Description
These Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars offer a luscious combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy Butterfinger candy, and a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with a rich salted caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these bars deliver the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- 2 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed (about 3.5 ounces)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined, then press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ⅔ cup granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble Filling on Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure an even layer.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes in the oven until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, indicating a creamy consistency.
- Cool and Add Toppings: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Then, evenly drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake bars.
- Add Candy Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger pieces over the caramel sauce and press them gently so they stick to the surface.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow them to firm up completely.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan and cut them into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily remove bars from the pan without breaking.
- You can substitute salted caramel sauce with homemade caramel sauce if preferred.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a firmer crust, chill the graham cracker crust for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesecake Bars, Salted Caramel, Butterfinger, Graham Cracker Crust, Dessert Bars, Cream Cheese Dessert
