Luscious Velvety Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Silky smooth cheesecake meets decadent coffee caramel in these irresistible bars that melt hearts with every single bite.

Rich cream cheese blends perfectly with a deep, bold coffee caramel swirl that promises pure indulgence.

The buttery graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch against the creamy filling.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate, creating a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each bar delivers a luxurious experience that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Prepare to be swept away by this elegant treat that combines classic cheesecake with a modern coffee caramel twist.

These bars will become your new favorite dessert companion.

Step-by-Step Cheesecake Bar Instructions

• Craft the Crumbly Base

Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until they stick together like a perfect sandy mixture. Press this delightful combo firmly into your baking pan, creating a solid foundation for your decadent treat.

• Whip Up the Creamy Center

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth, folding in sweet caramel and strong coffee essence. Make sure everything blends into a luxurious, velvety landscape of flavor that promises pure indulgence.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into a warm 325F oven, letting the cheesecake develop a dreamy texture. Watch for gentle golden edges and a slight wiggle in the center that signals it’s ready to cool and set.

• Chill and Beautify

Let your creation rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to firm up. Once completely cool, slice into elegant bars that reveal layers of coffee-caramel magic.

• Serve and Celebrate

Plate your gorgeous cheesecake bars, maybe with a light dusting of cocoa or a drizzle of extra caramel. Each bite promises a symphony of rich, smooth flavors that dance across your palate.

Flavor Pairings & Swaps for the Base

• Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a silky-smooth filling without lumps, using a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper richness.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious crunch and texture.
• Coffee Intensity Adjustment: Experiment with different coffee strengths by using espresso powder, instant coffee, or cold brew concentrate to dial up or down the coffee flavor profile according to personal preference.
• Topping Creativity: Drizzle extra caramel sauce, sprinkle chocolate shavings, or add a light dusting of cocoa powder to create visual appeal and enhance the dessert's overall presentation and flavor complexity.

Serving Tips for These Café-Style Bars

• Café Companion Plating: Serve these bars alongside a steaming espresso or cappuccino to enhance the coffee and caramel flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Sweet Drizzle Finale: Top each bar with extra caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the dessert's complexity and add a gourmet touch.
• Decadent Garnish Options: Dust the bars with cocoa powder, add a dollop of whipped cream, or garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans for a visually stunning presentation that adds texture and depth.
• Chilled Delight Technique: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure a firm, creamy consistency that makes slicing and enjoying easier.

Storage for Cheesecake Bars That Hold Up

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and caramel to settle beautifully.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Remove bars from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before enjoying, letting them slightly soften for the most delectable taste and smooth consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 348 kcal

Servings: 16

Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Shopping List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a buttery, crisp foundation that adds delightful texture and classic sweetness to the base.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the crumb mixture's sweetness and helps create a cohesive, golden-brown crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together and creates a rich, smooth base that ensures perfect crust consistency.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature creamy, smooth texture that defines a classic cheesecake with luxurious richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds gentle sweetness to the filling.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent that helps create a silky, stable cheesecake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cream cheese's richness.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Infuses a bold, deep coffee flavor that adds complexity to the cheesecake.

• Granulated Sugar: Transforms into a golden, amber caramel with deep, complex sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious caramel sauce with incredible richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a velvety texture and enhances the caramel's depth of flavor.
• Salt: Balances the caramel's sweetness and elevates the overall taste profile.

Tools for Crafting Coffee and Caramel Layers

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized cheesecake bars.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee consistent results.
• Spatula: Helps spread crust evenly and mix filling smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for achieving creamy cheesecake filling texture.
• Whisk: Great for blending ingredients without lumps.

Velvety Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent coffee caramel cheesecake bars blend rich espresso notes with smooth cream cheese and silky caramel. Layers of delicate graham cracker crust and luxurious filling promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor to the last bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps instant espresso powder
• 1 tbsp hot water
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
• ¼ tsp sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhangs for effortless extraction. Blend graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand with cohesive texture.
2. Base Formation: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan using a measuring cup or fingertips, creating a uniform, compact foundation. Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges transform to a soft golden hue and surface appears stabilized. Allow the crust to cool completely at ambient temperature.
3. Cheesecake Layer Composition: Whip cream cheese until smooth and velvety, gradually incorporating sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Ensure complete integration without overmixing to maintain a silky consistency. Fold in espresso powder to infuse a robust coffee essence throughout the mixture.
4. Caramel Swirl Technique: Drizzle liquid caramel across the cooled crust, creating intricate patterns that will marble through the cheesecake layer. Gently pour the coffee-infused cheesecake batter over the caramel base, using a spatula to distribute evenly and minimize disruption of the caramel design.
5. Baking and Cooling Protocol: Return the pan to the 325°F oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the center displays a subtle jiggle when gently shaken. Remove and rest at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to achieve optimal set and flavor melding.
6. Finishing Presentation: Utilize parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire dessert from the pan. Slice into precise bars, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges. Optionally garnish with additional caramel drizzle or finely ground coffee crystals before serving.

Notes

• Crumb Crust Consistency: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that prevents crumbling and ensures a stable foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Precise Baking Temperature: Maintain exact 325°F to prevent overbrowning or undercooking, which can affect the crust’s texture and overall dessert quality.
• Parchment Paper Technique: Use parchment paper overhang for effortless removal, allowing clean cutting and professional presentation of the bars without breaking.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Let crust cool completely before adding subsequent layers to prevent moisture buildup and maintain structural integrity of the cheesecake bars.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 291
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg