Name: Vanilla Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Mousse
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Cuisine: American

Vanilla Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Mousse

Vanilla Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Mousse cover

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Vanilla Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Mousse

atsloanestable.com

Instructions

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Instructions

Start by making the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, salt, cream of tartar, and 15g of water. Heat over medium high heat, swirling (not stirring) often to encourage even cooking. When it comes to a boil reduce heat to medium.

When the color turns an even medium amber color remove from heat and add the butter one tablespoon at a time, whisking to combine. Whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla. Allow to cool for a few minutes before pouring into a bowl.

Bloom the gelatin by combining the powder with one tablespoon of water. Stir into the slightly cooled caramel. Transfer caramel to a glass jar and place in the fridge overnight or until cooled and ready to use.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.

In a food processor, blend together the graham crackers, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt.

Transfer the crust to the prepared pan and pack it in with a measuring cup or the back of a spoon.

Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Once the crust is done, turn the oven down to 325 degrees F.

While the crust bakes, make the filling. Beat together the cream cheese, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add the eggs and beat until fully combined, but do not over-mix. Pour the filling over the crust.

Fill a large baking dish with water and place in the oven on the rack below the cheesecake. Bake the cheesecake for 40 minutes. Do not open the oven at any point. After 40 minutes, turn the oven off and keep the cheesecake in the oven for another 20 minutes. Then, take the cheesecake out and allow to cool completely before placing in the fridge overnight.

To finish the caramel mousse, melt the caramel sauce in the microwave in 20 second intervals (if it was refrigerated overnight). Allow to cool back down to room temp before adding to the whip cream.

Whip the 340g of heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold in the caramel sauce.

Top the cheesecake with the caramel mousse, cut into small squares, and enjoy!

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Water Bath Prevents Cracks 💧
Bake your cheesecake in a water bath to maintain gentle, even heat and prevent the dreaded surface cracks—wrap the pan bottom with foil to keep water out.
Room Temperature Ingredients Blend Smoothly 🌡️
Allow cream cheese and eggs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a lump-free, creamy filling with no overmixing needed.
Gelatin Blooming Creates Silky Mousse 🥄
Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes before dissolving to ensure smooth, even distribution throughout the caramel mousse without lumps or grittiness.
Graham Cracker Crust Stability 🧈
Melt butter completely and mix thoroughly with crushed graham crackers, then press firmly using the bottom of a measuring cup for a compact, non-crumbly base.
Caramel Sauce Temperature Mastery 🍯
Stop caramelization at 350°F (medium amber color) and immediately add butter off-heat to prevent burning—use a candy thermometer for precise control and consistent results.

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About the Cook

Sloan’s Table

Hi! I'm Sloane, welcome to Sloane’s Table! I am a Dartmouth College alumna, professional baker, recipe developer, and food photographer. Here, you will find tried & true bakery-worthy recipes ranging from simple sweets to technical pastries. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself and improve your baking skills or just want an easy, trust-worthy recipe, you're in the right place.