is a brown cheesecake with an almond crust. Nuts give the crumb crust a wonderful crunchiness and toasted flavor.
It covers the bottom and goes halfway up the sides of the pan, so there's more crust than usual, which is a good thing.
Vintage Kitchen tip: start pressing the crumb mixture on the sides. When you start at the center and work outwards, you might run out of cookie mix before and not cover the sides completely.
Achieving a smooth filling
We all know that a smooth and creamy cheesecake is the end game.
This is achieved by following certain steps, very easy ones:
- Have all ingredients at room temperature: we need a smooth, completely lump-free cream cheese mixture, and the right temperature ensures the ingredients integrate well.
- Don't overbeat when adding the eggs: we don't want to add air to the filling as that can make it puff too much during baking.
- Oven temperature: start with a medium/high temperature and then lower it so the cheesecake bakes slowly and the filling doesn't puff and crack. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for an hour after turning it off. This greatly improves texture.
- Refrigeration: the cheesecake must be refrigerated in the pan for at least 8 hours after completely cooling down. Well covered in plastic wrap. I chill them for no less than 24hs.
Sour cream topping
In the old days, many cheesecake recipes called for a sour cream topping added during the last minutes of baking.
Many include it in the filling, like this baked cheesecake, and I think is great, as it adds texture and a slight tang.
But, for this brown sugar cream cheese dessert, the topping is applied the old-fashioned way when the cheesecake is almost fully baked. It contrasts with the deep-flavored brown sugar filling, and looks gorgeous.
How to add the sour cream layer
This topping comes together in a minute; simply mix all ingredients in a bowl. If you don't want to use bourbon, simply add some vanilla extract or paste.
This sour cream topping is applied when the oven is turned off.
You remove the cheesecake from the oven, spread the topping, and pop it back for an hour, so it settles and bakes with the residual heat.
The filling will still be crazy wobbly, so you might feel apprehensive doing it. Be careful when you apply it and remember that the heat will loosen it and it will spread further on its own.
It will solidify as it cools down.
When is the cheesecake done?
This is a loaded question because doneness depends on the recipe and the way it's baked.
My answer is that the filling will always be very wobbly, especially in the center, when the time comes to turn off the oven.
My steps are simple and they work:
- Turn off the oven while the cheesecake is still jiggly or wobbly, according to the instructions. The main concern is about not properly cooking the eggs, and that is not a problem, at least with the baking times instructed in the recipes in this blog.
- Leave the cheesecake in the oven for an hour and don't open the door. The residual heat will cook it a bit more.
- Take it out, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. I recommend 24 to 48 hours for a creamier texture.
Can you freeze it?
Of course! Cheesecake freezes beautifully.
I have a theory that a few days in the freezer, after it has been refrigerated for at least 8 hours, actually helps improve the creamy consistency and texture. But that's me.
This brown sugar cheesecake can be made ahead and frozen. Let defrost at room temperature for about 45 minutes before serving.
So rest assured that this brown sugar cheesecake is worth every calorie.
It's the perfect dessert for the string of holidays that have already started and go into the next year. A wonderful alternative to traditional pies and cakes, or a different addition to recipes you wouldn't even dream of not making.
Related recipes you might like:
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Brown Sugar Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup ground almonds
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 ½ cups cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- ¼ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 4 eggs
For the topping:
- 1 ½ cups sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon, whisky, brandy or cognac
Instructions
For the crust:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until it looks like wet sand.
- Line the bottom of a 9 inch (24cm) springform pan with aluminum foil and attach the sides.
- Press cookie mixture onto bottom and up sides of the pan (about 1 inch). Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
For the filling:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
- In a large bowl beat cream cheese, butter and sugar until completely smooth.
- Add molasses, vanilla, sour cream and cream and beat just until incorporated.
- Add eggs, one at a time, barely waiting for one to incorporate before adding the next one.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.
- Lower oven temperature to 300ºF/150ºC and bake for 40 minutes more. Keep oven on.
- Remove cake and carefully spread topping on. Cheesecake will be wobbly.
- Return to the oven, bake for another 5 minutes and turn the oven off. Leave cheesecake for one hour inside the oven without opening the door.
- Remove to a wire rack, let cool completely, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
For the topping:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
To serve cheesecake:
- Remove sides from springform pan and lift aluminum foil.
- Place cake on serving plate and decorate with nuts.
- Keep refrigerated.
Notes
Adapted from The best American Recipes 2005-2006 by Fran McCullough and Molly Stevens
Lecora says
I usually make a cheesecake during the holidays and wanted to try something new (I've done the standard Thanksgiving ones; pumpkin, pecan, plain) so was excited for a brown sugar.
