Description
These Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and dreamy caramel swirls into a decadent dessert that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy evenings. Make-ahead friendly and easy to slice, they’re your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full crackers)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Layer:
½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
Extra for drizzling on top after baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream. Do not overmix. Pour over the cooled crust.
- Add the Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake filling. Swirl gently using a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the bars cool for 30 minutes. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the chilled bars from the pan using the parchment. Slice into squares with a warm knife. Drizzle extra caramel or sprinkle sea salt/nuts if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for the smoothest texture.
- Full-fat dairy yields the richest flavor—avoid low-fat versions.
- Let the bars chill thoroughly to slice neatly and allow flavors to develop.
- For homemade caramel, melt ½ cup sugar with 2 tbsp butter and ¼ cup cream.
- Store bars refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg