Description
These Decadent Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth and creamy cream cheese filling, topped with salted caramel and crunchy crushed Butterfinger candy bars for a perfect indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir until evenly mixed, then press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly to set.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ⅔ cup sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Add the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble Filling over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the pan and spread it out evenly. Gently tap the pan to release any trapped air bubbles for a smooth finish.
- Bake Cheesecake Bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly when the pan is moved gently. This ensures a creamy texture.
- Cool and Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cheesecake bars.
- Add Crushed Butterfinger: Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel, pressing gently so they stick to the topping.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow them to firm up properly for easy slicing.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan and cut into 9 equal squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for the best smooth and creamy filling.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to avoid a crumbly base.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake bars; the center should remain slightly jiggly to maintain creaminess.
- For easier removal, use parchment paper with an overhang when lining the pan.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Salted caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salted caramel cheesecake bars, Butterfinger cheesecake bars, dessert bars, graham cracker crust cheesecake, easy cheesecake bars
