Luxurious Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Featuring a buttery cookie crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, and a luscious caramel topping, these bars are a showstopper.
Perfect for special occasions or as an everyday treat, they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and elegance.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Offset spatula (optional, for smooth layering)
Ingredients Overview
For the Crust
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a warm, caramelized sweetness.
- Flour: Forms the base of the crust.
For the Cheesecake Layer
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat is best for a rich and creamy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
- Eggs: Help the cheesecake set properly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
For the Caramel Topping
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, the key to a decadent finish.
- Sea Salt: Optional, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the caramel flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
4. Add the Caramel Topping
- Once chilled, pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake layer. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salted caramel version.
5. Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you prefer, make your own caramel sauce for a richer, more customized flavor.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process—cold cheesecake is key to achieving clean slices.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These bars pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap the bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! A graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust would be delicious alternatives.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make a quick homemade caramel by melting 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan, adding 6 tablespoons of butter, and finishing with ½ cup of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Luxurious Caramel Cheesecake Bars are perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or as a decadent dessert for family gatherings. Plate them with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated touch. Enjoy the sweet, creamy, and buttery goodness in every bite!
Luxurious Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- For the Crust
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Caramel Topping
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- Optional: ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Add the Caramel Topping
- Once chilled, pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake layer. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salted caramel version.
- Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
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