Classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Smooth and creamy cheesecake bars layered with rich salted caramel sauce for a luscious dessert. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, cream cheese, softened into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter until evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Drizzle 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce over the batter and gently swirl using a knife.
- Step 5: Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top and smooth the surface. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce on top and swirl again.
- Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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