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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create crust by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar, then integrate melted butter until evenly moistened. Firmly press mixture into prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Whip cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- Gently pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly wobbly center. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Prepare caramel sauce by combining sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- 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.
- 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