Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the dreamy richness of cheesecake mingled with a silky swirl of caramel. These bars are the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little salty, making them an irresistible dessert for parties or cozy nights in. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling, and that magical caramel ribbon throughout, each square promises pure delight in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but skips the fuss, Caramel Cheesecake Bars fit the bill perfectly. The ingredient list is short but each element plays a big role in texture, flavor, and presentation, giving you luscious results without complexity.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Lays the tasty, toasty foundation for a crisp and flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy top layers.
- Granulated sugar: A little mixed into both the crust and the filling for just the right touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust together and adds that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the show—provides the luxuriously smooth, tangy base for these bars.
- Eggs: Help set the cheesecake layer, giving it body and a dreamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, enhancing both the cheesecake and caramel flavors.
- Sour cream: Adds a bit of tangy balance and extra creaminess so every bite feels lighter.
- Caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling: Swirled throughout and on top for gooey, golden rivers of sweetness—go for a good-quality caramel!
- Optional: Sea salt flakes: For that irresistible sweet-and-salty finish, just a sprinkle before serving makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out cleanly later on. In a medium bowl, stir together your graham cracker crumbs, a scoop of sugar, and the melted butter, combining until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into your pan to form a solid layer—it should feel densely packed. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, then set aside so it can cool a bit before the cheesecake goes on.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Batter
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s entirely smooth and free from lumps. Blend in the remaining sugar, making sure no gritty bits remain. Add the eggs one by one, mixing on low so you don’t incorporate too much air, then add the vanilla and sour cream. When it’s all combined into a luscious, silky batter, you’re good to go. The mixture should be spoonable and thick, smelling sweet and slightly tangy.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth it out to the edges. Warm your caramel sauce slightly if it’s thick, then drizzle half a cup in ribbons over the cheesecake layer. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the caramel into the batter—don’t overmix! You want pretty ribbons, not fully blended layers, so just a few figure-eights will do the trick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center barely jiggles when you shake the pan gently. The edges should look set, with a little golden blush, and the swirled caramel will look irresistible. Resist the urge to dig in right away—cool the entire pan at room temperature, then slide it into the fridge for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better) to let everything firm up just right.
Step 5: Slice and Finish
Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out of the pan. For picture-perfect Caramel Cheesecake Bars, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. Finish with extra caramel drizzled all over and, if you like, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for that gourmet touch. Now, you’re ready to serve up smiles!
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way with Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Drizzle generously with extra caramel sauce just before serving, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a little sparkle and a pop of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a small dollop of whipped cream or a few chopped toasted pecans look and taste divine.
Side Dishes
These bars are wonderfully rich, so keep side dishes simple and refreshing. Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to provide contrast and brighten each bite. For a grown-up touch, offer some espresso or dark coffee—the slight bitterness pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, pile the bars on a rustic wooden board with caramel drizzled artistically over the top. For parties, cut them smaller and stick in fancy toothpicks for easy grab-and-go treats. They also make a beautiful showstopper as part of a mixed dessert bar, layered with chocolate squares and vanilla-flavored treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Caramel Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay perfectly creamy and delicious for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Just be sure they’re tightly covered so they don’t pick up any refrigerator smells.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Cut them into squares, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them all in a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months and are best thawed overnight in the fridge for the most decadent texture.
Reheating
If you enjoy your cheesecake bars slightly warmed, pop a square onto a plate and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and soften the caramel a bit. Don’t overheat, or the bars may lose some of their creamy structure.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust for Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! While graham crackers are classic, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate cookies for a delicious twist on the base.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
Low-fat cream cheese can be substituted, but you’ll sacrifice a bit of richness and texture. For the creamiest, most luscious bars, full-fat cream cheese is the way to go.
Do I need to use homemade caramel, or can I buy it?
Either works beautifully! Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient and can be delicious—just pick a high-quality one. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use it for an extra special touch.
How do I get clean slices without the filling sticking to my knife?
For pristine, bakery-style Caramel Cheesecake Bars, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This quick trick keeps the layers tidy and your bars picture-perfect.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bars may need a few extra minutes in the oven, but keep an eye out and follow the same visual cues for doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that truly delivers on flavor and fun, you just can’t go wrong with Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Give them a whirl, share them with friends or family, and watch them vanish in record time—they’re sure to become a treasured favorite in your own kitchen!
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Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours (includes cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent bliss of these Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Creamy cheesecake on a graham cracker crust, swirled with luscious caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Optional: sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven and line the baking pan. Mix crust ingredients and press into the pan. Bake and set aside.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. Add vanilla and sour cream. Pour over crust.
- Add the Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling and swirl gently.
- Bake and Chill: Bake until set, cool, then refrigerate. Drizzle with more caramel and sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality caramel for best results.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- For clean slices, run your knife under hot water between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
