Description
Indulge in these luscious Caramel Cheesecake Bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a rich homemade caramel topping. Perfect for parties or a decadent dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Pour this cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Once done, turn off the oven, crack open the oven door and let the cheesecake bars cool inside for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Caramel Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and continue boiling until the mixture reaches 225°F (107°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and allow the caramel to cool slightly.
- Top with Caramel: Pour the slightly cooled caramel over the fully cooled cheesecake bars, spreading it evenly across the surface. Allow the caramel topping to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use a candy thermometer for the caramel to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for thick consistency.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the caramel for best results.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
