Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars (Printable)

Rich cheesecake bars with graham cracker crust and 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 Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for removal. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
02 - Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and sugar, mixing until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and flour. Mix until just combined.
03 - Pour filling over crust and smooth 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 while whisking until smooth. Add salt if using.
05 - Cool caramel slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake. Spread evenly and refrigerate for another hour. Lift bars from pan using parchment, cut into 16 squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of tangy cheesecake and buttery caramel hits every craving in one bite
  • They look impressive but actually come together faster than a whole cheesecake
  • You can make them ahead and they actually taste better after sitting overnight
02 -
  • Never stir your melting sugar with a spoon or it will crystallize just swirl the pan
  • The cheesecake continues cooking after you take it out so remove it while it still jiggles slightly
  • Room temperature ingredients are your insurance against lumpy filling
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the warm caramel for an adult version
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately after pouring the caramel for texture

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