Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy cheesecake bars layered on a buttery crust with a luscious salted caramel topping. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, 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 280 calories and feeds 16, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 16 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter until crumbs are evenly moist.
  3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes until set and golden around edges; remove from oven and let cool.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  6. Step 6: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set but center slightly jiggles when shaken.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully chilled.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, spread 3/4 cup salted caramel sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes for contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 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 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 Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 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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