Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried a Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe yet, you’re in for such a treat! This dessert combines the rich, creamy tang of cheesecake with the warm, spiced charm of cookie butter and the gooey delight of caramel. I absolutely love how it comes together — it feels indulgent but approachable, making it perfect for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or whenever you just need a little sweet pick-me-up.

When I first made these bars, I was blown away by how the crunchy Biscoff crust pairs with the silky cheesecake filling and that luscious caramel drizzle on top. The cookie butter brings this signature flavor that’s both nostalgic and somewhat unexpected, so it really makes this recipe stand out. You’ll find that they’re just right for slicing, gifting, or sharing around a big table. Trust me, once you make this Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe, it might just become your new go-to!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent Flavor Fusion: Cookie butter and caramel create a luscious combo that’s uniquely comforting.
  • Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: It chills overnight to develop incredible texture and flavor, perfect for busy days.
  • Easy to Slice and Serve: Cut into neat bars that hold up beautifully for gatherings or treats on the go.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I bring these bars to a party, people can’t stop asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to balance buttery sweetness, creamy tanginess, and that irresistible caramel finish. Using quality ingredients like full-fat cream cheese and real cookie butter makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

  • Biscoff Cookies: The base of cookie butter — finely crushed, they give the crust a spiced caramel undertone.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the crust; makes it rich without overpowering.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both crust and filling evenly.
  • Cream Cheese (full-fat): Key for that smooth, creamy cheesecake texture, so don’t skimp.
  • Cookie Butter: Adds the signature Biscoff flavor inside the cheesecake filling — creamy, spiced, irresistible.
  • Sour Cream (full-fat): Keeps the filling moist and adds slight tang.
  • Vanilla Extract: Elevates all those flavors with warmth and depth.
  • Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance overall taste.
  • Large Eggs: Help set the cheesecake filling without making it dense.
  • Caramel Sauce: For drizzling — you can use store-bought or homemade.
  • Crushed Biscoff Cookies and Flaky Sea Salt: For topping — crunchy and salty contrast that makes each bite pop.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up occasionally because it keeps the recipe fresh and lets you tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve experimented with these bars — feel free to get creative!

  • Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the crust or as a topping gives a satisfying crunch and deeper flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the caramel takes these bars next-level decadent — my family goes crazy for it.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap Biscoff cookies for a gluten-free speculoos cookie or graham cracker to suit gluten sensitivities without losing the signature flavor.
  • Less-Sweet Option: Reduce sugar slightly in filling or go light on caramel drizzle to balance sweetness if you prefer a more subtle dessert.

How to Make Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Create the Perfect Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your baking pan with cooking spray and parchment paper, making sure to leave the overhang for easy lifting later. Pulse your Biscoff cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs — this is where the magic begins! Mix these crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then press firmly and evenly into the pan; I like using the bottom of a measuring cup to get a nice smooth, compact layer. Bake the crust for about 9 to 11 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted, then let it cool — this step gives a sturdy, flavorful base that holds up beautifully against the creamy filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Butter Cheesecake Filling

Reduce your oven’s temperature to 325°F. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy cookie butter, and sugar on medium speed until silky smooth—this only takes a couple of minutes, but scraping down the bowl really helps get everything fully incorporated. Next, add sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing on low speed to keep the batter nice and airy without overworking it. Add in your eggs one at a time, blending gently and carefully to avoid incorporating too much air which could cause cracking later. Pour this luscious filling evenly over your cooled crust, then tap the pan a few times on the counter to release any air bubbles—you’ll appreciate this little step when you see your smooth bars!

Step 3: Bake Until Just Set and Chill Thoroughly

Bake the cheesecake bars for 32 to 36 minutes — you want the edges to look set and slightly puffed, but the center should still have a gentle jiggle, like Jell-O (not watery). This stage is crucial for achieving that creamy texture without overbaking. Once baked, let them cool completely at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time lets the flavors meld and the texture firm up perfectly for slicing.

Step 4: Finishing Touches with Caramel and Crunch

Warm your caramel sauce in short microwave bursts until it’s pourable, then drizzle or spoon it generously over each cheesecake bar. I like to sprinkle crushed Biscoff cookie crumbs and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top — the contrast of crunchy bits and sea salt elevates every bite with texture and a little salty-sweet kick. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan, then slice into squares with a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest edges.

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Pro Tips for Making Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: I always bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temp before mixing — it ensures a smoother batter and prevents lumps.
  • Don’t Overmix After Adding Eggs: Overbeating once eggs are in can cause cracks during baking; mix gently and just until combined.
  • Use Parchment Overhang: This little trick makes removing the bars from the pan hassle-free and keeps the edges intact.
  • Clean Knife for Perfect Slices: Dip your knife in warm water and wipe it clean between cuts for those gorgeous, clean edges everybody loves.

