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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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