Indulge your taste buds this holiday season with these luscious Caramel Cheesecake Bars! Combining a creamy, rich cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust and a decadent caramel topping, these bars are the perfect sweet treat to share with family and friends. The contrast between the velvety cheesecake and the gooey caramel sauce makes each bite a little slice of heaven—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. ✨
These bars are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience as they bake and set. The warm aroma of caramel filling the kitchen is sure to draw everyone in, creating a festive atmosphere. Once you cut them into squares, they make for an impressive dessert that looks beautiful on any holiday dessert table. 🎅
Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream, these Caramel Cheesecake Bars will definitely be a hit. They also make wonderful gifts when wrapped in festive packaging, spreading sweetness and joy throughout the season! 🎁
🎄 Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe 🍰
Servings: 12–16 bars
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Caramel Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the sour cream and mix until the filling is smooth.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit in the warm oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool for an hour at room temperature.
- Make the Caramel Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Boil until the caramel reaches 225°F on a candy thermometer.
- Pour the Caramel: Allow the caramel to cool in the pan for 3–5 minutes, then pour it over the cooled cheesecake. Smooth the top and let it set until cool.
- Serve: Once the caramel is set, cut the cheesecake into squares and serve.
🎅 Notes & Variations
- Add a Topping: Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch.
- Flavor Variations: Add a hint of almond extract to the cheesecake for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
These Caramel Cheesecake Bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday festivities. Enjoy every creamy, caramel-filled bite! 🎉