Irresistible Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Recipe By:
Daniel Lawson
Updated:

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as you take a bite into these delectable Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Imagine a velvety cheesecake topped with a luscious caramel swirl that dances on your taste buds. This is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that awakens your senses and makes every occasion feel special.

I remember the first time I made these bars for my family gathering. The moment they took the first bite, their eyes widened with delight—it was as if they had discovered a hidden treasure! Perfect for brunch, dinner parties, or just because you deserve a treat, these bars promise to elevate any event.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, needing minimal prep time
  • The flavors meld beautifully for an indulgent experience that dazzles everyone
  • With their stunning presentation and delightful aromas, they are bound to impress your guests
  • Enjoy them on any occasion or as a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up

I whipped up these bars during one particularly chaotic week and received rave reviews from my friends who couldn’t believe how delicious they were!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for the perfect buttery crust that holds everything together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind the crust while giving it great flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens both the crust and the filling beautifully.
  • Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending into a silky smooth texture.
  • Eggs: They provide structure and creaminess to the cheesecake filling; room temperature eggs work best.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and enhances creaminess; it’s my secret ingredient for depth of flavor.
  • Instant Coffee Granules: Essential for that rich coffee flavor; feel free to use decaf if preferred.
  • Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade—either works wonderfully drizzled over the top!
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla amplifies all other flavors in this decadent dessert.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form an even layer.

Bake the Crust: Place your crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing.

Add Flavorings: Stir in sour cream, instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and remaining granulated sugar until fully combined. The mixture should be creamy with no lumps.

Pour Over Crust & Swirl Caramel**: Pour this luscious filling over your pre-baked crust carefully. Drizzle caramel sauce over top and use a knife or skewer to create pretty swirls through the filling.

Bake & Chill**: Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly when shaken. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Now you have some delightful Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars ready to serve! Cut into squares and enjoy each bite filled with creamy goodness paired with rich coffee flavors! Don’t forget to share (or not) because once you start eating these bars; it might be hard to stop!

You Must Know

  • These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of rich coffee flavor and creamy cheesecake
  • They’re easy to make, elegant, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party
  • The aroma alone will have your guests swooning!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust while preheating the oven to ensure it’s ready for baking. Once the crust is baked, whip up the cheesecake filling and pour it over the crust before baking again for a luscious texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese or add chocolate chips for extra decadence. You can also experiment with flavored coffee or even add a hint of vanilla extract to elevate the taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For serving, simply cut them into squares straight from the fridge; no reheating needed!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • The key to perfect Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars lies in letting them cool completely before cutting
  • This ensures clean slices every time
  • Use high-quality coffee for maximum flavor impact and don’t rush the chilling process; it’s worth it!

Sometimes, I whip these up on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and they magically disappear faster than you can say “coffee.” Friends have declared them their new favorite dessert!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use decaf coffee in Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, decaf coffee works perfectly if you want to avoid caffeine.

What can I use instead of caramel sauce?

You can try using chocolate sauce or fruit preserves as an alternative.

How long do these bars need to chill before serving?

Allow at least 4 hours for proper chilling before slicing and serving.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Indulge in rich Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets luscious caramel and a hint of coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 squares 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 16 oz softened cream cheese
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into a greased baking dish to form the crust.
  2. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Stir in sour cream, coffee granules, vanilla extract, and remaining sugar until creamy.
  4. Pour filling over the crust, drizzle with caramel sauce, and swirl gently with a knife.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Cool on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 45g)
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star