Description
These Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a rich, velvety cheesecake filling and finished with a smooth caramel layer. Perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, they are an indulgent dessert ideal for holidays, gatherings, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove and cool slightly.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
- Blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door slightly, and let cool inside for 1 hour.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For caramel topping, melt caramel candies and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Cool slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Chill 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Do not overmix after adding eggs to prevent cracks.
- Allow gradual cooling in the oven to reduce cracking.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean bars.
- Dip knife in warm water and wipe clean between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
