Combine the ingredients in a food processor and process until they come together in large crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or an 8-inch springform pan.
Filling
To bloom the gelatin, sprinkle it on 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small dish. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Strain out any lumps.
Combine the bloomed gelatin with the cream cheese, sour cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla in the food processor and process until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Pour into the prepared crust.
Chill the cheesecake for at least 3-4 hours before serving.
Topping
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.
Sprinkle with salt, if desired, for a salted caramel cheesecake.