Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars (Printable View)
Rich creamy cheesecake on buttery crust with homemade caramel topping
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and sugar, mixing until creamy and well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
04 - Pour cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
05 - Heat sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally (do not stir) until the mixture turns deep amber in color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter. Slowly add heavy cream while whisking until smooth. Add salt if making salted caramel.
06 - Let caramel cool slightly, then pour evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Spread to cover completely. Refrigerate for another hour until set.
07 - Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The way silky cheesecake meets buttery crust and gets crowned with homemade caramel is basically dessert nirvana
- These bars keep beautifully in the fridge, meaning dessert is ready whenever sudden cravings strike
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for preventing lumps in your cheesecake filling
- That slightly jiggly center after baking is exactly right, and will firm up beautifully during chilling
03 -
- Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for picture-perfect squares
- Make the caramel ahead of time and store it in a glass jar, gently reheating if needed before pouring