Heavenly Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet, creamy caramel cheesecake bars swirl together decadent flavors that melt in your mouth.

These irresistible dessert bars combine silky smooth cream cheese with rich, golden caramel.

Every bite promises a luxurious experience of perfectly balanced sweetness.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the luscious filling.

Layers of caramel create stunning ribbons throughout the cheesecake base, making each slice a visual and taste sensation.

Restaurant-quality desserts don’t get easier than this simple yet stunning recipe.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to wow everyone at the next gathering.

Caramel Cheesecake Bars: What You’ll Be Using

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crispy foundation with a subtle sweet and nutty backdrop for the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a cohesive, compact crust that holds its shape.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, luxurious base with its tangy and rich flavor profile.
• Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and adds sweetness to the filling.
• Vanilla: Introduces a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the filling together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tang, and helps create a silky, velvety texture.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, molasses-like sweetness and rich caramel color.
• Butter: Contributes a rich, smooth base for the caramel sauce.
• Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create a thick, luxurious caramel.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, glossy caramel.
• Vanilla: Enhances the caramel's complexity with its warm, comforting notes.

Equipment List for Baking Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• 9 x 13 inch baking dish: essential for creating and baking the cheesecake bars.
• Large mixing bowls: two needed for preparing crust and filling ingredients.
• Electric mixer: perfect for beating cream cheese, sugar, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Candy thermometer: crucial for monitoring caramel's precise temperature.
• Saucepan: used for creating the rich caramel topping.
• Whisk: helpful for stirring and blending caramel ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Nonstick cooking spray: prevents ingredients from sticking to baking dish.
• Sharp knife: needed for cutting bars into clean, even squares.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 412 kcal

Servings: 13

Baking Instructions for Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Crust Preparation Comfort zone where flavor magic begins

Grab graham crackers and crush them into fine sandy texture. Mix with melted butter and gentle sweetness. Press this delightful mixture into a baking pan, creating a perfect cozy base for your dreamy dessert.

• Creamy Cheesecake Layer Silky Smooth Centerpiece

Blend cream cheese until incredibly smooth. Add eggs gently, letting each incorporate beautifully. Pour this luxurious mixture over your prepared crust, creating a cloud-like landscape of deliciousness.

• Baking Transformation

Slide your creation into a warm oven. Bake until edges look slightly firm but center remains slightly jiggly. Allow cheesecake to rest inside cooling oven, helping it settle into perfect texture.

• Caramel Dream Topping

Create golden caramel by melting sugar and butter together. Stir carefully as mixture transforms into rich amber liquid. Whisk in condensed milk, watching magic happen as colors blend and flavors deepen.

• Final Touch

Once caramel reaches perfect golden consistency, drizzle over cooled cheesecake. Let sweetness cascade across creamy surface. Slice into beautiful squares and serve to delighted guests.

Adjustments & Hacks for Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Replace traditional graham crackers with crushed gingersnaps or chocolate cookies for a unique flavor profile and delightful crunch.
• Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel topping to create a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle across the cooled caramel layer for an extra decadent and visually stunning presentation.
• Use a mini muffin tin instead of a 9×13 pan to make bite-sized cheesecake bars perfect for parties and smaller gatherings.

Serving Caramel Cheesecake Bars to Impress

• Garnish with Decadent Toppings: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the caramel surface for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• Pair with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside a hot cup of espresso or a cold glass of milk to balance the rich, sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake texture.
• Elevate with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each bar just before serving to create an extra layer of indulgence and lightness.
• Create Elegant Plating: Use a small drizzle of additional caramel sauce on the plate underneath each cheesecake bar to enhance the presentation and add a professional touch.

Keep & Store Your Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store these delectable bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing unwanted flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to maintain quality for 2-3 months, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Room Temperature Timing: Allow chilled bars to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, enhancing their creamy texture and bringing out the rich caramel flavor.
• Protect the Layers: Place wax paper between stacked bars when storing to prevent sticking and maintain the pristine appearance of each delicious square.

Velvety Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Silky caramel cheesecake bars blend rich cream cheese with golden caramel for an indulgent dessert. Crumbly graham cracker crust and smooth filling create classic comfort perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tbsps corn syrup
• 2 tsps vanilla
• 1 tsp vanilla

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until achieving a cohesive sandy texture, then meticulously press into a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a compact foundation.
2. Cheesecake Mixture: Whip cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until achieving a velvety consistency, gradually incorporating eggs and sour cream to create a luxuriously smooth filling.
3. Initial Baking: Transfer the cheesecake mixture onto the prepared crust, smoothing the surface, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 50 minutes until the center exhibits a subtle wobble.
4. Cooling Protocol: After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest in the warm oven with the door slightly ajar for 15 minutes, then cool at room temperature for one hour to stabilize the structure.
5. Caramel Crafting: Construct the caramel topping by melding brown sugar and butter over medium heat, progressively introducing condensed milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract while continuously stirring until the mixture reaches 225°F on a candy thermometer.
6. Finishing Touches: Delicately cascade the warm caramel across the cooled cheesecake, ensuring an even distribution, and permit the topping to solidify completely at ambient temperature.
7. Serving Presentation: Utilize a razor-sharp knife to segment the dessert into precise square portions, offering the option to serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Rest the cheesecake in the warm oven with the door cracked open to minimize surface cracks and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a candy thermometer when making caramel to hit the exact 225°F soft ball stage, guaranteeing perfect consistency and preventing burning.
• Mixing Method: Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a silky, lump-free cheesecake filling that ensures a smooth, creamy final texture.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature for an hour before adding caramel topping, which helps prevent structural breakdown and maintains ideal texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 412
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 202 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg