Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a rich, creamy dessert with a touch of sophistication. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a decadent coffee caramel topping is truly irresistible. Each bite delivers a luxurious balance of sweetness from the caramel, bitterness from the coffee, and a velvety cheesecake texture. Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or enjoying them on a cozy afternoon, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Here’s why these cheesecake bars will become a favorite:

Perfect Flavor Balance

The combination of coffee and caramel provides a rich, complex flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.

Easy to Make

Despite their elegant appearance, these cheesecake bars are relatively simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some chill time.

Versatile

You can customize the flavor by adjusting the amount of coffee or caramel sauce, or even adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for added texture.

Ideal for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or a dinner party, these cheesecake bars are a showstopper.

Make-Ahead Dessert

These cheesecake bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a great option for prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars:

Graham Cracker Crumbs

Graham cracker crumbs form the base for the crust. The buttery and slightly sweet flavor creates a perfect foundation for the cheesecake.

Butter

Butter helps bind the crust together while adding a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture. Be sure to use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese, making the filling extra smooth and sweet.

Eggs

Eggs help the cheesecake set and add a rich texture to the filling.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a slight tang and smoothness to the cheesecake filling, giving it that signature creamy consistency.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cheesecake, rounding out the sweetness.

Coffee

Coffee gives the caramel topping a bold, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce adds the sweetness and richness that ties the coffee flavor together, creating a decadent topping for the cheesecake.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is used to make the coffee caramel topping smooth and indulgent.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s get started with making your elegant cheesecake bars:

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and fully combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.

3. Make the Coffee Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the caramel sauce, coffee, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.

4. Top the Cheesecake Bars

Once the cheesecake bars have set, pour the coffee caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the sauce to set slightly before slicing into bars.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cheesecake bars into squares and serve chilled. These bars are rich and decadent, so a small slice goes a long way!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 180mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes

How to Serve Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars

With Whipped Cream

Top the bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added richness and texture.

With Chopped Nuts

Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel layer for a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.

As a Dessert with Coffee

Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful after-dinner treat.

Additional Tips

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese in the cheesecake filling.
• Let the Cheesecake Cool Completely: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating it to ensure the texture sets correctly.
• Make-Ahead: These cheesecake bars can be made up to two days ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator.
• Customize the Topping: If you prefer a less intense coffee flavor, reduce the amount of coffee in the caramel sauce or substitute with a flavored syrup.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different crust for these cheesecake bars?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with an Oreo cookie crust or a crushed nut crust for a different flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cheesecake bars without coffee?
A2: Yes, you can omit the coffee and use an extra tablespoon of caramel sauce or add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.

Q3: How do I store leftover cheesecake bars?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake bars before adding the topping. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
A5: Absolutely! You can use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought for a richer, more personalized flavor.

Q6: How do I get the perfect coffee flavor?
A6: Use strong brewed coffee or espresso to give the caramel sauce a bold, rich coffee flavor.

Q7: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A7: Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and the rest of the recipe should be naturally gluten-free.

Q8: How can I make the cheesecake filling firmer?
A8: If you’d like a firmer cheesecake, you can reduce the amount of sour cream or add a bit more cream cheese.

Q9: Can I serve these bars at room temperature?
A9: While these cheesecake bars are best served chilled, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for a slightly softer texture.

Q10: Can I add a layer of chocolate to these cheesecake bars?
A10: Yes, a layer of melted chocolate on top of the cheesecake filling would be a delicious addition, adding extra richness to the bars.

Conclusion

These Elegant Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a perfect dessert to impress your guests or enjoy on a cozy night in. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a decadent coffee caramel topping, they are a treat that’s both elegant and delicious. Whether you serve them at a dinner party or enjoy them as an indulgent snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, dreamy dessert!

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