Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: No need for a water bath; this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Homemade Caramel Sauce: Crafting your own caramel allows for a personalized touch and superior flavor.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as an indulgent snack anytime.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon unsalted butter

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create an even layer.
4. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned. Remove and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar: Incorporate the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix together the sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
3. Finish Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated.

Final Assembly:

1. Drizzle Caramel: Once the cheesecake has cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
2. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
3. Serve: Using the parchment or foil overhang, lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into bars of your desired size and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 9 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cooling and Chilling Time: At least 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After the caramel has set, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a richer taste.
• Salted Caramel: Increase the sea salt in the caramel sauce to ½ teaspoon for a delightful salted caramel version.
• Different Crusts: Experiment with crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate wafer cookies in place of graham crackers for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Serving: These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If frozen, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

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  Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, and homemade caramel sauce for a truly indulgent treat. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are creamy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible!

   

  • Author: Ava
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 9 bars
  • Category: Dessert, Bars
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

  Ingredients

  For the Crust:

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp unsalted butter

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  Instructions

  Prepare the Crust:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  • In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  • Press mixture firmly into the pan to form an even crust.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  • Pour filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

  3. Bake the Cheesecake:

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  • Let cool completely in the pan.

  4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.

  5. Assemble & Chill:

  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake layer.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
  • Lift out using the parchment overhang, slice into bars, and serve!

  Notes

  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate for extra richness.
  • Salted Caramel: Increase sea salt to ½ tsp for a salted caramel version.
  • Crust Variations: Use crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate wafers.