No-Bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Smooth no-bake cheesecake layered over a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with rich salted caramel sauce. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers (150g) graham cracker crumbs, (85g), melted unsalted butter, (450g), softened cream cheese 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 350 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 (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp (85g), melted unsalted butter
- 16 oz (450g), softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 14 oz (396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp (85g) melted unsalted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz (450g) softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Step 6: To make the salted caramel sauce, combine 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar, 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, and 14 oz (396g) sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns a deep amber color.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp sea salt flakes. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling evenly over the set cheesecake bars.
- Step 8: Chill for an additional hour before slicing into 12 bars and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 No-Bake 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 No-Bake 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 No-Bake 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 No-Bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
American 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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