Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with these decadent coffee caramel cheesecake bars that promise pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, creamy goodness melt together in a symphony of flavors.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with deep, robust coffee notes.

Caramel ribbons weave through each delightful bite, creating a dessert that whispers luxury.

Subtle hints of espresso dance alongside velvety caramel, making every morsel an experience to savor.

Silky textures and complex flavors combine in a treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

You’ll want to slice into these bars and let the magic unfold with each incredible mouthful.

Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Why They’re Irresistible

• Perfect for busy home bakers wanting a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Requires basic pantry staples like graham crackers, cream cheese, and coffee- no complicated shopping needed.
• Combines rich coffee, sweet caramel, and creamy cheesecake in one irresistible bar, guaranteed to impress friends and family.
• Great for potlucks, afternoon tea, weekend gatherings, or as a make-ahead dessert that travels well and looks elegant.

Ingredients for Cheesecake Bar Perfection

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet base with delightful crunch and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts to create a cohesive and rich foundation for the bars.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for the cheesecake layer.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess and adds sweetness to the filling.
• Large Eggs: Helps bind and set the cheesecake mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, rich notes.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creamy texture to the filling.

• Strong Brewed Coffee: Provides deep, robust coffee flavor to the caramel.
• Granulated Sugar: Base for creating caramel with rich, golden color.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious caramel texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize the caramel sauce.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances caramel complexity.

How to Build Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Prepare The Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely while preparing the filling.

Create The Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Mix in strong brewed coffee to infuse rich coffee flavor throughout the cheesecake batter.

Craft The Caramel Swirl

• Granulated sugar
• Heavy cream
• Butter

Stir continuously until the mixture turns golden brown and develops a smooth consistency. Let the caramel cool slightly to prevent curdling when added to the cheesecake mixture.

Assemble The Bars

Pour the coffee-infused cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust. Drizzle caramel sauce across the top, using a knife to create elegant swirl patterns. The caramel will create beautiful marbled effects throughout the cheesecake layer.

Bake And Cool

Return the pan to the oven and bake at 325°F for 35-40 minutes. The cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center but appear set around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set fully.

Slice And Serve

Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. Garnish with additional caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of coffee grounds for extra decoration.

Tips for Smooth Layers and Cuts

• Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, room-temperature cream cheese for smooth, lump-free filling and high-quality espresso powder to enhance the coffee flavor.
• Perfect Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a measuring cup to create a compact, stable base.
• Prevent Cracking Trick: Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter and bake in a water bath to ensure a creamy, crack-free texture with even cooking.
• Control Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce gently over cheesecake filling and use a toothpick to create beautiful, delicate swirl patterns without overmixing.
• Smart Storage Solution: Refrigerate bars for at least 4 hours before serving, and cut with a clean, warm knife for neat, professional-looking slices.

Storing Cheesecake Bars for Later

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delectable for 2-3 months.
• Move frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly return to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying for the best taste and smooth texture.

Pair These Bars with Coffee or Dessert Wines

• Serve a shot of rich, dark espresso alongside the bars to amplify the coffee notes and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Drizzle a small amount of Kahlúa liqueur over the bars or serve as a side drink to enhance the coffee and caramel flavors.
• Add a scoop of smooth, creamy vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness of the cheesecake and provide a cool contrast to the warm, deep coffee caramel notes.
• Create a harmonious drinking experience by serving a salted caramel latte that echoes the dessert's flavor profile and adds a luxurious touch.

Coffee Cheesecake Bar Flavors to Explore

• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly base.
• Vegan Velvet: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add plant-based caramel sauce for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Lifestyle: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free caramel syrup to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Espresso Indulgence: Enhance coffee notes by adding a shot of espresso powder directly into the cheesecake filling or using dark roast coffee extract for an intensified caffeine kick.

Cheesecake Bar Questions Answered

• Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee, but use 1-2 teaspoons and dissolve it completely in a small amount of hot water before adding to the cheesecake mixture to ensure even flavor distribution.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly jiggly center with set edges. When you gently shake the pan, the middle should wobble slightly but not look liquid. This indicates the bars are perfectly cooked and will set while cooling.

• What's the best way to get clean, neat cut bars?

Chill the cheesecake bars completely in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut to create smooth, precise edges.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use almond flour and crushed gluten-free cookies as a base. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Silky coffee caramel cheesecake bars blend rich espresso with luscious caramel in a creamy dessert that delights taste buds. Smooth layers of indulgence promise a luxurious escape for chocolate and coffee enthusiasts craving a sweet adventure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 325°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
3. Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create a compact, even layer across the bottom of the pan.
4. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden and the surface appears set. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature while preparing the subsequent layers.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother crust mixing and easier pressing into the pan.
• Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to compact the crust evenly, creating a solid base for the cheesecake bars.
• For a more intense coffee flavor, dissolve instant espresso powder directly into the cheesecake batter or add a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg