Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Have you ever bitten into something so creamy and sweet that you just had to close your eyes and savor the moment? That's exactly what happens when you try these caramel cheesecake bars. I've been making this recipe for years, and every single time I bring them to a gathering, people practically beg me for the recipe. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with rich, velvety cheesecake filling and a luscious caramel topping that'll make your taste buds dance.

What makes these caramel cheesecake bars so special is how easy they are to whip up, even if you're not a baking expert. You don't need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few simple steps and you'll have a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it'll become your go-to for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need something sweet to brighten your day.

Background & Why These Bars Are Pure Magic

Let me tell you why caramel cheesecake bars have become such a crowd favorite. Unlike traditional cheesecake that requires a water bath and hours of baking time, these bars are straightforward and forgiving. The combination of creamy cheesecake with sweet, buttery caramel creates a flavor profile that hits all the right notes. Whether you're serving them at a fall gathering or a summer barbecue, they fit every occasion perfectly.

What really sets these caramel cheesecake bars apart is their versatility. You can dress them up with pecans, add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist, or keep them classic and simple. They're sturdy enough to cut into neat squares but soft enough to melt in your mouth. Plus, they're way easier to serve than a whole cheesecake; no messy slices or fancy plating required. Just cut, plate, and watch them disappear in minutes.

Jump to:

• Background & Why These Bars Are Pure Magic
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Time to Treat Yourself
• Related
• Pairing
• Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full crackers)
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

For the Creamy Cheesecake Layer:

• Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• All-purpose flour

For the Caramel Topping:

• Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Sea salt for salted caramel version
• Chopped pecans

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture looks like wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it's even and compact.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you make the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until it's smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the sugar and beat for another minute until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each one is incorporated; don't overmix or your caramel cheesecake bars might crack.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour on low speed until just combined.
5. Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes; the edges should be set but the center should still have a slight jiggle.
2. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the bars cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature for about an hour.
4. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight; this helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.

Step 4: Add the Caramel and Serve

1. Warm your caramel sauce slightly so it's pourable but not hot.
2. Drizzle or spread the caramel evenly over the chilled cheesecake bars.
3. If you're making salted caramel cheesecake bars, sprinkle sea salt over the caramel now.
4. Add chopped pecans if desired, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes to let the caramel set.
5. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your caramel cheesecake bars just right comes down to a few key techniques. First, make sure your cream cheese is really soft before you start; leave it out on the counter for at least an hour. Cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your filling no matter how long you mix it.

Here are some pro tips that'll take your bars to the next level:

• Room Temperature Matters: All your dairy ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sour cream) should be at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and prevents overmixing.
• Don't Overbeat: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overbeating adds too much air, which can cause cracks.
• The Jiggle Test: Your bars are done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. It'll firm up as it cools.
• Clean Cuts: For picture-perfect squares, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
• Caramel Consistency: If your caramel is too thick to spread, warm it for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Too thin? Refrigerate it for a few minutes until it thickens.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of these bars is how adaptable they are to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious ways to customize your caramel cheesecake bars:

Flavor Variations:

• Salted Caramel Version: Add ½ teaspoon sea salt to your caramel topping and sprinkle a bit more on top for that sweet-salty combo everyone loves.
• Caramel Apple: Fold 1 cup of diced, sautéed apples into the cheesecake filling and top with caramel for amazing caramel apple cheesecake bars.
• Chocolate Caramel: Mix ½ cup melted chocolate chips into half the filling for a marbled effect.
• Pumpkin Caramel: Replace ½ cup of the cream cheese with pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for fall-perfect pumpkin caramel cheesecake bars.
• Pecan Praline: Press ¾ cup chopped pecans into the crust and sprinkle more on top with the caramel.

Dietary Substitutions:

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.
• Can't find sour cream? Swap it with Greek yogurt in equal amounts.
• Make them lighter by using reduced-fat cream cheese (though they won't be quite as rich).
• For a no-bake version, use a no-bake cheesecake filling with gelatin and skip the oven time entirely.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes creating perfect caramel cheesecake bars so much easier. Here's what you'll need:

• 9x13-inch Baking Pan: A metal pan works great, but glass works too (just add 5 minutes to baking time).
• Parchment Paper: This is a game-changer for lifting the bars out cleanly.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer ensures your filling is smooth and lump-free.
• Mixing Bowls: At least two; one medium for the crust and one large for the filling.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for clean cuts; a long, thin blade works best.
• Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading the filling and caramel evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking, so have these ready.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage keeps your bars fresh and delicious for days. Here's everything you need to know:

• Refrigerator Storage: Store your caramel cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between stacked bars to prevent them from sticking together. The caramel might soften slightly after a day or two, but they'll still taste incredible.
• Freezing Instructions: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The texture stays remarkably creamy after freezing.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can bake the crust and cheesecake layer up to 2 days ahead, then add the caramel topping the day you plan to serve them. This makes party prep so much easier. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you're ready for that final caramel drizzle.

FAQ

Time to Treat Yourself

Now you've got everything you need to make the most incredible caramel cheesecake bars that'll have everyone asking for seconds. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party, need a potluck contribution, or just want to treat yourself to something special. The combination of that buttery crust, creamy filling, and luscious caramel topping creates pure dessert magic.

Don't wait for a special occasion to make these caramel cheesecake bars; sometimes Tuesday night deserves something sweet too. Once you try them, you'll understand why they've become my most requested recipe. If you love these, you'll definitely want to check out my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe for a fruity twist, or try my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe for another caramel-filled treat. Trust me, your dessert game is about to level up in the best way possible!

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this caramel cheesecake bars recipe: