If you are craving something rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet, this Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust with the smoothest cream cheese filling and a generous drizzle of luscious caramel sauce, these bars strike a perfect balance between classic cheesecake indulgence and that delightful caramel charm. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones, these bars promise to be a hit with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and that gorgeous golden color that makes this dessert so inviting.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Forms a crunchy, buttery crust that holds everything together.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind the crumbs.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and firmness to the crust.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base of the filling that gives you that smooth and tangy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering it.
- 2 large eggs: Adds structure and helps the filling set beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce: The star topping that brings a luscious, buttery sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional): Perfect for adding a salted caramel twist, balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later on. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like moist sand. Press this evenly into the pan’s bottom, ensuring a firm and even layer. Bake for 10 minutes to create a crisp crust that will beautifully support the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the crust bakes, soften your cream cheese so it’s ready to blend smoothly. Beat the cream cheese with sugar until it’s silky and lump-free. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the texture light and airy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, which lends a fragrant warmth that elevates the entire dessert experience.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheesecake bars are done when the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle. This ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture once chilled.
Step 4: Chill and Add Caramel
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This chilling step is crucial for firm slices. Once well chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top. If you love a bit of contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the caramel for a delightful salted caramel flavor. Slice into 9 generous bars and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe even more irresistible, try garnishing with a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nuttiness. A dusting of cocoa powder or a swirl of whipped cream works beautifully too. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add a bright, tangy contrast that highlights the creamy richness of the bars.
Side Dishes
These bars are delicious on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes them to another level. If you’re serving at a party, offer fresh coffee or a spiced hot chocolate alongside, which complements the sweet, creamy flavors perfectly and makes each bite feel like a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert platter, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with caramel drizzled artistically over and around the bars. You can also layer smaller pieces in clear dessert cups with alternating layers of whipped cream and caramel sauce for a fun, individual treat presentation. These subtle touches make the Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe feel extra special for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 5 days, making these bars perfect for prepping in advance and enjoying throughout the week without losing their delightful texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars if you want to keep them longer. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Reheating
These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture and cause the caramel to become overly runny.
FAQs
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch that tastes incredible on these bars. Just make sure the caramel is cooled before drizzling to prevent it from melting the cheesecake topping.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If graham crackers aren’t available, crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits make excellent alternatives for the crust—they provide a similar texture and flavor profile.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
To minimize cracking, avoid overbaking and ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Also, gentle mixing and baking at a lower temperature like 325°F help maintain a smooth surface.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes, and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free. The texture might vary slightly, but the taste is still delightful.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps achieve smooth, clean cuts without tearing the bars apart or smudging the caramel.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of creamy cheesecake and rich caramel in one perfectly balanced dessert. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, it’s guaranteed to brighten up your dessert table and win hearts. Give it a go, and you’ll surely find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously creamy caramel cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with smooth caramel sauce and a hint of sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Easy to make and perfect for any dessert occasion.
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 and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cheesecake bars.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set it, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set.
- Add topping and serve: Once chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the bars. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired for a salted caramel twist. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, slice into 9 bars, and serve.
Notes
- For a different crust flavor, substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
- To achieve a firmer caramel topping, refrigerate the bars again after drizzling the caramel sauce.
- Store the caramel cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
