Description
Irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Bars bring creamy indulgence to dessert lovers seeking pure bliss. Layers of rich flavor meld perfectly, promising a mouthwatering experience that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- Create the graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into an even layer across the pan’s bottom.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Gently transfer the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly trembling center. After baking, turn off the oven and allow bars to cool inside with the door slightly open for one hour.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve perfect set and texture.
- Prior to serving, enhance the bars with a luxurious caramel sauce drizzle and optional sea salt sprinkle for added depth of flavor.
- Slice into elegant squares and indulge in these creamy, decadent cheesecake bars.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie dessert option.
- Prevent cheesecake cracks by avoiding overmixing and using room temperature ingredients for smoother texture.
- Create water bath method by placing pan inside larger baking dish filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle baking and prevent surface cracking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg