To make the crust:

1. Combine the melted butter, Swerve, almond flour, maple flavoring, bacon and pinch of salt in a medium bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly.
3. Press into a 10″ springform pan to a depth of about 1/4 inch along the bottom and 1/3 up the sides.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees (F) for 6 minutes to firm up before filling.

To make the cheesecake filling:

1. Put a large pot of water on to boil for your water bath.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetener with an electric mixer until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, pumpkin, and heavy whipping cream and beat for 2 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla, caramel flavoring, spices, and protein powder and beat until fluffy (about 2 more minutes.)
5. Pour into the springform pan lined with the pre-baked crust and smooth with a spatula.
6. Place the springform pan inside a larger pan and place on the middle rack in your oven.
7. Carefully pour boiling water into the larger pan until it’s about halfway up the sides of your springform pan.
8. Bake at 350 degrees (F) for one hour.
9. Then shut off the oven (leave the door shut) and leave it in there for another hour.
10. Remove carefully from the oven and chill for at least four hours, preferably overnight before drizzling with caramel and serving.

To make the white chocolate caramel sauce:

1. In a small microwave safe bowl, combine the raw cacao, heavy whipping cream, Swerve, and vanilla extract.
2. Microwave for one minute.
3. Remove and stir.
4. Microwave for another minute. Remove and stir.
5. Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir.
6. It should be light golden brown at this point, if not microwave for another 30 seconds. Alternatively you could heat this on the stove until golden and bubbling. Let it cool until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes) then drizzle over the cheesecake before serving.