Description
Caramel Chocolate Dream Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy vanilla cream cheese layer, topped with luscious caramel sauce, smooth melted chocolate, and crunchy toffee bits. These no-bake bars are chilled to perfection, then finished with elegant caramel and chocolate drizzles, creating an irresistible dessert that’s both rich and visually stunning.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup prepared caramel sauce
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to facilitate easy removal of the bars later.
- Make and Bake the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust for 10 minutes to set it.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined without overbeating.
- Bake Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Add Caramel Layer: Once chilled, spread the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer. Place back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly.
- Melt Chocolate and Add Toppings: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the caramel layer, then sprinkle chopped toffee bits on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely set.
- Decorate with Drips: When fully chilled and firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired. For a professional finish, gently warm small amounts of extra caramel sauce and extra melted chocolate separately until pourable but still thick. Using a small spoon, drizzle thin lines of warm caramel and chocolate over the top edges of each bar, allowing the drips to cascade slowly for a beautiful effect.
- Serve and Store: Serve the bars immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy. These bars are best served cold to maintain their texture and toppings.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use high-quality prepared caramel sauce for best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly in the crust or cream cheese layer.
- For easier cutting, chill bars thoroughly before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Leftovers should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days for freshness.
- To make the drip decoration smoother, use small spoons and warm the sauces gently to avoid burning.
- Feel free to substitute chopped nuts for toffee bits for a different crunch profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel chocolate bars, cream cheese bars, graham cracker crust dessert, no bake caramel cheesecake bars, chocolate toffee dessert
