Description
These Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with luscious caramel sauce and an optional sprinkle of sea salt. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars are an indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
- Mix crust ingredients: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed.
- Bake the crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove and let it cool.
- Make cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition to avoid overmixing. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Assemble cheesecake layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the pan.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Add caramel topping: Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer. If desired, sprinkle sea salt on top for a salted caramel effect.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling.
- If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce or a high-quality store-bought variety.
- The sea salt topping is optional but highly recommended to balance the sweetness.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
