If you have a sweet tooth and love the creamy, irresistible charm of cheesecake paired with luscious caramel, then you are going to adore this Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars bring together a buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and decadent swirls of rich caramel sauce, all baked to perfection and chilled until wonderfully firm. They’re the perfect treat to share with friends or to savor on your own, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors—from the crunchy crust to the creamy filling and that irresistible caramel drizzle on top.
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our crust, adding a slightly sweet and crunchy base.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the creamy filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients and adds buttery richness.
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient for that irresistibly smooth and tangy cheesecake texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering it.
- 2 large eggs: Help set the filling and give it structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances the flavor complexity.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Keeps the cheesecake moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling): The magical swirl that infuses these bars with rich, buttery sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping): A sprinkle brings out that exquisite sweet-salty contrast that elevates every bite.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to create an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly. This step ensures you have a sturdy base that will stay crisp and provide a lovely contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until silky smooth and creamy. This beating step is important because it helps create that flawless cheesecake texture without lumps. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream, folding everything gently until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl with Caramel
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth out the surface. Warm the caramel sauce slightly if needed, then drizzle ½ cup over the batter. For a gorgeous marbled effect, gently swirl the caramel into the cheesecake using a knife or skewer. This not only looks stunning but also ensures every bite gets a burst of caramel goodness.
Step 4: Bake and Chill
Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly, and the edges turn a light golden color. After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least 3 hours. The chilling step is crucial—it helps the cheesecake set perfectly so you can slice clean bars that hold their shape.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Before serving, drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if you like that wonderful sweet and salty combination. This final touch adds visual appeal and a flavor boost that takes these bars over the top.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the experience, consider topping your caramel cheesecake bars with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or a fresh berry or two to add a pop of color and tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream creates a perfect harmony that complements the rich flavors. For a refreshing contrast, a small bowl of fresh fruit salad or a tangy berry compote can work wonders alongside each serving.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your caramel cheesecake bars into bite-sized squares for a fun party platter or serve them as larger slices on pretty dessert plates drizzled with caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. You could even place individual bars on decorative cupcake liners for a charming, easy-to-handle dessert, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover caramel cheesecake bars keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled maintains their texture and flavor, making it easy to enjoy a little slice of indulgence whenever you want.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars even later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing that creamy, smooth texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen caramel cheesecake bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly—no need to microwave as the chilled texture is part of their charm.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully and saves time. Just make sure it’s a good quality sauce that’s thick enough to hold through baking and swirling.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Both will provide the tanginess and creaminess that sour cream adds to the cheesecake filling.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For best results, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing and warm the knife slightly under hot water, then dry it before each cut to glide through smoothly.
Can I add nuts inside the cheesecake filling?
While the classic recipe keeps the filling smooth, adding chopped nuts inside is a great way to add texture and flavor. Just fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cheesecake batter before pouring it over the crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional graham cracker crumbs contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is truly a showstopper dessert that combines ease, elegance, and extraordinary flavor. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long day, these bars will not disappoint. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful caramel and cheesecake wonder—you might just find a new favorite dessert to keep coming back to!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Caramel Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel swirl. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and chilled to set, these dessert bars offer a rich and indulgent treat ideal for any occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Topping (Optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top and gently swirl it through the batter using a knife or skewer, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn slightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the texture creamy.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the cheesecake to fully set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: When ready to serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 bars, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle sea salt on top if desired for an added flavor contrast.
Notes
- For extra crunch, incorporate a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust mixture before baking.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the bars for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
