Caramel Rice Krispie Cheesecake Bars
Desserts that combine creamy cheesecake and crunchy cereal are a match made in heaven—and these Caramel Rice Krispie Cheesecake Bars are proof. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures: a crispy, buttery Rice Krispie base, a velvety no-bake cheesecake filling, and a sweet, chewy caramel-infused topping. It’s a nostalgic twist on two beloved classics: the gooey Rice Krispie treat and the indulgent cheesecake square. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are as irresistible as they are easy to make.
The best part? You don’t even have to turn on the oven. These bars come together with just a few simple steps and chill beautifully in the refrigerator, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving something decadent after dinner, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat every time.
Caramel Rice Krispie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 9–12 bars
Calories: ~320 kcal per bar
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (for drizzle)
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add Rice Krispies cereal and mix until fully coated. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
3. Make the Topping
In a clean saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat until bubbling. Stir in vanilla and remove from heat. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix well until coated. Gently press this layer over the cheesecake filling.
4. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm enough to cut. Just before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce. For extra decadence, add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don’t press the topping too hard—you want it to hold together but still keep a bit of airy crunch.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle to create a salted caramel version that’s irresistible.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
The beauty of this recipe lies in its layers. The bottom Rice Krispie crust is buttery and crisp, offering the perfect foundation for the light cheesecake filling. The topping, with its caramelized brown sugar and syrup mixture, adds a sweet chewiness and a golden glow that’s hard to resist. Every layer complements the others, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.
These bars are also incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up the flavors by drizzling melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top, or by adding crushed nuts for an added crunch. For a festive touch, try using colored Rice Krispies during the holidays—it adds fun and flair to the presentation.
Serving Ideas
Serve these bars chilled straight from the fridge for a firm bite, or let them sit for 10 minutes at room temperature for a softer, creamier texture. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an extra-special dessert, serve each bar with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Caramel Rice Krispie Cheesecake Bars are a celebration of textures and flavors that never fail to impress. The combination of crunchy cereal, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel makes this dessert an instant favorite for all ages. Whether you’re making them for a potluck, a bake sale, or just because you deserve something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to bring joy to your table—one caramel-drizzled bite at a time.
