I recently stumbled upon an absolutely divine recipe for Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Let me tell you, they are an absolute treat for anyone with a sweet tooth like mine! The combination of smooth and creamy cheesecake, rich caramel, and a delightful praline crumb topping is simply divine.
The crust is made from a delicious mixture of crushed graham crackers and butter, providing the perfect base for the luscious layers above. Each bite is a heavenly mix of sweet and crunchy, satisfying all your dessert cravings. These cheesecake bars are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as an indulgent treat for yourself. Trust me, once you try these heavenly bars, they will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
Cookie Base and Topping:
- Sugar cookie mix (Betty Crocker brand preferred)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup toffee pieces (Heath brand preferred)
Filling:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup caramel topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions for Making Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and chopped butter. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the cookie mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and toffee pieces until evenly distributed.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the cookie base.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, caramel topping, vanilla extract, and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cookie base in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the cream cheese filling as a deliciously crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until completely chilled and firm.
- Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. These Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or served chilled for a refreshing treat.
Tips for achieving the perfect texture
To achieve the perfect texture for the crumb base, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind:
Use cold unsalted butter: Cold butter is needed to create the ideal texture for the streusel and crust. Make sure to chop the butter into small pieces before combining it with the sugar cookie mix.
Incorporate the butter evenly: It’s essential to evenly distribute the butter throughout the cookie mix to ensure that every bite of the crumb base is buttery and delicious. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crumb mixture firmly: When pressing the crumb mixture into the baking pan, make sure to press it down firmly to create a solid and stable base for the cheesecake filling.
Serving and Presentation
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife is crucial for clean cuts without crushing or crumbling the bars. Choose a long, thin blade, preferably with a non-stick coating to glide through the creamy cheesecake and crumbly crust effortlessly.
Start with clean cuts: Before each cut, wipe off any excess crumbs or caramel sauce from the knife. This will help prevent cross-contamination and ensure each slice looks pristine.
Measure and mark: For evenly sized bars, use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the desired size on the edges of the cheesecake. Gently score the surface with the tip of the knife along the markings.
Apply gentle and consistent pressure: Slowly and steadily press the knife down in one smooth motion, using the scored lines as a guide. Avoid sawing or applying excessive force, as this can cause the bars to break or lose their shape.
Clean the knife between cuts: After each slice, wipe the knife clean to remove any residue. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to the blade and ensure clean cuts throughout the process.
Transfer with care: Use a thin spatula or an offset spatula to carefully lift each slice from the baking dish. Place the bars on a serving platter or individual dessert plates, ensuring they maintain their shape and presentation.
Garnishing Options and Serving Suggestions
Dusting of powdered sugar: Before serving, lightly dust the bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and visually enhances the contrasting colors of the cheesecake, caramel, and crumb topping.
Drizzle of caramel sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top of each slice. This not only adds a delicious caramel flavor but also creates an enticing presentation.
Whipped cream or ice cream: Serve the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy and cool texture complements the rich and decadent flavors of the cheesecake.
Garnish with nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of each slice for an added crunch and nutty flavor. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the smooth and creamy cheesecake.
Accompany with fruit: Serve the bars with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, balancing out the flavors.
Remember that presentation is key when serving your Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars. Take the time to arrange them neatly on a serving platter, garnish with care, and present them with pride. The combination of the beautifully cut squares and the thoughtful garnishes will surely impress your guests and make them eager to indulge in this delectable dessert.
More Desserts Recipes
If you’re looking for delicious cake recipes, here are some other cheesecakes you might like:
- Birthday Cake Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwich Cheesecake
- Biscoff Cheesecake
- White Chocolate Mousse Cranberry Cheesecake
FAQ about Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars recipe
How long do these cheesecake bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, these Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze these Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars for longer storage. Once they are completely cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use a different type of nut for the praline topping?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pecans, you can certainly use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds for the praline topping. Feel free to experiment and find the flavor combination that you enjoy the most.
Can I use a different type of crust for these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can customize the crust for these Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars according to your preference. If you prefer a different type of cookie or cracker crust, such as graham cracker or chocolate cookie, feel free to make the substitution. Just be sure to adjust the measurements accordingly.
Can I substitute the caramel sauce with another type of sauce?
While the caramel sauce adds a delicious flavor and gooey texture to these cheesecake bars, you can certainly substitute it with a different sauce if you prefer. Some options could include chocolate sauce, butterscotch sauce, or even a fruit compote. Get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking.
Can I add any additional toppings to these cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! These Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars are versatile and can be topped with a variety of ingredients. You can sprinkle some additional crushed nuts on top for added crunch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the caramel sauce for extra decadence, or even add a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy finish.
Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars
INGREDIENTS
Cookie Base and Topping:
- Sugar cookie mix Betty Crocker brand preferred
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup toffee pieces Heath brand preferred
Filling:
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup caramel topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and chopped butter. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the cookie mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and toffee pieces until evenly distributed.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the cookie base.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, caramel topping, vanilla extract, and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cookie base in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the cream cheese filling as a deliciously crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until completely chilled and firm.
- Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. These Praline Crumb Caramel Cheesecake Bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or served chilled for a refreshing treat.
