The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through your kitchen can only mean one thing—it’s time to whip up some delightful Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars. These scrumptious treats combine smooth cheesecake with a rich coffee flavor and a luscious caramel drizzle that will make your taste buds dance.
Imagine serving these bars at a family gathering or casual brunch with friends. You’ll have everyone raving about how you made such an irresistible dessert that’s easy to share but nearly impossible to resist!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers
- The flavor combination is heavenly, blending creamy cheesecake with bold coffee and sweet caramel
- Visually stunning with their layered presentation, they are sure to impress anyone who sees them
- Versatile enough for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to fancy dinners!
I still remember the first time I made these bars; my friends couldn’t stop talking about how good they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for the best crust texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together while adding richness.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling perfectly; adjust according to your taste.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a creamy texture; don’t skip this tip!
- Coffee Extract or Instant Coffee Powder: Adds depth of flavor; choose your favorite brand for best results.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade works great; just make sure it’s drizzled generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar while mixing until fluffy and well combined.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in coffee extract or instant coffee powder for that delightful caffeine kick.
Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center—this ensures creaminess!
Cool and Drizzle With Caramel: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours. Once chilled, drizzle generously with caramel sauce before serving.
Strong warning: Try not to eat all of them straight out of the fridge—trust me; it’s hard!
Enjoy these delicious Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars as a sweet pick-me-up during your afternoon slump or as an indulgent dessert at dinner parties. They’re sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- These Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars are not just desserts; they are a mood booster!
- The combination of coffee and caramel creates a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they’re even cooled
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while preheating your oven. Mix cream cheese filling as the crust bakes, ensuring everything is ready simultaneously for fresh bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular coffee for espresso for an extra kick! You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the topping for added texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For a quick fix, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter; this prevents lumps
- Always let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid messy slices
- A drizzle of extra caramel on top adds a stunning finish and extra sweetness
When my friend took her first bite of these Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars, her eyes lit up like Christmas lights, instantly declaring them her new favorite dessert!
FAQ
Can I use decaf coffee in these bars?
Yes, decaf coffee works perfectly if you want to enjoy them without caffeine.
How long do these cheesecake bars last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for about 5-7 days if stored properly.
Can I freeze Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months.
Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the rich flavors of Coffee Caramel Cheesecake Bars, featuring a creamy cheesecake base infused with coffee and topped with luscious caramel. Perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Coffee extract or instant coffee powder
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in coffee extract or instant coffee powder.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
