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INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

salted-caramel-cheesecake-bars

Introduction

Indulge your taste buds with these mouthwatering salted caramel cheesecake bars. With a rich and creamy cheesecake layer on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious salted caramel sauce, these bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or satisfy your own dessert cravings, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these salted caramel cheesecake bars. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients. Secondly, the combination of the creamy cheesecake with the sweet and salty caramel is absolutely irresistible. Lastly, these bars can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient dessert option for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the crust:

– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

– ½ cup melted butter

– ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

– ½ cup granulated sugar

– 2 eggs

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the salted caramel sauce:

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– ¼ cup water

– ½ cup heavy cream

– 4 tbsp unsalted butter

– 1 tsp sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar for the crust. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

6. While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.

7. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.

8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, and sea salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

9. Pour the salted caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.

10. Once the cheesecake bars are chilled and set, remove them from the baking pan and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

– Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients for the filling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

– When making the salted caramel sauce, be careful as the sugar mixture can become extremely hot. Use caution and keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

– For a more intense salted caramel flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel sauce before refrigerating the bars.

Variations and Substitutions

– For a chocolate twist, you can add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling.

– If you prefer a nutty flavor, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the caramel sauce.

– To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Serving Suggestions

These salted caramel cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own. Just make sure it’s a good quality sauce for the best flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of crusts, such as Oreo cookie crust or shortbread crust. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These salted caramel cheesecake bars are a true delight for any dessert lover. The creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and decadent salted caramel sauce create a harmonious flavor combination that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a special treat for yourself, these bars are sure to impress. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and indulge in a little slice of heaven.

salted-caramel-cheesecake-bars

Recipe by Author

Indulge your taste buds with these mouthwatering salted caramel cheesecake bars. A rich and creamy cheesecake layer on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious salted caramel sauce, creating the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: medium
4.5 from 120 votes
🍽️
Servings
12
⏱️
Prep time
30
minutes
🔥
Cooking time
30
minutes
📊
Calories
350
kcal
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar for the crust. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  6. While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
  7. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, and sea salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  9. Pour the salted caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
  10. Once the cheesecake bars are chilled and set, remove them from the baking pan and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350
Fat: 22
Carbohydrates: 34
Protein: 4
Sodium: 300
Fiber: 1
Sugar: 24

salted-caramel-cheesecake-bars