Dreaming of a creamy, dreamy treat with buttery crunch and rivers of gooey caramel? Caramel Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new signature dessert. Imagine a thick graham cracker crust topped with rich, tangy cheesecake, all finished with a generous swirl of golden caramel and a hint of sea salt. These bars have the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and crisp, and are absolutely guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to snag a square!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Caramel Cheesecake Bars is refreshingly simple, yet every single component shines through in both taste and texture. Each ingredient adds a special touch, so don’t skip out—even if you’re tempted!
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: They make a crisp, sturdy crust and give a classic cheesecake base flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, harmonizing all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the crust together and imparts a lovely richness.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The superstar ingredient, offering velvety smoothness and that signature tang.
- Large Eggs: Help set the cheesecake filling, ensuring every bite is creamy yet sliceable.
- Vanilla Extract: Elevates the entire dessert with warmth and depth.
- Caramel Sauce: The showstopping topper—use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Sea Salt (optional): Sprinkling a little on top brings out caramel’s complexity and creates an irresistible salty-sweet effect.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra hanging over the sides. This overhang will act as handy handles later, making it a cinch to lift out your finished bars without a mess or crumbling edges.
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like damp sand and holds together when pressed. Pour it into your prepared pan and use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it into an even, firm layer. Bake this crust for 10 minutes just until it’s set—your kitchen will already start to smell wonderful!
Step 3: Whip up the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust cools slightly, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, so the filling stays silky. Finish by blending in the vanilla extract, which wraps the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your cheesecake filling right over the warm crust and use a spatula to smooth the top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and the very center jiggles just a little. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before popping them in the fridge for at least 3 hours—or overnight if you’re planning ahead.
Step 5: Add the Caramel and Slice
Once the cheesecake layer is thoroughly chilled, pour the caramel sauce all over the top in luscious ribbons. If you want that irresistible salted caramel vibe, sprinkle a pinch of flaked sea salt on top. Chill again to set the caramel a bit more if you like firmer bars. Finally, use the parchment handles to lift the bars out, slice into neat squares, and serve up the magic!
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Add an extra flourish by finishing each bar with a sprinkle of flaky salt, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a twist of orange zest for a citrusy surprise. To make them extra special, you can top each with a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh berry. These little touches make your Caramel Cheesecake Bars bakery-worthy!
Side Dishes
Pair these indulgent treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light, tangy fruit salad for a gorgeous dessert plate. A cup of strong espresso or even a glass of dessert wine brings out the richness and creates a dreamy balance to the creamy caramel cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into diamonds, mini triangles, or bite-sized cubes for a fun dessert platter at parties. Stack them in a colorful box and tie with ribbon for a delightful homemade gift. For a sit-down dinner, try plating each square with a drizzle of extra caramel and a chocolate curl on top—your guests will swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Caramel Cheesecake Bars taste just as fantastic the next day! Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you’ll get to enjoy a little treat whenever your sweet tooth calls. They’ll keep for up to five days, so you can savor every bite without any rush.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some bars for the future, these freeze like a dream. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their dreaminess for up to two months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight for a fuss-free dessert later on.
Reheating
While there’s no need to reheat these bars (they’re dreamy straight from the fridge!), if you want your caramel extra oozy, you can microwave a slice on low for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or the texture may become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! Crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits work wonderfully if you’d like to switch things up or if you can’t find graham crackers.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
For perfectly neat edges, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Clean and rewarm the knife between cuts for bakery-level results every time.
Can I make Caramel Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them a day in advance and add the caramel topping before serving or right after chilling for maximum convenience and flavor.
What kind of caramel sauce should I use?
Use any store-bought caramel sauce you love, or make your own at home for that from-scratch touch. Thicker sauces will stay put on top; runnier ones will soak in for extra richness—both ways are delicious!
How do I get a salted caramel flavor?
Just sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the caramel before it sets. The salty crunch adds complexity and brings out the sweet, buttery notes in these Caramel Cheesecake Bars.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that captures hearts at first bite, Caramel Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to impress. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch—you might just find yourself making them on repeat! Enjoy every creamy, caramel-drizzled square and make some delicious memories along the way.
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of these Caramel Cheesecake Bars that perfectly marry the creaminess of cheesecake with the rich flavor of caramel. A delectable dessert that will please any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel effect)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until sandy. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours.
- Finish: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Add sea salt if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as an alternative to graham crackers.
- For a firmer caramel topping, refrigerate the bars again after drizzling with caramel.
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
