Indulgent Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Simple Weekend Magic

Sweet caramel cheesecake bars represent a decadent dessert that enhances ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Creamy textures and rich layers promise an indulgent experience beyond typical bakery treats.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with golden caramel, creating a luxurious combination that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between tangy and sweet flavor profiles.

Delicate yet substantial, these bars offer a sophisticated twist on classic dessert favorites.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike appreciate the elegant simplicity of this recipe’s construction.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with a treat that impresses and satisfies.

Ways to Customize Cheesecake Bar Flavors

• Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cheesecake filling before baking, creating a rich chocolate layer that complements the creamy texture and caramel sweetness.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the graham cracker crust and sprinkle extra nuts on top of the caramel topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Swirl: Mix a pinch of sea salt into the caramel topping and create a marbled effect by gently swirling the salted caramel through the cheesecake filling before baking, enhancing the complex flavor profile.
• Seasonal Berry Caramel Bars: Top the cooled cheesecake with fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or strawberries before drizzling the caramel sauce, adding a bright and fruity contrast to the rich dessert.

Why These Cheesecake Bars Deserve a Bite

• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: These cheesecake bars deliver a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, creating a smooth and rich dessert experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Caramel Magic Unleashed: The homemade caramel topping transforms a classic cheesecake into a decadent treat, with deep golden sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese base.
• Foolproof Baking Delight: The recipe offers simple step-by-step instructions that make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, allowing even novice cooks to create a professional-looking dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

What Goes into Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together for a perfect texture.
• Butter (Melted): Helps hold the crust ingredients together and creates a rich, golden base.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that gives the cheesecake its signature rich and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness to the filling.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating a smooth, custard-like texture in the filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, helping to create a creamy and soft filling.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and rich color to the topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
• Condensed Milk: Gives the caramel a thick, creamy consistency and extra sweetness.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the caramel topping with its warm, sweet notes.

Making Cheesecake Bars Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 minutes.

Step 5: Cool the Cheesecake

Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake sit in the warm oven for 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely for 1 hour at room temperature.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Topping

• Brown sugar
• Butter

Stir continuously until butter melts and sugar dissolves.

• Condensed milk
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.

Step 7: Cook the Caramel

Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture. Continue boiling until the caramel reaches 225°F or soft ball stage.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Let the caramel cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes. Pour over the cooled cheesecake, spreading evenly. Allow the caramel to set completely.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your decadent caramel cheesecake bars!

Helpful Tips for a Creamier Bar

• Chill Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Prevent Cracks: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and bake in a water bath to create a silky, crack-free surface.
• Test Caramel Doneness: Use a candy thermometer for precise caramel cooking, ensuring the perfect texture and preventing burning.
• Slice Cleanly: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts to create clean, neat squares.
• Storage Hack: Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

How to Keep Bars Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate Carefully: Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture. These bars will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake bars can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best flavor and consistency.
• Reheat Gently: Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. For a slightly warm treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds on low power.

Sweet Companions to Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Silky Port Wine: A rich, sweet port wine complements the creamy caramel cheesecake bars perfectly, balancing the dessert's richness with its smooth, velvety texture.
• Serve Alongside Espresso: A bold, freshly brewed espresso cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust contrast that enhances the caramel and cream cheese flavors.
• Garnish with Candied Pecans: Sprinkle crunchy, caramelized pecans on top to add a nutty texture and depth of flavor, creating a delightful crunch against the smooth cheesecake base.
• Match with Caramel Latte: A warm caramel latte echoes the dessert's caramel notes, creating a harmonious and indulgent flavor experience that intensifies the overall sweetness.

Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky caramel cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with sweet indulgence, offering a luxurious dessert experience. Layers of graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and golden caramel drizzle make these bars an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter

Sweeteners:

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish by lightly spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even and compact base layer.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract until completely smooth and free of lumps.
5. Incorporate eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform texture.
6. Gently fold in sour cream, mixing until the filling becomes silky and well-combined.
7. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to smooth the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
9. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to rest in the warm oven for 15 minutes to prevent cracking.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for one hour.
11. For the caramel topping, combine brown sugar and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
12. Stir continuously until the butter completely melts and the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth mixture.
13. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.
14. Insert a candy thermometer and continue boiling until the caramel reaches 225°F (107°C), which indicates the soft ball stage.
15. Remove the caramel from heat and allow it to cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes to slightly thicken.
16. Carefully pour the warm caramel over the cooled cheesecake, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
17. Allow the caramel to set and cool completely at room temperature.
18. Using a sharp knife, cut the cheesecake into square portions and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Prepare a pristine baking dish by generously spraying with nonstick cooking spray to guarantee effortless bar removal.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve an ultra-smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Monitor caramel closely during cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning and reach the precise soft ball stage for ideal texture.
• Allow cheesecake to rest in warm oven after baking to prevent cracking and create a silky, crack-free surface.
• Chill bars completely before cutting to get clean, precise square slices that showcase beautiful layers.
• Store bars in refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and optimal flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg