The Dreamiest Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe Ever Made

Sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible, these caramel cheesecake bars blend decadent flavors that dance across your palate.

Luxurious cream cheese mingles with rich caramel in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch beneath layers of silky smooth filling.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Buttery caramel swirls create mesmerizing patterns throughout the creamy cheesecake base.

Serve these elegant bars at your next gathering, and watch as guests marvel at your baking skills.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Caramel Cheesecake Bars The Ultimate Treat

• These caramel cheesecake bars deliver restaurant-quality dessert without complex techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Combining classic graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel sauce, this recipe guarantees smiles from family and friends at gatherings.
• Home bakers can personalize the bars by adjusting caramel thickness or adding extra toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate drizzle for unique flavor variations.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these bars an ideal last-minute sweet option for potlucks, dinner parties, or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Ingredients For Gooey Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of the crust that provides a classic, sweet cookie-like texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and cheesecake filling.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and provides rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the smooth, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Eggs: Help set and stabilize the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet essence.

• Sugar, Heavy Cream, Sea Salt: Create the base of the rich, golden caramel sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a smooth, luxurious finish to the caramel sauce.

Tools To Make Cheesecake Bars a Breeze

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for blending cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for beating cream cheese and creating creamy texture.
• 8-inch square baking pan: Crucial for forming and baking the cheesecake bars.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting.
• Medium bowl: Needed for mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Small saucepan: Used for preparing the caramel sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helps spread and smooth the cheesecake filling.
• Cooling rack: Allows cheesecake to cool evenly after baking.

Steps to Sweet Caramel Cheesecake Bar Success

Step 1: Craft The Crunchy Base

Warm up your oven to 350F (180C).

Grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy lifting.

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix the crumbs and sugar together.

Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything looks perfectly combined.

Press this mixture firmly into the pan, creating an even layer.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the base turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and your cream cheese.

Beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth.

Add granulated sugar and continue beating.

Crack the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract for that classic flavor.

Gently spread this luscious filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan back into the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges look set but the center still has a slight wobble.

This ensures a dreamy, creamy texture.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Caramel Drizzle

• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt
• Unsalted butter

Combine sugar, cream, and sea salt over medium heat.

Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves.

Let the mixture bubble and boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in butter until it melts completely.

Drizzle this golden caramel generously over the cooled cheesecake.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let everything set beautifully.

Tips For Extra Rich Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Avoid overbaking the graham cracker base by watching carefully and removing when lightly golden to maintain a tender texture.
• Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix ingredients gently to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a smooth, creamy filling.
• Stir sugar mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a rich, golden caramel without bitter notes.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours before cutting to help them set firmly and create clean, precise edges.
• Replace graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or use almond flour for a low-carb crust variation.

Cheesecake Bar Mix-Ins and Swaps to Try

• Vegan Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap eggs with flax eggs. Create caramel sauce using coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Cheesecake Bars: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use the same filling and caramel technique for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, add cocoa powder to the filling, and make a sugar-free caramel sauce with erythritol and cream.

How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars Beautifully

• Sweet Slice Pairing: Serve these rich bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience that balances the caramel's warmth with creamy coolness.
• Elegant Serving Style: Cut into precise, small squares for an upscale presentation at dinner parties, garnishing each piece with a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the caramel's depth.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these decadent bars with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, allowing the robust coffee notes to complement the sweet, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves, creating a stunning dessert centerpiece for weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Keeping Cheesecake Bars Soft and Fresh

• Store the caramel cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Do not leave the cheesecake bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the dairy ingredients. Always keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the caramel and cream cheese.

FAQs

• What makes the crust crispy and flavorful?

Graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter create a buttery, crunchy base that provides a delicious foundation for the creamy cheesecake filling. The brief baking time helps set the crust and enhance its golden-brown texture.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set edges and a center that’s just slightly jiggly. This indicates the cheesecake is cooked through but will maintain a creamy, smooth texture. Overbaking can lead to a dry, cracked surface.

• Why do I need to add butter to the caramel sauce?

Adding butter to the caramel sauce creates a richer, smoother consistency and enhances the flavor. The butter helps balance the sweetness and provides a luxurious, glossy finish.

Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful caramel cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with sweet caramel layers. Classic dessert perfection combines smooth cream cheese and golden caramel for an irresistible treat you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining with parchment paper, ensuring excess hangs over edges for easy removal.
2. Create crust by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar, then integrate melted butter until evenly moistened. Firmly press mixture into prepared pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Whip cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly.
5. Add eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
6. Gently pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly wobbly center. Remove from oven and cool completely.
8. Prepare caramel sauce by combining sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
9. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in unsalted butter until smooth.
10. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to set completely before serving.

Notes

• Swap out graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based cookies for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly version of the dessert.
• Chill the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Prevent cracks in the cheesecake by baking in a water bath and avoiding overmixing the batter, which can incorporate too much air.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg