Salted Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Hey sugar lover!
Let’s make magic with these Salted Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bars – where a fudgy cookie crust meets creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate ganache, and a luxurious caramel drizzle.
The best part? That caramel sits proudly on top where it belongs, creating the most Instagram-worthy dessert that’s actually easy to make.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
1. Cookie Crust First!
We’re blitzing chocolate cookies into crumbs, mixing with melted butter, then packing it tight into a pan. A quick 8-minute bake gives us the perfect sturdy base.
2. Creamy Cheesecake Layer
Beat room-temp cream cheese until smooth (no lumps!), then add sugar, vanilla, and eggs one at a time. Pour over our cooled crust and bake until just set with a slight jiggle.
3. Chocolate Ganache Blanket
Once cooled, we’ll melt chocolate with cream for a silky ganache that we’ll spread over the cheesecake. This needs about 15 minutes to set before…
4. Caramel Crown
Warmed caramel gets drizzled artfully over the ganache, followed by that essential flaky salt sprinkle. The caramel stays beautifully visible on top!
5. The Hardest Part – Waiting
4 hours in the fridge (okay, maybe sneak one after 3) lets everything set perfectly for clean slices.
Pro Tips
- Room temp ingredients are key – cold cream cheese will leave lumps
- Hot knife trick: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts for perfect slices
- Customize it: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the ganache or chopped nuts to the crust
- Caramel control: Warm your caramel slightly for perfect drizzling consistency
Storage
- Fridge: Airtight container for 5 days (if they last that long!)
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Salted Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Description
Three glorious layers - chocolate cookie crust, velvety cheesecake, rich chocolate ganache - all topped with glossy caramel and flaky salt. These bars are what dessert dreams are made of!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Cheesecake Layer:
For the Toppings:
Instructions
Prep:
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8" pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
Make Crust:
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Pulse cookies in food processor to fine crumbs (or crush in a bag)
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Mix with melted butter until resembles wet sand
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Press firmly into prepared pan using a flat cup measure
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Bake 8 minutes, then cool while making filling
Cheesecake Layer:
-
Beat cream cheese on medium until completely smooth (2 mins)
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Add sugar and vanilla, beat 1 minute more
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined
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Pour over crust, smooth top
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Bake 25-30 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly
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Cool completely at room temp (1 hour) then refrigerate 30 minutes
Ganache Layer:
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Combine chocolate chips and cream in microwave-safe bowl
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Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth (about 1 min total)
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Spread evenly over chilled cheesecake
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Let set 15 minutes at room temp
Caramel Finish:
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Warm caramel slightly (10 sec in microwave) for easy drizzling
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Drizzle over ganache layer in zig-zag pattern
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Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt
Chill & Serve:
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Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is better)
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Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan
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Slice with hot knife (dip in hot water, wipe dry between cuts)
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 340kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Sugars 26g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For clean slices: Wipe knife between each cut
- Make ahead: These taste even better on day 2!
- No microwave? Make ganache using double boiler
- Storage tip: Place parchment between layers if stacking
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
