Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine the creaminess of cheesecake with a delicious swirl of caramel, all on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. With a perfect balance of smoothness, sweetness, and crunch, these bars are a showstopper dessert. Ideal for any occasion, they’re easy to make and are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavor and decadent texture.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Crust:

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• For the Filling:

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

  • ⅔ cup dark corn syrup

  • 1 tablespoon dark rum (or vanilla extract)

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter

  • 3 large eggs

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2½ cups roughly chopped pecans

  • Sea salt for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Filling:
   Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla and sour cream. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust.

3. Prepare the Topping:
   In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, rum, and butter. Bring to a boil and let it cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and salt, then combine with the cooled syrup. Stir in the chopped pecans.

4. Assemble and Bake:
   Layer the pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

5. Serve:
   Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bars, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Nutrients

For one serving (based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 180mg

• Sugar: 20g

Why Caramel Cheesecake Bars are So Popular

Caramel Cheesecake Bars are beloved for their irresistible flavor and texture. The graham cracker crust provides a buttery base that holds the creamy cheesecake filling, while the caramel topping gives each bar an indulgent sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tanginess of the cream cheese. The pecans add a nice crunch and richness to the topping, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

These bars are perfect for any occasion due to their easy preparation and versatility. You can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and serve them chilled, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead treat for the holidays. The ability to serve them in individual bars adds convenience, while the gorgeous caramel swirl and sprinkle of sea salt give them an elegant touch that will wow your guests.

How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Making Caramel Cheesecake Bars is straightforward and doesn’t require any special baking skills. The process includes making the graham cracker crust, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the rich caramel topping with chopped pecans. Here’s how to prepare these delicious bars:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars later. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Once everything is well combined, pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the caramel topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, dark rum (or vanilla extract), and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and salt. Gradually combine this mixture with the cooled syrup, stirring well. Once combined, stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once the cheesecake layer is baked, remove it from the oven. Layer the pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake, making sure the topping is spread out smoothly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. The pecan topping should be set and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the caramel cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor and texture). Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan, slice them into squares, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired. For an added touch, sprinkle the bars with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the caramel and provide a delightful contrast.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Caramel Cheesecake Bars are perfect for any occasion due to their delicious and versatile nature. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, a holiday party, or bringing a dessert to a potluck, these bars will impress with both their flavor and presentation. The beauty of this dessert lies in its rich, indulgent flavor, balanced by the creaminess of the cheesecake and the crunch of the pecans.

These bars are also easy to make in advance, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or a stress-free treat for gatherings. Their individual bar form makes them convenient for serving, and they are easy to slice, which adds to their appeal for large groups or parties. Whether served as a dessert at a family dinner or as a sweet treat for a gathering, these caramel cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweet, nutty goodness of pecan pie. With their buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and caramelized pecan topping, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or a festive celebration, these bars will be a showstopper at the dessert table.

Simple to make, with minimal ingredients and preparation time, Caramel Cheesecake Bars are an easy way to indulge in a sophisticated, delicious dessert. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet makes them irresistible, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.