These creamy caramel cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel topping.
Author:Olivia
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:70 minutes
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
Homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel (for topping)
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir until moistened.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and blend until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping the bowl between additions.
Add sour cream, vanilla, flour, and salt. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
Cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
To make homemade caramel, melt sugar in a saucepan without stirring. Add butter and whisk. Slowly pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Spread gently if desired.
Refrigerate for 2–4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars. Serve chilled.