The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of melting caramel and creamy cheesecake. As you take a bite of these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars, the rich flavors dance on your palate—this is bliss in bar form.
I remember the first time I baked these gems; my friends were skeptical at first. But after just one bite, they were begging for seconds! Perfect for parties or an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars will have everyone talking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delightful bars are incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort for maximum flavor
- The combination of rich coffee and buttery caramel creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist
- Visually appealing with their luscious layers, they’ll impress anyone who sees them
- Enjoy them as a decadent dessert or an indulgent snack anytime!
Baking these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars became a rite of passage during family gatherings; they always left everyone smiling and asking for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These serve as the base for our bars, providing a crunchy texture and buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together while adding richness to each decadent bite.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the flavors in both the crust and the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives our cheesecake layer its dreamy texture; don’t skimp on quality!
- Eggs: Eggs add structure to our filling while keeping it creamy and smooth—essential for that perfect cheesecake consistency.
- Coffee Extract: This magical ingredient infuses each bar with a deep coffee flavor that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this luscious sauce over your bars before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly from the get-go.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Trust me; you’ll thank yourself!
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish using your fingers.
Create the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese in another bowl until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Stir in coffee extract until fully incorporated.
Add to Pan and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over your crust and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Once cooled completely, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over your bars before cutting into squares. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are not just treats; they’re an experience waiting to unfold! Each step brings you closer to that moment when you take your first bite—pure bliss!
You Must Know
- Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, rich coffee, and sweet caramel
- The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy café, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself
- These bars are easy to make and even easier to devour!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first, then mix the cheesecake filling while it bakes. This keeps everything organized and ensures your bars set perfectly without any stress.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular cream cheese for flavored varieties or add nuts into the crust for extra crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; cold ingredients can cause lumps
- Always allow your bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid messy edges
- Experiment with different toppings like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle for added flair!
Baking these bars reminds me of a family gathering where everyone fought over the last piece—definitely a compliment when dessert is gone in an instant!
FAQ
Can I use decaf coffee in Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, decaf coffee works perfectly if you want to avoid caffeine.
How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for about five days when stored properly.
Can I freeze Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! They freeze well for up to three months in an airtight container.
Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars—creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor! Perfect for dessert lovers, they combine the essence of coffee and caramel in every delightful bite.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Cream Cheese
- Eggs
- Coffee Extract
- Caramel Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth; add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in coffee extract.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (55g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
