Indulge your sweet tooth with our irresistible recipe for Caramel Cheesecake Bars topped with a delectable Praline Pecan topping. These bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a delightful dessert, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this heavenly treat!
Ingredients
Refrigerated:
- 1 Egg
Baking & Spices:
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 3/4 cup Caramel topping
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp White sugar
Nuts & Seeds:
- 1/2 cup Pecans
Snacks:
- 2 cups Graham crackers
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 16 oz Cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and white sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar, flour, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Layer the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Caramel Topping: Drizzle the caramel topping over the cheesecake layer, swirling it gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Prepare the Praline Pecan Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans with brown sugar. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
- Bake: Transfer the baking pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the cheesecake into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, caramel-y goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Make-Ahead: These cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply slice them into bars, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Pecan Variations: Feel free to customize the praline pecan topping by adding other nuts such as walnuts or almonds, or even coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cheesecake bars before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade? A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel topping instead of homemade caramel sauce for convenience. Just make sure to choose a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Q: Can I make these cheesecake bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars? A: Yes, these cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Keto-Friendly Version
For a keto-friendly version of these cheesecake bars, you can make the following substitutions:
- Crust: Use a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour instead of graham crackers for the crust.
- Sweetener: Replace the white sugar and brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Caramel Topping: Use a sugar-free caramel sauce made with erythritol or stevia for the caramel topping.
Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb version of these cheesecake bars, you can follow the keto-friendly substitutions mentioned above and ensure that all ingredients are low in carbohydrates.
In conclusion, these Caramel Cheesecake Bars with Praline Pecan Topping are a decadent and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy cheesecake filling, gooey caramel topping, and crunchy pecan crust
