Description
These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, and packed with bold espresso and sweet caramel flavors! Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky coffee-infused cheesecake layer, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these bars are the perfect indulgent dessert for coffee and cheesecake lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Coffee Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adds depth of flavor!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess!)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps stability!)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water!)
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool while making the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- Mix in sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and dissolved espresso until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let cool for 10 minutes before removing.
Step 4: Chill & Add Caramel
- Let bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best!).
- Once chilled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.
- Serve chilled and enjoy with a cup of coffee or espresso! ☕🍮
Serving Suggestions
- Extra Caramel Drizzle: For more indulgence!
- With Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy topping option.
- Chocolate Shavings: Add a sprinkle of chocolate for a mocha twist!
Notes
- Want it stronger? Add 1 more tsp espresso powder for bolder coffee flavor.
- Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Dairy-Free? Swap cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese & coconut cream.
- Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep—stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge!