Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars

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Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a simple combination of sweet and salty flavors can create a dessert that leaves everyone craving more? Enter the Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars! These delightful treats blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the satisfying crunch of pretzels, all topped off with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also challenges the belief that making a gourmet dessert is time-consuming and complicated. In fact, you can whip up these bars in just 90 minutes—20% less time than the average cheesecake recipe! Let’s dive into this delectable journey of flavors.

Ingredients List

To create the perfect Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups pretzel crumbs (you can substitute with graham cracker crumbs for a different flavor)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter option)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works well as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Salted Caramel Topping:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

These ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress!

Timing

Preparation for these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars takes approximately 30 minutes, baking takes about 30 minutes, and cooling requires 30 minutes, totaling 90 minutes. This is significantly less time than many traditional cheesecake recipes, making it a perfect choice for those who want to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of pretzel crumbs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup flour, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Bake the cheesecake for 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  2. Turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
  2. Carefully add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted.
  3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt.

Step 5: Assemble and Cool

  1. Once the cheesecake has cooled, drizzle the salted caramel over the top.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
  3. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 bar, assuming 16 servings):

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g

This information highlights the indulgent nature of these bars, making them a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars a bit healthier, consider the following substitutions:

  • Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese for a lighter filling.
  • Replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.
  • Opt for whole grain pretzels to increase fiber content in the crust.

These modifications allow you to enjoy the same great flavors while being mindful of your dietary choices.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesecake bars are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways:

  • Garnish with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
  • Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of elegance.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.

Feel free to get creative and personalize your serving style!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Overmixing the cheesecake filling can lead to cracks. Mix just until combined.
  • Not letting the cheesecake cool gradually can cause it to crack. Follow the cooling steps carefully.
  • Skipping the chilling time after baking can result in a soft, unmanageable texture. Patience is key!

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure that your cheesecake bars turn out perfectly every time.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars fresh:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for longer storage: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

These storage tips will help maintain the flavor and texture of your delicious creation.

Conclusion

In summary, the Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. With a quick prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert. We invite you to try this recipe and share your feedback in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! You can substitute pretzel crumbs with graham cracker crumbs or even Oreo cookie crumbs for a different flavor profile.

2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels or graham crackers in the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare these bars in advance?

Absolutely! These cheesecake bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

4. What should I do if my caramel sauce hardens?

If your caramel sauce hardens, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream to help it return to a pourable consistency.

5. How do I know when my cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars

Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Bars
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • For the Crust:
  • 2 cups pretzel crumbs (you can substitute with graham cracker crumbs for a different flavor)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)
  • For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter option)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works well as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • For the Salted Caramel Topping:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare the Crust

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of pretzel crumbs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
    3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden.

    Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

    1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
    2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
    3. Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
    4. Add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup flour, mixing until just combined.
    5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

    Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

    1. Bake the cheesecake for 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
    2. Turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 30 minutes.

    Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel

    1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
    2. Carefully add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted.
    3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt.

    Step 5: Assemble and Cool

    1. Once the cheesecake has cooled, drizzle the salted caramel over the top.
    2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
    3. Cut into bars and enjoy!
© Lily Cooking
Category: Dessert