This Smoked Juniors Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a championship-winning showstopper. Created for a BBQ competition and awarded a perfect 180 score at the Porkapalooza Honey BBQ Cookoff, this cheesecake blends creamy vanilla filling with a honey graham crust, hot bourbon caramel sauce, and honey-roasted cashews. It’s an unforgettable dessert, kissed by smoke and layered with sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.
Perfect 180 Smoked Juniors Cheesecake
This recipe is inspired by the iconic Juniors Cheesecake in New York City, but with a smoky twist that makes it uniquely fit for BBQ. I originally made this for the Porkapalooza Honey BBQ Cookoff in collaboration with Peace River Honey, and the judges awarded it a perfect score—a 180 in KCBS competition standards. With honey in every layer—from the crust to the sauce and topping—this dessert is a love letter to honey and wood-fired sweetness.
How to Make the Perfect 180 Smoked Juniors Cheesecake
Preparing the Cheesecake Crust
Preheat your smoker to 275°F and place a water bath inside to warm. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl and press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Smoke for 10 minutes to par-bake the crust.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, eggs, and whipping cream. Blend slowly at first, then on medium speed until completely smooth. Pour the batter over the crust in the springform pan.
Smoking the Cheesecake
Wrap the base of your springform pan in foil to prevent leaks and place it in the smoker’s water bath. Smoke at 275°F for about 1 hour 45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Avoid opening the smoker lid to maintain even heat and moisture.
Cooling the Cheesecake
Once smoked, rest the cheesecake on a wire rack for 2 hours at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, uncovered. After 4 hours, wrap it in plastic wrap if chilling overnight.
Making the Honey-Roasted Cashews
In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey and cashews. After coating, transfer to a parchment-lined tray and smoke at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden. Let cool and break into pieces for topping.
Making the Bourbon Honey Caramel Sauce
Simmer butter and hot bourbon honey in a saucepan until slightly darker, about 10 minutes. Stir in cream, bring to a brief boil, then reduce heat and stir for another 2 minutes. Let cool.
Assembling the Cheesecake
Slice chilled cheesecake and top each piece with the bourbon honey caramel sauce and a sprinkle of honey-roasted cashews. Optional: garnish with a piece of raw honeycomb for wow factor.
Best Beer to Pair With Perfect 180 Cheesecake
Porter
The roasted chocolate and coffee notes play beautifully against the sweet and nutty cheesecake.
Witbier
A citrusy, spiced wheat beer lifts the richness of the cream cheese and honey.
Maple Ale or Dessert Stout
Great for mirroring the maple and caramel tones in the glaze.
Perfect 180 Smoked Juniors Cheesecake
Equipment
- Louisiana Grills 1200 Premier
- You Need a BBQ Cutting Board
- Competition Blend Wood Pellets
- Spring Form Pan
- Yonedas Okami Chef Knife
- Aluminum foil
- Aluminum Tray
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Cheesecake Ingredients
- 32 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 â…” cups White Sugar
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 each Extra Large Eggs
- ¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Cheesecake Crust Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Finely Ground Graham Crackers
- â…“ cup White Sugar
- 6 tbsp Butter
Hot Bourbon Honey Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup Butter
- ½ cup Peace River Bourbon Hot Honey
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Smoked Sweet and Salty Honey Roasted Cashews
- 1 tsp Butter
- 1 ½ cups Whole Cashews salted
- ¼ cup Peace River Honey
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 275°F and set water bath inside
- Mix crust ingredients, press into greased springform pan, and par-bake for 10 minutes
- Mix cheesecake filling and pour over crust
- Smoke for 1 hr 45 mins or until golden
- Cool for 2 hours at room temp, then 4 hours in fridge
- Smoke honey-roasted cashews at 350°F for 20 minutes
- Make caramel sauce by simmering butter, honey, and cream
- Slice chilled cheesecake, top with sauce and cashews
- Serve cold and enjoy a world-class BBQ dessert
Smoked Juniors Cheesecake FAQs
What is a Perfect 180 Score in BBQ?
It means all but one of six judges gave your dish a perfect score on taste, tenderness, and appearance. Ours won a perfect 180 at Canada’s Porkapalooza—the first of its kind in Alberta!
Can I make this without a smoker?
Yes! Use a water bath in your oven at 275°F. You won’t get the smoke flavor, but the texture and flavor still hold up beautifully.
What honey should I use?
We used Peace River’s Hot Bourbon Honey, but you can swap for jalapeño, pineapple, or any high-quality natural honey you love.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—except for the graham crackers. Use gluten-free graham or cookie crumbs to make this celiac-friendly.