Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars (Printer-Friendly)
Rich cheesecake bars with graham cracker crust and homemade caramel topping
# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
10 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
→ Caramel Topping
11 - 1 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1/4 cup water
13 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
15 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for removal. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until combined. Press firmly into pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
02 - Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and sugar, mixing until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and flour, mixing until just combined.
03 - Pour filling over crust, smoothing top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely on wire rack, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
04 - Heat sugar and water in saucepan over medium heat, swirling until mixture turns deep amber. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter carefully. Slowly add heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add sea salt if desired.
05 - Cool caramel slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake. Spread evenly and refrigerate for another hour. Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- The texture contrast between silky cheesecake and crisp butter crust creates the perfect bite every single time
- Homemade caramel tastes nothing like store bought and brings these bars from good to unforgettable
02 -
- Caramel making happens fast once the color starts changing, so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start
- Room temperature ingredients are not a suggestion here, cold cream or eggs can ruin the entire texture
03 -
- A water bath during baking prevents cracking, though these bars are forgiving if you skip it
- Add the caramel topping right before serving to keep that glossy fresh appearance