Description
These Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars feature a rich, creamy cream cheese filling swirled with robust coffee and sweet caramel flavors on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Flavorings
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the filling is fully combined and smooth.
- Divide and Flavor the Filling: Split the cream cheese mixture evenly between two separate bowls. To one bowl, add strong brewed coffee and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. In the other bowl, fold in the caramel sauce until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spoon alternating dollops of the coffee-flavored and caramel-flavored cream cheese mixtures over the crust. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixtures together, creating an elegant marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. This texture ensures creamy, smooth bars.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours to fully set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should still have slight jiggle to avoid dryness.
- Use strong brewed coffee for a pronounced coffee flavor in the bars.
- Swirling the two fillings gently creates an attractive marbled look without mixing the flavors completely.
- Refrigerate adequately to let the bars firm up for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
