Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet and salty with these decadent Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars. These creamy, dreamy bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and tangy cheesecake filling, and a luscious salted caramel topping. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a crowd-pleaser and are unbelievably good – the perfect treat for any occasion.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and salty with a rich, creamy, and tangy cheesecake flavor.
- Textures: Creamy, smooth cheesecake filling with a buttery, crunchy crust and a gooey caramel topping.
- Prep & Chill Time: Approximately 30 minutes active time (plus cooling and chilling).
- Difficulty: Intermediate. Requires some precision with baking times and temperatures.
What You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients. You’ll need graham crackers for the crust, cream cheese to make the cheesecake filling, granulated sugar, caramel sauce, sour cream or plain yogurt, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. For the topping, you’ll need additional caramel sauce and flaky sea salt to sprinkle on top.
Ingredient Notes
- – Graham Crackers – The foundation of our crust! Use classic graham crackers for the best flavor and texture.
- – Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and binds the crust ingredients together.
- – Cream Cheese – The star of the cheesecake! Make sure it’s completely softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- – Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- – Caramel Sauce – The key to the irresistible salted caramel flavor. Homemade or store-bought works equally well.
- – Eggs – Adds richness and helps the cheesecake set properly. Make sure they’re at room temperature.
- – Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- – Flaky Sea Salt – The finishing touch that elevates the caramel topping. Maldon or similar brands are recommended.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- – Chocolate Crust – Substitute the graham crackers with chocolate graham crackers for a chocolate caramel flavor profile.
- – Brown Sugar – Replace some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
- – Greek Yogurt – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, thicker filling.
- – Nuts – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for added crunch and flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars
These homemade Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars are easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
Make the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to make it easy to remove the bars later.
- Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
- Add the melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs and mix until well combined.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Cool the crust completely on a wire rack, then reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of the caramel sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream or plain yogurt and mix until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Pour this luscious filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even layer.
Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Turn off the oven, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 30 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
- Remove from the oven, and let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Topping and Chill:
- Warm the additional caramel sauce slightly and then, spread it evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to fully chill and set.
- Pro Tip: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan for easy slicing and serving!
- Before serving, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty combination. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Softened Cream Cheese: Always use fully softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry bars. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Cooling is Key: Cooling the bars both in and out of the oven is crucial to prevent cracking.
- Chill for Best Results: Refrigerating the bars allows the flavors to meld and the texture to fully set.
- Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.
FAQs
- Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×9 inch pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. The bars will be thinner. - Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe. - How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Coffee or Tea: These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds extra indulgence.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a touch of freshness.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream completes a delicious dessert.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make the crust and cheesecake filling a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bars and bake them the day you plan to serve them. The bars can be fully made 1-2 days ahead.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy tangy cheesecake filling, and a luscious salted caramel topping. Ideal for any occasion and a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup caramel sauce, softened or warmed
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Mix in sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, spread the softened caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the caramel.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, until firm. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth and lump-free filling.
Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can be used.
For added flavor, substitute chocolate graham crackers or use brown sugar in place of some granulated sugar.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
