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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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