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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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