Pioneer Woman Salted Caramel Cheesecake Squares

This creamy, rich Pioneer Woman Salted Caramel Cheesecake Squares is made with smooth cream cheese and graham crackers, ready in 5 hours. The magic happens when you swirl gooey salted caramel into the filling just before baking. I always rely on these squares for family gatherings because they never fail to impress.

Why This Classic Works

Baking a full cheesecake can feel intimidating with water baths and cracked tops. I learned that making them in a square baking pan removes all that stress while keeping the rich flavor.

The graham cracker base stays perfectly crisp under the dense cream cheese layer. Adding store-bought caramel keeps the prep time fast and foolproof.

Pioneer Woman Salted Caramel Cheesecake Squares Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

How To Make Pioneer Woman Salted Caramel Cheesecake Squares

1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it looks like wet sand.
3. Press the Base: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Beat the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then beat in the eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
5. Add the Caramel: Pour the filling over the warm crust, then drizzle the salted caramel sauce on top and swirl it with a knife.
6. Bake and Chill: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is just set, then cool completely and chill for at least 4 hours.

Recipe Tips

• Room temperature ingredients: Cold cream cheese will leave unappetizing lumps in your filling.
• Don’t overmix the eggs: Beating the eggs too much adds air, causing the cheesecake to crack as it bakes.
• Line with parchment: Leaving an overhang of parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to lift the squares out.

What To Serve With Salted Caramel Cheesecake Squares

These rich bars pair beautifully with a strong cup of black coffee or an unsweetened espresso. If you want to go all out, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

How To Store

Store the cut squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, crushed pretzels or vanilla wafers work well instead of graham crackers.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

This usually happens if the oven is too hot or the batter was overmixed before baking.

Can I make my own caramel?

Absolutely, a homemade salted caramel works just as well as a store-bought version.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 290mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 36g
• Protein: 4g

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Double Chocolate Pie
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Scones
• Pioneer Woman Grapefruit Tart