Description
Strawberry Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling infused with fresh strawberries, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. This dessert delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness, fruity brightness, and sweet-salty indulgence, making it an irresistible treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for crust)
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed or chopped
Salted Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for richer caramel or topping swirl)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined baking pan to form a firm crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until set and fragrant, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Swirl Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined and creamy. Gently fold in the pureed fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix to maintain a beautiful swirl effect.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. If desired, spoon extra strawberry puree on top and use a knife to create additional swirls. Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly, ensuring a creamy texture. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Add the Salted Caramel Drizzle: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. For an extra decorative touch, gently swirl the caramel into the cheesecake using a toothpick or small spatula. Chill the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- A slight jiggle in the center after baking is ideal to maintain a creamy texture once chilled.
- Fresh strawberry puree offers the best flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used after draining excess liquid.
- Press the crust mixture firmly using the bottom of a glass for a uniform, compact base.
- Make homemade salted caramel sauce for a fresher taste and ability to control sweetness and saltiness.
- Chill the bars thoroughly to ensure clean slicing and the best texture.
- Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for neat, clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 12)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake bars, salted caramel dessert, easy cheesecake bars, fruity cheesecake, no-fuss dessert bars, caramel drizzle cheesecake