If you’re longing for a showstopping treat that merges classic creamy cheesecake with the irresistible allure of gooey caramel, Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars will become your new go-to dessert obsession. With a crisp graham cracker crust, tangy cheesecake filling, and a dreamy blanket of salted caramel, each bite offers the ultimate harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to an afternoon indulgence, this recipe delivers both simplicity and sheer decadence in every square.

Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars is how the simplest pantry staples transform into something truly extraordinary! Each ingredient is selected to work its magic for taste, texture, or that stunning visual finish.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of our crust; they bring nutty sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Unsalted Butter, Melted: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for just the right sweetness in both the crust and creamy filling.
Cream Cheese, Softened: Nothing beats its velvety smoothness and signature tang for the classic cheesecake layer.
Large Eggs: They create structure and silkiness, turning the filling into a luscious custard.
Vanilla Extract: Amplifies the dessert’s warmth and rounds out the flavors deliciously.
Sour Cream: Adds a bright lift and keeps the cheesecake from being too heavy.
Soft Caramels, Unwrapped: The shortcut to a thick, shiny caramel topping that’s a breeze to make.
Heavy Cream: Blends with caramels for a satiny, pourable topping you’ll want to lick from the spoon.
Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle brings every note of the caramel to life and adds that irresistible salty crunch.

How to Make Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Create the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, which makes for easy removal and slicing later. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of your lined pan. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes, just until set and a little golden. Allow the crust to cool slightly—this step ensures you’ll get picture-perfect, sturdy Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl as needed—lumps are the enemy of a gorgeous cheesecake layer! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low until just incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. This gentle mixing keeps the filling luxuriously velvety. Pour the cheesecake batter over your cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled bars in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle (think of it as a wobbly custard). This ensures the filling stays creamy. Once baked, let the pan cool at room temperature for a bit, then transfer to the fridge for the real magic: full chilling. Allowing your Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars to cool completely sets the layers and makes them utterly irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Topping

Place the unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This only takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the glossy caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly right to the edges. Finish by sprinkling the surface lightly with flaky sea salt—the little pops of salt truly elevate the decadence!

Step 5: Chill, Slice, and Enjoy

Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better) for beautiful, clean slices. Once chilled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment and cut into squares. You’ll find yourself admiring the pretty layers of crumbly crust, creamy filling, and golden caramel before you even take your first bite of Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars.

How to Serve Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra sea salt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can make these bars even more irresistible. If you’re feeling adventurous, crushed pecans or toffee bits also add a delightful crunch and visual flair. The caramel-topped surface is like a blank canvas for all your most tempting finishing touches!

Side Dishes

While Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars shine all on their own, they pair beautifully with fresh berries for a touch of tartness, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve with strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and elevate your dessert spread to something truly unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars on a diagonal for a sophisticated look, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for parties. Stack them on a tiered stand for an afternoon tea, or wrap individual bars in wax paper for a lovely edible gift. However you serve them, these bars always leave a lasting impression!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have any bars left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The caramel keeps its shine and the cheesecake layer stays wonderfully creamy—perfect for late-night cravings or tucking into lunchboxes.

Freezing

Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars freeze like a dream! Arrange the cooled, sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these bars for serving—just slice and enjoy chilled! If you love your caramel especially gooey, a 10-15 second zap in the microwave will soften the topping, but beware: the cheesecake base is best at cool room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While graham crackers lend a classic touch, feel free to experiment with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookie crumbs for a different flavor twist. Adjust the sugar to taste based on your cookie selection.

How do I keep the caramel topping smooth and not sticky?

Melted caramels combined with heavy cream create a lovely soft topping, but the key is refrigerating the bars after adding the caramel. If the caramel feels too sticky, just add a tiny bit more cream next time for a softer set.

Can I make Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to get clean, sharp slices?

For flawless squares, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. Cutting while the bars are fully chilled gives you the neatest results. Patience pays off with these gorgeous bars!

Can I prepare these bars ahead for a party?

Yes, in fact, these bars are even better made ahead! Simply follow each step, chill thoroughly, and keep them refrigerated until party time. They’re sturdy enough to transport and look beautiful on a dessert platter—guaranteed to wow your guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars—simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels like a true celebration. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon and share their irresistible layers with friends, family, or just spoil yourself a little. You deserve a slice of pure, caramel-laced bliss!

Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake layer, and a luscious caramel topping sprinkled with sea salt, these bars are a true dessert delight.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream

For the caramel topping:

1 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the dish and bake.
Mix the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Pour over crust and bake.
Prepare the caramel topping: Melt caramels with heavy cream, then pour over the cooled cheesecake layer. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares.

Notes

For added texture, consider drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American