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.
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.
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.