How to Serve Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

The image shows several square pieces of a dessert with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a thick, dark brown crumbly crust. The middle layer is a dense, creamy light beige cheesecake filling with a smooth texture and small air holes. The top layer is a thick, slightly lighter brown frosting with a smooth surface and some soft peaks around the edges, covered with a crumbly topping that looks like crushed biscuits sprinkled all over. One piece in the front has a bite taken out showing the inside layers clearly. All pieces are placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding extra crushed Biscoff cookie crumbs on top right before serving to refresh that signature crunch. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt always works wonders to enhance the caramel’s sweetness and balance the richness. Sometimes I even add a tiny dollop of whipped cream—just because why not?

Side Dishes

These cheesecake bars are pretty rich, so I like pairing them with a cup of strong coffee or a chilled glass of milk to cut through the sweetness. If it’s brunch time, they’re a lovely companion to fresh berries or light fruit salads to brighten the plate and palate.

Creative Ways to Present

At parties, I like arranging the bars on a pretty slate board with clusters of whole Biscoff cookies and small bowls of caramel sauce for extra drizzling. You can also serve each bar in a mini cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go bites or drizzle additional chocolate in contrasting zigzags for a stunning look. These little touches make the Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe feel extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover bars covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge — they stay just as creamy and delicious for about 4 to 5 days. Plus, the flavors seem to meld even better after a day or two!

Freezing

Freezing cheesecake bars works great for me when I want to prep ahead. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they retain their creamy texture nicely. You can keep them frozen up to 2 months — perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, I don’t typically reheat them. If you want to take the chill off slightly, letting a piece sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes works perfectly to soften the flavors and texture without melting the caramel topping.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Biscoff?

    Absolutely! While the classic Biscoff cookie butter flavor comes from those unique spiced cookies, you can substitute with other spiced or cinnamon cookies like gingersnaps or graham crackers. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

  2. How do I prevent the cheesecake bars from cracking?

    The biggest tip is to avoid overmixing after adding the eggs and to bake at a moderate temperature (325°F). Also, letting the bars cool gradually and chilling overnight helps prevent cracks and ensures a creamy texture.

  3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

    Yes! In fact, I recommend making them a day ahead or more. The overnight chilling really enhances the flavor and texture, making serving a breeze when it’s time to impress guests.

  4. Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream?

    For the best texture and taste in your Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe, full-fat options are ideal. They provide the creamy richness and moisture the cheesecake needs. Low-fat versions often result in a less silky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe feels like a little slice of heaven wrapped in every bite. It’s one of those desserts that I love making when I want to wow friends or indulge a bit myself. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure you’ll be just as hooked on that unique cookie butter flavor marrying so perfectly with creamy cheesecake and sticky caramel. Give it a go — I promise it’s worth all the love and attention it takes!

Print
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Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
  • Yield: 15 – 24 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these indulgent Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars featuring a crisp Biscoff cookie crust, a creamy cookie butter-infused cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel topping with crunchy cookie crumb accents and flaky sea salt. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a rich and flavorful treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cookie Crust

  • Cooking spray
  • 36 Biscoff cookies
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 (8-oz.) packages full-fat cream cheese, very softened
  • 1 cup (288 g) creamy Biscoff cookie butter
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

Assembly

  • 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
  • Crushed Biscoff cookies, for topping
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Spray a 13″ x 9″ metal baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two long sides for easy removal. In a food processor, pulse the Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl and mix with melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant. Let the crust cool completely.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese, cookie butter, and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt and mix on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl sides once. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended—avoid overmixing to prevent cracking.
  3. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth out evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 32 to 36 minutes until the edges are set and slightly puffed, and the center jiggles like Jell-O. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
  4. Slice and Assemble: Run a knife along the pan edges to loosen. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan and place it on a cutting board. For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and dried off, cleaning the knife between cuts. Microwave caramel sauce in 10-second increments, stirring until runny (about 30 seconds). Drizzle caramel sauce over each cheesecake bar, then sprinkle crushed Biscoff cookies and flaky sea salt on top to finish.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is very softened to prevent lumps in your cheesecake filling.
  • Use room temperature eggs and sour cream for a smoother batter and even baking.
  • Do not overmix after adding eggs to minimize cracking on the cheesecake surface.
  • Cooling the cheesecake completely before refrigerating helps it set properly.
  • Using parchment paper with an overhang makes removing the cheesecake easier.
  • For neat serving, warm the knife before slicing and clean between cuts.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (if yields 18 bars)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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