Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars

These decadent caramel cheesecake bars are creamy, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The smooth cheesecake layer sits on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a thick swirl of golden caramel. Every bite is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy.

I love how the caramel adds that warm, buttery flavor that makes the cheesecake feel extra indulgent. The crust gives it a light crunch, balancing all that silky texture on top. They’re elegant enough for parties but easy enough for a weeknight dessert.

They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a little treat after dinner. Smooth, sweet, and satisfying—these bars turn a simple dessert into something truly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Perfect Portions: Bar format means no slicing a whole cheesecake and easier serving.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates an incredibly smooth texture.
• Sweet and Salty: Caramel sauce with a sprinkle of sea salt creates an irresistible flavor balance.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars taste even better the next day after chilling overnight.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: About 5 hours

Servings: This recipe makes 16 bars—perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping in the fridge for a sweet treat throughout the week.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. The simple steps make this recipe approachable for anyone who wants to bake something impressive.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

These caramel cheesecake bars are built on a foundation of classic ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture.

The graham cracker crust provides a sweet, crunchy base, while the cream cheese filling becomes rich and velvety when baked. The caramel sauce adds a deep, buttery sweetness that ties everything together. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dessert to life:

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar

For the Topping:

• Caramel sauce
• Sea salt

Variations for Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer for a turtle-inspired treat.
• Use Different Crusts: Try Oreo crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs instead of graham crackers.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel for added crunch.
• Make it Pumpkin: Add pumpkin puree and fall spices to the cheesecake layer for a seasonal twist.
• Berry Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of berry jam into the cheesecake batter and swirl with a knife before baking.

How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Line your 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. Make the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix until well combined. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

5. Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature on a cooling rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Add the Caramel Topping

Once fully chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle or spread caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

Serving and Decoration

These caramel cheesecake bars are beautiful on their own, but you can make them even more special with a few simple touches. Serve them chilled on a pretty platter for gatherings. Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence. For a fancy presentation, dust the serving plate with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or drizzle extra caramel in a decorative pattern. Fresh berries make a colorful garnish that adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.

How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars

These versatile bars fit into many occasions:

• With Coffee: Serve alongside your morning or afternoon coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
• At Parties: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for dessert tables and potlucks.
• As Gifts: Package in a decorative box and give to friends or neighbors.
• For Special Occasions: Dress them up with whipped cream and fresh fruit for birthdays or celebrations.
• Midnight Snack: Keep them in the fridge for a late-night treat straight from the pan.

Storing Caramel Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps everything blend smoothly without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs, mix on low speed and just until combined. Overmixing can create cracks in your cheesecake.
• Use Quality Caramel: Store-bought caramel sauce works great, but homemade caramel takes these bars to the next level.
• Clean Cuts: For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a warm, damp cloth between each cut.
• Prevent Sticking: The parchment paper overhang is key for easily removing the bars from the pan without breaking them.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories	285
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	22g
Protein	4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Caramel Cheesecake Bars FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions can make the bars less creamy and more likely to crack.

Why did my cheesecake crack? Cracks usually happen from overmixing after adding eggs or baking at too high a temperature. Mix gently and make sure your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I make these bars in a different size pan? Yes, but cooking time will change. A larger pan makes thinner bars that bake faster. A smaller pan creates thicker bars that need more time.

How do I know when the bars are done? The edges should be set and slightly puffed, while the center still has a slight wobble. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I use salted caramel sauce? Absolutely! If using salted caramel, you may want to skip the extra sea salt on top or use less of it.

Conclusion

These Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars bring together everything you love about cheesecake in an easy-to-serve format. The buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious caramel topping create a dessert that looks impressive but comes together with simple steps. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars deliver rich flavor in every bite.

I’ve used these ingredients to cook the recipe: graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and sea salt.