Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Gather all your ingredients and prepare your springform pan.
In a bowl, combine crushed dark chocolate cookies, melted unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until crumby. Press into the bottom of the springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Soften cream cheese in a large mixing bowl, then beat with sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in. Place in a larger baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
Bake at 325°F for 1 hour, then let cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door cracked.
Cool the cheesecake at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Pour caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake, and sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts.
Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over peas and caramel. Finish with flaked sea salt.
Warm a knife in hot water, slice through the cheesecake, and serve chilled.
Notes
Ensure the crust is evenly pressed into the pan for easier slicing. Chill overnight for best flavor meld.