I think the recipe instructions may need updated. I only printed the recipe and didn't read the blog (since normally any tips are added in the recipe printout).
Noticed in step 7 that you're to add the topping and bake for 5 minutes then let it cook with residual heat for an hour.
In your blog post, you state that you add the topping after turning off the heat instead. Based on my results from last night, I'm guessing I needed to add it after the stove was turned off and not bake it for the 5 minutes. My topping is more melted than a nice layer like your pictures.
It also looks like you don't do a water bath? Or is that implied? I cut my cooking time by 20 minutes when I noticed my cheesecake cracking and checking it, it was fully cooked through when checking with a thermometer.
I'll update after tasting it tonight but outside those 2 points, everything else went well.
Edith Victor says
This looks so delicious, and such a flavor-packed Brown Sugar Cheesecake! Cannot wait to eat this, my mouth is filled with water already. Thanks for sharing this recipe
Paula Montenegro says
Happy to hear that Edith! Let me know how it went. Have a great weekend.
Beverley says
Quick question...it calls for 1/4 cream. What kind of cream is this? Could I maybe just use more sour cream? The only cream I have seen in grocery stores is coffee cream, whipping cream or sour cream. TY in advance.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Beverley, you can use heavy, double or whipping cream. It adds richness and creaminess, but you can use sour cream instead. It's a small amount. Hope this helps.
Beverley Woodward says
Thank you so much! Getting ready to make it right now.
Alexis says
Wow this recipe is so unique and beautiful! I am a big sweet/savory person, so I love the idea of cheese to brown sugar. I never would have thought of that myself but it’s a great idea, I can’t wait to try this!
Jo says
Thank you for all those tips. Love a good cheesecake like this one. Looks so creamy, utterly delicious! I wish to grab a big slice od it right away.
Leanne says
Paula, this cheesecake looks amazing! I don't often make cheesecake but I usually make one around the holidays, and this one would be perfect. It has a fall vibe and my family would love it! Thanks for sharing!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Oh look how luscious and creamy your cheesecake looks! I seriously want a bite of it! And that sour cream layer! Perfect! This is a great addition to the holidays!
Marisa Franca Stewart says
This is the perfect dessert for the holidays. So dreamy and creamy! I've never tried using brown sugar in it but yum it sounds so good. And that topping looks to die for. I haven't made cheesecake in a while but your recipe inspired me to give it a go this holiday season.
Danielle says
The cheesecake that has the perfect texture and looks absolutely stunning! I LOVED your tips on how to achieve a smooth cheesecake filling - so helpful!
Anna says
Wow Paula, this cheesecake looks just heavenly! The filling looks so smooth and creamy, I just want to dig in! Beautiful photos too!
Denise says
This looks incredibly creamy and delicious! I have never met a cheesecake I didn't like.
Kathryn says
This sounds delicious! I definitely need to add this recipe to my holiday baking list!!
Chef Dennis says
How did you know I was looking for a new Holiday dessert?! This Brown Sugar Cheesecake will be perfect. It looks really scrumptious and I am sure my family will super love this.
Kelly Anthony says
Your thorough directions and helpful tips will make making this brown sugar cheesecake a cinch. The bourbon you've added to the topping really takes this cheesecake to the next level.
Eonline@themeinerts.com says
wanted a brown sugar cheesecake to make a praline topping with. Do you think this would work with that topping instead?
wp_vknotes_admin says
Yes, it will.
jhon miller says
For the topping, would there be a good way to actually place it over top of the cheesecake...ie., could I spread the topping over the surface of the cheesecake after it's cooked or would it not be firm enough to stay? I am making this for a more formal occassion and I don't want a seperate bowl to serve the topping.
Thankk you
john miller
wp_vknotes_admin says
The topping is spread on top of the cheesecake and baked for a few more minutes, not in a separate bowl. Thanks!
Anonymous says
Made this for Christmas and it was phenomenal! Couldn't find molasses in the shops so bought black treacle instead (I'm pretty sure it's the same thing). Thank you so so much.
Sunita Chaudhar says
oooohhh... This cake looks awesome!!!Lovely recipe!This looks absolutely yummy..Very Nice post. I use to do buy online cheese cake as its time saving.very informative post about cheese cake.thanks for sharing this.
Cannon Scheryl says
The vanilla with maple syrup sounds delicious, I will give it a try. Thank you Paula, I really think it will be a big hit.