Dreamy Caramel Cheesecake Squares Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible, these caramel cheesecake squares melt hearts with every decadent bite.

The velvety smooth texture perfectly balances rich caramel notes dancing across a buttery graham cracker crust.

Luxurious cream cheese creates a silky foundation that transforms an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary.

Each square promises a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No fancy culinary skills needed – just simple ingredients and a passion for delectable treats.

The magic happens when simple components come together to create pure dessert bliss.

Prepare to be the star of any gathering with these crowd-pleasing squares that disappear faster than you can slice them.

Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Squares—Sweetness in Every Bite

• Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor with these creamy cheesecake squares.
• Switch up graham cracker crust with different cookie bases like chocolate or vanilla wafers for personalized touch.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where everyone craves a sweet indulgence.
• Prepare in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert planning.

What’s Needed for Caramel Cheesecake Squares

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake squares.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the crust hold its shape and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tangy flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the filling and provide structure to the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and sweet notes.

• Dulce de Leche, Heavy Cream: A luxurious caramel sauce that adds a rich, sweet drizzle to the cheesecake squares.

Tools for Baking Creamy Cheesecake Squares

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect cheesecake base.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of squares.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing crust and filling ingredients.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Important for beating cream cheese and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Small saucepan: Required for heating and mixing dulce de leche and cream.
• Knife: Used for swirling caramel topping and cutting squares.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.

Steps to Caramel Cheesecake Square Bliss

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 325F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure some paper hangs over the edges so you can easily lift out your delicious creation later.

Step 2: Craft the Crunchy Base

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid and delicious foundation for your cheesecake squares.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they become smooth and dreamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, creating a silky-smooth mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Layer the Filling

Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite will be perfectly creamy.

Step 5: Create the Caramel Swirl

In a small saucepan, blend dulce de leche and heavy cream over low heat.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Drizzle this caramel goodness over the cream cheese layer, then use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature.

Then, pop it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This helps the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly smooth.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a decadent treat that’ll impress everyone!

Cheesecake Square Tips for Success

• Use the back of a measuring cup to press graham cracker mixture firmly, creating an even, compact base that won't crumble when cutting.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling with perfect consistency.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and bake in a water bath to create a silky, crack-free surface that looks professionally made.
• Use a toothpick or thin knife to create beautiful, intentional caramel swirls without overworking the top layer.

Caramel Cheesecake Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut condensed milk instead of dulce de leche, and incorporate flax eggs to create a plant-based cheesecake square with similar decadent flavors.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free caramel sauce, and reduce overall sweetness while keeping the luxurious cheesecake experience intact.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Add cocoa powder to the crust, incorporate melted dark chocolate into the filling, and drizzle chocolate ganache over the caramel swirl.

Serving Caramel Cheesecake Squares

• Sweet Caramel Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast that enhances the cheesecake's rich flavor.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Enjoy these squares with a hot espresso or cappuccino, letting the strong coffee notes balance the dessert's sweetness.
• Elegant Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle some sea salt flakes or chopped toasted pecans on top to add a delightful crunch and enhance the caramel's depth.
• Dessert Platter Delight: Create a beautiful dessert board with these cheesecake squares, fresh berries, and a small drizzle of extra caramel sauce for visual appeal and taste variety.

Storing Cheesecake Squares Safely

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cheesecake squares flat to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let cold cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery and compromise the creamy consistency.
• These caramel cheesecake squares taste best when served cold directly from the refrigerator, maintaining their rich, smooth texture and preserving the swirled caramel topping.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this caramel cheesecake recipe?

The key ingredients include graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, dulce de leche, eggs, sour cream, butter, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

• Is this recipe difficult to make for a home baker?

This recipe is relatively easy for intermediate bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the technique of swirling caramel is simple to execute with basic kitchen skills.

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

The top should be set but the center will still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This indicates the cheesecake is perfectly cooked and will set during chilling.

Caramel Cheesecake Squares Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible caramel cheesecake squares blend creamy philadelphia cream cheese with rich dulce de leche for a luxurious dessert. Sweet layers of graham cracker crust and silky caramel create a memorable treat you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup dulce de leche
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Flavoring and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325F (163C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for easy removal.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact crust foundation.
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a separate bowl until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until well integrated.
4. Carefully distribute the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, ensuring an even and level surface.
5. Create the caramel topping by gently warming dulce de leche and heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring until achieving a seamless consistency. Artfully drizzle the mixture across the cream cheese layer, using a knife to create delicate swirling patterns.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The surface should appear set while maintaining a subtle jiggle in the center.
7. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
8. Utilize the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into precise, uniform squares using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to achieve a silky cheesecake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
• Use a water bath method by placing the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water to create even, gentle heat and prevent surface cracking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg