Description
Deliciously rich and creamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling swirled with luscious caramel sauce, baked to perfection and drizzled with extra caramel for a decadent dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.75 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 0.75 cup sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is incorporated to avoid overbeating. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, caramel sauce, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
- Serve: Once chilled, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices. Drizzle each bar with additional caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between each cut.
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored refrigerated for up to four days.
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
