Name: Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cup crushed graham crackers; ½ cup salted butter, melted; 1 8-ounce brick cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 8 oz cool whip, thawed (half used here); 1 5-ounce box vanilla pudding mix; 3 cups heavy cream; ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for topping, optional); Remaining 8 oz cool whip for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love creamy, dreamy desserts, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars are a spectacular blend of smooth, velvety cheesecake goodness layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, all swirled with luscious caramel that adds just the right amount of sweetness and gooey indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a party or a simple treat to brighten your day, this recipe hits all the right notes with its delightful texture variations and rich flavors. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this irresistible caramel cheesecake sensation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square dessert piece is lifted on a wooden spatula, showing three layers: a light beige crumbly base, a thick smooth white middle layer, and a shiny orange drizzle on top creating diagonal stripes. The dessert is cut into squares in a white rectangular tray with the same orange drizzle pattern on each piece. The background is a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the spatula. There is a small bowl with wrapped candies blurred in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe comes to life with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its signature taste and texture. From the crispy, golden crust to the silky cheesecake filling and the luscious caramel topping, every component matters.

All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cup): Essential for adding structure and a subtle warmth to the crust.
Crushed graham crackers (1 ¼ cup): Gives the base its classic, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
Salted butter (½ cup, melted): Brings richness to the crust, helping bind the dry ingredients together perfectly.
Cool whip (16 oz, thawed): Adds lightness and fluffiness to the cheesecake filling, making it irresistibly airy.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake layers, providing that tangy, smooth consistency that defines the dessert.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake filling without any graininess, keeping the texture silky smooth.
Heavy cream (3 cups): Used to create the luscious pudding layer and adds richness to the final product.
Vanilla pudding mix (5 oz box): Gives a pleasant vanilla flavor and thickens the caramel layer for that perfect sliceable texture.
Caramel sauce (½ cup plus extra for topping, optional): The luscious, sticky star ingredient that crowns the dessert with its iconic gooey flavor and glossy finish.

How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your crust mixture is formed. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, and melted salted butter in a small bowl. The butter binds everything together while adding moisture and flavor. Press this mixture firmly into a greased 9×13 baking pan, creating an even, compact base. Bake it for 20 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and fragrant. This crust is the foundation of your bars, providing just the right crunch to balance the creamy layers ahead.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

While the crust is baking, grab an electric hand mixer and combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and half of the thawed cool whip. The goal here is to create a smooth, creamy mixture without lumps. This forms the luscious, tangy cheesecake layer that’s perfectly light thanks to the cool whip, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer

Once the crust is out of the oven and has cooled slightly, pour the cream cheese and cool whip mixture evenly over it. Spread gently to cover the entire surface, creating that classic cheesecake texture that everyone loves. This layer sets the base for the next, more decadent component.

Step 4: Prepare the Pudding-Caramel Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, and caramel sauce until smooth and fully combined. This mixture brings a rich vanilla flavor and a gooey sweetness that ties the whole dessert together. Pour this luscious mixture over the cheesecake layer in your pan, spreading it out evenly for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Cool Whip and Chill

Finally, spread the remaining cool whip over the pudding and caramel layer to create a light, fluffy topping. This adds softness and contrast to the denser layers below. Cover the pan and chill your caramel masterpiece in the freezer for 4 hours to set completely. Once chilled, slice into squares and get ready for a flavor explosion!

How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a three-layer dessert slice on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust. The middle layer is a thick, smooth, light orange creamy filling. The top layer is a thick white whipped cream with light golden syrup drizzled in even stripes across the surface. The background is softly blurred with neutral warm colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe, consider adding a drizzle of extra caramel sauce over the top right before serving. For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of sea salt to bring out the caramel’s depth and balance the sweetness. A few fresh berries can offer a perfect punch of color and slight tartness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy bars.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a stand-alone dessert, but if you want to serve them alongside something else, fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can be fantastic choices. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the cheesecake perfectly, while fruit adds freshness and lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing display, arrange the bars on a wooden board or a bright serving platter with mini dessert forks. Layer them with alternating garnishes like caramel drizzle, whipped cream dollops, or even edible flowers for that wow factor. You can also serve them in individual clear cups with layers visible, making this dessert both pretty and practical for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and who doesn’t?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their fresh, creamy texture for up to 4 days. The chilled bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

This Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is freezer-friendly too. Wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these bars are best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a softer texture, leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will take the chill off without compromising their delightful consistency.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will add a rich, personal touch and can make the bars even more special. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before adding it to the pudding mixture.

Can I substitute cool whip with whipped cream?

You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute, but keep in mind that cool whip adds extra stability to help the dessert hold its shape better, especially after freezing.

Is it necessary to freeze the bars?

Freezing helps the layers set firmly, making slicing easier and giving the bars their ideal texture. Chilling in the refrigerator for a longer time might work, but freezing is highly recommended for the best results.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour and graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives. Gluten-free graham crackers are widely available and work perfectly for this recipe.

How long do these bars last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. They taste even better after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive, this Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe is the answer. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite for sharing with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in this luscious treat. Trust me, you’re going to want to make it again and again!