There’s something magical about the moment you sink your teeth into Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Picture a creamy, dreamy cheesecake infused with rich coffee flavor, all draped in a luscious layer of caramel. Your taste buds will dance like nobody’s watching! These bars are not just desserts; they’re an invitation to indulge in happiness.
I still remember the first time I made these delightful treats for my friends during a cozy gathering. As soon as they took a bite, their eyes widened, and the room erupted in joyful exclamations. We ended up having a “who can eat the most” contest—spoiler alert: I lost spectacularly while laughing all the way!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests
- The rich coffee flavor combined with creamy cheesecake creates a heavenly bite
- Visually stunning with their glossy caramel finish, they look fancy but are simple enough for any home baker
- Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner!
I once brought these over to my neighbor’s housewarming party and ended up being the unofficial dessert ambassador of our block!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed graham crackers for the best crust texture; you can even buy pre-made crumbs if you’re feeling lazy.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; make sure it’s unsalted to control the sweetness of your bars.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the crust and cheesecake filling; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing; this creates that smooth, creamy texture we crave in cheesecakes.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together; use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Coffee Extract: This is where the magic happens! It brings that deep coffee flavor without brewing pots of joe.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade works wonders here; drizzle generously over the top for maximum indulgence.
- Whipped Cream (optional): For serving, a dollop of whipped cream takes these bars from good to absolutely divine!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes removing those bars later so much easier.
Create the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until mixed well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Whip Up the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly between each addition to avoid lumps.
Add Flavor Boosters: Mix in coffee extract until fully incorporated into your cream cheese mixture. You’ll want this step to be extra thorough for that luscious taste.
Bake It Up!: Pour the cheesecake filling over your crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Drizzle: Once cooled completely at room temperature, pour warm caramel sauce over the top before chilling them in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
Enjoying these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories filled with laughter and joy!
You Must Know
- These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat combining creamy cheesecake with rich coffee and caramel flavors
- They’re perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, making any gathering feel special
- The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first, then whip up the cheesecake filling while it bakes. This sequence saves time and guarantees a perfectly baked base.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer flavor. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts on top for added crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave if you prefer them warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars, let your cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing
- Avoid overbaking to keep that luscious, creamy texture intact
- Always chill bars completely before cutting; this ensures clean edges and prettier presentation!
Sharing these bars with friends brought back memories of my first bake sale. Their delighted faces made all those hours in the kitchen worth it!
FAQ
Can I use decaf coffee in the recipe?
Yes, decaf coffee works perfectly if you want to avoid caffeine.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly.
Can I freeze leftover cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them well and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars, featuring a creamy blend of coffee-infused cheesecake and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a sweet treat!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp coffee extract
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- 3. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 4. Mix in coffee extract thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- 5. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- 6. Cool completely at room temperature, then drizzle warm caramel sauce on top and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
