These Sweet & Salty Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a treat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 45 minutes
Chill Time
- 3 hours
Total Time
- 4 hours
Servings
- 9–12 bars
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter , melted
- 3 cups cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce , plus extra for drizzling
- Sea salt , for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) .
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs , ¼ cup sugar , and melted butter . Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream , 1 cup sugar , eggs , and vanilla extract . Mix on low speed until fully combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes , or until the center is set and slightly firm. The edges should be lightly golden, and the middle may have a slight jiggle but should not be liquidy.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.
Step 5: Chill the Bars
- Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours , or until the bars are completely set.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over the chilled cheesecake bars.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
- Serve and enjoy the decadent combination of creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and crunchy sea salt!
Pro Tips
- Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought salted caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own for a homemade touch.
- Crust Shortcut: Substitute pre-made graham cracker crumbs to save time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days .
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month . Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Bar, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fats: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Sweet & Salty Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The buttery crust provides a sturdy base, while the creamy cheesecake filling offers a rich, velvety contrast. The salted caramel drizzle and sprinkle of sea salt elevate the dish with a sophisticated twist that’s both sweet and savory.
Ready to indulge in a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bar that’s as sweet as it is salty—it’s pure dessert perfection!
