Divine Smooth Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Silky Sweet Delight

Creamy desserts with a caramel twist always spark joy at gatherings, and these irresistible caramel cheesecake bars will undoubtedly steal the show.

Decadent layers of rich cream cheese blend perfectly with silky smooth caramel sauce for an unforgettable treat.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors that melt in your mouth.

The buttery graham cracker crust provides a delicious crunch that complements the soft, velvety filling.

Elegant yet simple to prepare, these bars elevate any dessert table with minimal effort.

No complicated techniques or exotic ingredients stand between you and this delectable masterpiece.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fridge Storage Tips for Bar Desserts

• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delectable.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2-month storage without losing flavor quality.
• Layer parchment paper between bars when stacking to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful caramel-topped appearance.
• Remove bars from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy texture and allowing caramel to reach perfect serving consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies. Just ensure they’re finely crushed for the best texture.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at the correct temperature, and let the bars cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these caramel cheesecake bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.

• What if my caramel sauce is too runny?

If the caramel is too thin, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before pouring over the cheesecake to help it set and create a thicker layer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 314 kcal

Servings: 17

Caramel Cheesecake Bar Ingredients You’ll Need

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, buttery foundation with a delightful crumbly texture that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together and adds rich, golden flavor while creating a sturdy base for the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape during baking.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, luxurious base with its tangy and rich character that defines the classic cheesecake experience.
• Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and provides perfect sweetness throughout the filling.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent that helps the cheesecake set and achieve its signature creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, elevating the overall flavor profile with its aromatic essence.
• All-Purpose Flour: Stabilizes the cheesecake filling, preventing cracks and ensuring a silky smooth consistency.

• Caramel Sauce: Delivers a luscious, golden drizzle that adds decadent sweetness and beautiful visual appeal to the finished dessert.

Tools That Make Baking Cheesecake Bars Easier

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating uniform bars and easy baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps lift bars out cleanly and prevents sticking.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining crust and cheesecake ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth, lump-free cream cheese mixture.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps blend graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.

Instructions for Rich Caramel Cheesecake Squares

• Build the Foundation

Grab your baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until the mixture looks like damp beach sand. Press this delicious base firmly into the pan, creating a smooth, even foundation for your dessert.

• Whip Up the Creamy Center

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs, sugar, and vanilla, creating a luxurious batter that’s free of any pesky lumps. Pour this dreamy mixture over your graham cracker crust, ensuring an even layer that promises pure indulgence.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and let happen. Watch for a slightly wobbly center that signals perfect doneness. Once baked, let the cheesecake cool completely, resisting the temptation to dive in too quickly.

• Drizzle with Caramel Delight

Once cooled, cascade golden caramel sauce across the surface, creating mesmerizing swirls that promise sweet decadence. Chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.

• Slice and Savor

Carefully lift the entire creation from the pan using parchment paper. Slice into elegant bars and treat yourself to a mouthwatering dessert that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Additions That Enhance the Caramel Flavor

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles before baking to prevent surface cracks.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel topping to enhance the sweet-salty flavor profile and add depth to the dessert.

Cutting and Serving Cheesecake Bars Neatly

• Party Perfect Platter: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with scattered caramel drizzles for an Instagram-worthy dessert presentation.
• Sweet Sidekick Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla bean latte or rich espresso to complement the caramel's deep sweetness.
• Fancy Garnish Trick: Sprinkle crushed sea salt flakes or toasted pecans on top to enhance the caramel's complex flavor profile and add delightful texture.
• Chilled Dessert Hack: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares for easy party sharing, making them perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.

Smooth Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Delightful caramel cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with sweet indulgence. Smooth cream cheese and golden caramel layers create a luxurious dessert you’ll crave with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
• 16 oz (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ½ cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 4 tbsps (57 grams) butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending seamlessly with melted butter and sugar until the mixture achieves a cohesive, sandy texture.
2. Crust Preparation: Press the crumb mixture firmly into a lined rectangular baking pan, establishing a robust, uniform foundation for the decadent layers ahead.
3. Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until supremely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps through rigorous blending with an electric mixer.
4. Batter Fusion: Integrate sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour into the cream cheese, whisking with gentle, consistent motions to craft a luxurious, velvety batter.
5. Baking Transformation: Pour the silky cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, spreading with precision to create an even, tempting layer, then bake in a preheated oven until the center quivers slightly while edges turn golden and set.
6. Cooling and Finishing: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then cascade caramel sauce across the surface with an elegant, even distribution.
7. Serving Presentation: Refrigerate for at least two hours to solidify layers, then lift from the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into refined, indulgent bars ready for ultimate enjoyment.

Notes

• Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs for a consistent, compact crust base that prevents crumbling.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix ingredients gently to avoid over-mixing, which can cause unsightly surface cracks during baking.
• Control Moisture Levels: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent lumpy texture in the cheesecake batter.
• Master Caramel Drizzling: Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve smooth, even distribution across the cooled cheesecake surface for maximum flavor presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 314
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 74 mg