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Millionaire’s Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Millionaire's Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Delight in the indulgent layers of Millionaire’s Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, luscious salted caramel-infused cream cheese filling, and a rich dark chocolate ganache topping swirled with caramel and finished with flaky sea salt.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • ¾ cup plus 2 tbsp (120g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (55g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling

  • 1 package (250g) brick cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (55g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) Rich Salted Caramel Sauce
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) full fat sour cream

Ganache and Topping

  • 6 oz (170g) dark chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy 35% whipping cream
  • 1 tsp (5ml) corn syrup (optional, for glossy finish)
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Rich Salted Caramel Sauce (for swirling on top)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side for easy removal.
  2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Blend well to break up any lumps. Add softened butter and blend using your fingertips until the mixture forms soft crumbs and clumps. Press evenly into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden on top. Let cool slightly.
  3. Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for baking the filling.
  4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until silky and glossy. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Mix in the salted caramel sauce followed by the sour cream until well combined.
  5. Bake the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned and the surface is a rich golden color. The center will not jiggle due to the thin layer. Let cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
  6. Make the Ganache: Heat the cream with corn syrup in the microwave until just simmering. Pour immediately over chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.
  7. Decorate with Caramel Swirls: Drop small dollops of caramel sauce onto the ganache, then use a toothpick to gently swirl without penetrating the cheesecake layer deeply, creating a decorative pattern.
  8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until the ganache is set. Slice with a hot, dry knife for clean cuts and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried for clean slicing.
  • Corn syrup in ganache is optional but helps achieve a glossy finish.
  • You can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate depending on preference.
  • Store the bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding ganache to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Millionaire's Cheesecake Bars, caramel cheesecake bars, shortbread crust, chocolate ganache, salted caramel, dessert bars, easy cheesecake recipe

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/millionaires-cheesecake-bars-recipe/