Description
Delight in these Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, and luscious caramel topping. Perfectly baked and chilled to set, these bars offer a rich, velvety texture balanced with a hint of sea salt for an irresistible treat.
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 your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix crust ingredients: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is evenly mixed and forms a crumbly texture.
- Form and bake crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove and allow it to cool completely.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Spread filling over crust: Pour and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust to create a uniform layer.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake the pan in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The center should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
- Add caramel topping: Once the cheesecake has cooled, spread the caramel sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with sea salt if you prefer a salted caramel flavor.
- Chill bars: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to let them set and develop flavor.
- Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan easily. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, feel free to drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can make your own caramel sauce at home for a fresher taste or use a high-quality store-bought version.
- Optional sea salt enhances the caramel but can be omitted for a sweeter, classic version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
