Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Introduction:
Indulgent, creamy, and beautifully swirled with rich caramel, these Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a mesmerizing caramel design on top, every bite melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a little something special. Let’s dive into making this stunning dessert that’s surprisingly easy to create!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

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• ¼ cup brown sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

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• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ cup sour cream

For the Caramel Swirl:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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• Optional: a pinch of sea salt for salted caramel flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Crust:
   In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.

3. Bake the Crust:
   Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the filling.

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4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream until fully combined and silky.

5. Assemble the Bars:
   Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top in thin lines or pools.

6. Create the Swirl:
   Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix — you want distinct swirls.

7. Bake:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake creamy.

8. Cool and Chill:
   Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled and firm.

9. Slice and Serve:
   Once set, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or bars, wiping the knife clean between slices for neat edges.

Conclusion:
Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars are pure magic — rich, creamy cheesecake with buttery caramel ribbons, all sitting on a crunchy graham cracker crust. They’re visually stunning yet surprisingly simple to make, perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions. Bring these irresistible bars to your next gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “cheesecake!” Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of creamy, caramel-swirled perfection.