Description
Ready to indulge in a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple? These Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars bring together layers of rich cream cheese filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and a luscious caramel topping for a dreamy bite every time. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, decadent treats for special occasions, or sweet food ideas to impress a crowd, this recipe delivers it all. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a quick dessert to satisfy a cheesecake craving—these bars are a go-to for easy recipes with maximum reward.
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup caramel sauce
Optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
6. Stir in vanilla extract and all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
9. Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
10. Transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for clean slicing.
11. Once chilled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a little sea salt if desired.
12. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and slice into squares before serving.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent lumps and uneven texture.
For cleaner cuts, use a hot knife and wipe it between each slice.
If you want a thicker caramel layer, reserve extra for an additional drizzle just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg