Rolo Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Irresistible Rolo Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Gooey Caramel Magic

Creamy rolo cheesecake bars blend decadent chocolate and caramel in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet layers melt together with irresistible complexity.

Chocolate graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch beneath smooth cream cheese filling.

Melted rolos cascade through each bite, creating pockets of gooey caramel.

Unexpected textures dance across your palate with every single slice.

Rich and luxurious, these bars challenge traditional dessert expectations.

Whip up this simple yet spectacular treat that will definitely impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.

Rolo Cheesecake Bars That Are Decadent

  • Satisfy Sweet Cravings: Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the gooey, chocolate-caramel goodness of Rolos.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up these bars with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers looking to impress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to a delightful homemade dessert that everyone will love.
  • Customizable Treat: Add a personal touch by drizzling caramel sauce or experimenting with different chocolate candies to create your unique version.

Ingredients for Rolo Cheesecake Bars

Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, smooth crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the bars their creamy and smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
  • Eggs: Help bind the filling and create a stable, smooth cheesecake texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to the cheesecake filling.
  • Rolos: Chocolate caramel candies that provide bursts of sweet and chocolatey flavor throughout the bars.
Topping (Optional):
  • Caramel Sauce: A decadent drizzle that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal to the cheesecake bars.

How to Make Rolo Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring the space is ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

Mix thoroughly until the mixture looks like wet sand.

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid, even foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl.

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

This technique ensures a perfectly smooth and consistent cheesecake texture.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

Gently fold sour cream into the cheesecake mixture until everything looks uniformly blended and creamy.

Step 6: Add Rolo Surprise

Carefully fold halved Rolos into the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Pour and Spread

Transfer the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring a smooth top surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges look set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove from oven and let the cheesecake bars cool completely at room temperature.

This helps the bars set properly.

Step 10: Chill and Firm

Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Chilling helps the bars become firm and enhances their flavor.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Optional: Drizzle caramel sauce over the chilled bars before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delectable Rolo Cheesecake Bars!

Pro Tips for Rolo Cheesecake Bars

  • Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and better incorporation.
  • Coat Rolos in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to help them stay suspended and prevent sinking to the bottom.
  • Avoid overbaking by removing cheesecake when center is slightly jiggly, as it continues setting during cooling and chilling.
  • Clean your knife with hot water between cuts for precise, smooth edges when serving the cheesecake bars.
  • Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve a beautiful, smooth pattern across the bars.

Flavorful Variations for Rolo Cheesecake Bars

  • Chocolate Lover's Delight: Replace graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs and add dark chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Gluten-Free Heaven: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour, using gluten-free Rolos or similar caramel chocolates to create a celiac-friendly version.
  • Healthier Option: Substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lighter dessert.
  • Salted Caramel Blast: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel drizzle and incorporate chopped pecans into the crust for a rich, nutty flavor profile that enhances the caramel notes.

Serving Suggestions for Rolo Cheesecake Bars

  • Caramel Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the bars by generously drizzling warm caramel and melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake, creating a stunning visual and adding extra decadent flavor layers.
  • Sweet Party Platter: Slice bars into bite-sized squares and arrange beautifully on a decorative platter, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or dessert buffets with elegant presentation.
  • Ice Cream Companion: Serve a chilled Rolo cheesecake bar alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a luxurious dessert combination that balances creamy textures and rich chocolate-caramel notes.
  • Coffee Pairing Delight: Complement these bars with a hot espresso or cappuccino, allowing the rich cheesecake flavors to harmonize with the warm coffee's robust undertones.

Storage Tips for Rolo Cheesecake Bars

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to maintain food safety.
  • Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent texture changes, or enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

  • What are Rolos?

Rolos are chocolate-covered caramel candies originally created in the United Kingdom. They feature a soft caramel center coated in milk chocolate and are popular for baking and snacking.

  • Can I use a different type of candy instead of Rolos?

Yes, you can substitute Rolos with similar chocolate-caramel candies like Milk Duds or chocolate-covered caramel pieces. Just ensure they have a similar texture and melt similarly during baking.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking?

To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at the correct temperature, and use a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create moisture and prevent surface drying.

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Rolo Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Rolo Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent rolo cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake with caramel-chocolate candy for an irresistible dessert. Rich layers of flavor will delight chocolate enthusiasts seeking a memorable sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Topping and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Rolos, halved
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper in a 9×13-inch baking pan for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to create a sturdy crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
  6. Gently fold sour cream into the mixture, creating a velvety texture.
  7. Carefully fold halved Rolos throughout the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly.
  8. Transfer the cheesecake filling onto the prepared crust, spreading it uniformly to cover the entire surface.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly wobbly center, which indicates proper doneness.
  10. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, permitting natural settling.
  11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours to achieve optimal firmness and flavor melding.
  12. Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving to enhance visual appeal and taste.

Notes

  • Crush graham crackers finely to create a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture that blends seamlessly.
  • Fold Rolos gently to prevent breaking them completely, maintaining delightful chocolate and caramel chunks throughout the cheesecake.
  • Cool and chill thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, transforming these bars from good to absolutely irresistible.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 293
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 128 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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