Hey friends! Today, I’m excited to share a baking recipe that’s pure comfort in dessert form — Baked Caramel Cheesecake Bars. These luscious bars start with a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, and topped with a golden blanket of homemade caramel that gently sinks into the surface. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and silky smooth.
I first made these bars for a cozy family gathering, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. There’s something magical about the way the caramel swirls into the cheesecake — it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. And guess what? You don’t need a springform pan or a water bath. Just a simple baking dish and a little love.
Ready to create some magic?
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 50 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
- Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
- Servings: 16 bars (can be halved or doubled)
- Tools Needed: 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, electric mixer, saucepan, spatula, candy thermometer (optional)
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes! Bake the day before and chill overnight
Ingredients List
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Substitute: Digestive biscuits or shortbread crumbs - ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Salted butter works too — just reduce added salt in filling
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
Use full-fat block cream cheese for best texture - ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
Adds tang and creaminess
Caramel Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Garnish (Optional but delightful!)
- Sea salt flakes
- Chopped pecans or toffee bits
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
Pro Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract, then beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Mix in sour cream until just combined.
- Pour over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Sensory Checkpoint: The batter should be thick, glossy, and lump-free.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let bars cool inside for 15 minutes.
- Remove and cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
Pro Tip: This slow cooling helps prevent cracks!
Step 4: Make the Caramel Topping
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
- Stir in condensed milk, corn syrup, and vanilla.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Let cool slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake layer.
Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a salted caramel twist.
Serving & Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Instructions | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in airtight container | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer | Freeze without caramel topping, wrap tightly | Up to 1 month |
| Serving Suggestion | Slice with a warm knife for clean edges | Serve chilled |
Troubleshooting & FAQ
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Filling too runny | Bake longer or check oven temp accuracy |
| Crust falls apart | Use enough butter and press firmly before baking |
| Caramel separates | Stir constantly and avoid high heat |
| Cracks in cheesecake | Cool slowly and avoid overmixing eggs |
| Bars stick to pan | Line pan with parchment for easy lift-out |
Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars: Swap graham crackers for crushed pretzels in the crust.
- Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Add a layer of melted chocolate between crust and filling.
- Apple Pie Twist: Top with sautéed cinnamon apples before drizzling caramel.
Closing Encouragement
There you have it — Baked Caramel Cheesecake Bars that are as easy as they are impressive. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars deliver creamy comfort and caramel bliss in every bite.
So grab your whisk and let’s bake something unforgettable. I’d love to hear how yours turn out — leave a comment or tag me if you share them!
Happy baking, friends! 🧁