Keto Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Bars are decadent keto dessert bars that boost your fat intake while satisfying a sweet tooth. Rich, creamy, and delightfully salted, these bars are an easy, make-ahead treat you’ll be glad you made.
This recipe highlights salted caramel flavor paired with a thin chocolate layer and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty finish. Each bite delivers concentrated flavor and about 8g of fat per piece, making them ideal for a keto snack or dessert.
Overview: The bars feature a creamy salted caramel base flavored with salted caramel MCT oil powder, topped with a coconut oil–based chocolate layer. If you prefer, skip the chocolate topping and skip freezing the filling to enjoy these as salted caramel pudding—a silky, cheesecake-like dessert.
Ingredients
Quantities are in the recipe card below.
Salted Caramel Base
- Salted butter, softened
- Cream cheese, softened
- Vanilla extract
- Swerve Confectioners (or another powdered erythritol sweetener)
- Salted caramel MCT oil powder (adds flavor and MCT fats)
- Salt (sea salt preferred)
Chocolate Topping
- Melted coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Cocoa powder
- Swerve Confectioners
- Extra sea salt for finishing
These ingredients are common in keto kitchens and are easy to swap to suit tastes or what you have on hand.
How to Make Keto Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Bars
This is a concise method summary — full details and exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
The recipe has three easy phases: make the salted caramel base, prepare the chocolate topping, and assemble the bars.
Phase 1: Salted Caramel Base
In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, add the softened butter and cream cheese. Once the butter melts, stir in vanilla and mash the cream cheese with a fork until the mixture becomes semi-combined. Keep on the heat briefly until the cream cheese softens more, then remove from heat and whip with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Add the powdered sweetener, the salted caramel MCT oil powder, and a pinch of salt. Whip again until the mixture resembles a thick, fluffy pudding. At this stage you can enjoy it as a chilled pudding that will firm to a creamy, cheesecake-like texture in the fridge.
Spread the mixture evenly into a pan, preferably lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Smooth the top and place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set.
Phase 2: Chocolate Topping
A few minutes before you remove the base from the freezer, combine the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, powdered sweetener, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. The topping should be liquid enough to pour; make it just before using so it stays pourable.
Phase 3: Assemble and Set
Remove the base from the freezer and smooth any ridges. Pour the chocolate topping evenly over the salted caramel layer, tilting the pan as needed so the topping spreads. Sprinkle sea salt on top to taste, then cover the pan and return it to the freezer for about 4 hours to fully firm up.
When the bars are fully set, remove from the freezer and let them thaw for 10–15 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift the slab from the pan, remove the paper, and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife (warm and wiped between cuts for clean edges) to slice into the desired number of pieces. Store chilled in the refrigerator for a softer texture or in the freezer for firmer bars.
Why MCT Oil Powder?
MCT oil powder adds concentrated medium-chain triglycerides for a convenient fat boost and also brings a strong salted caramel flavor when you use a flavored MCT powder. In these bars it contributes both texture and the characteristic caramel taste without adding sugar.
Nutrition
Per serving (based on 30 pieces): approximately 78 calories, 8g fat, 0g protein, and about 0.66g net carbs. Exact nutrition will vary depending on brands and substitutions.
Notes and Tips
- Use parchment paper with an overhang so you can lift the slab from the pan easily.
- If you prefer individual portions, prepare them in silicone molds instead of one pan.
- For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice; repeat between cuts.
- Adjust serving size to make larger bars if you want fewer, richer portions.
More Keto Desserts
These bars pair well with other easy keto fat bomb desserts. Try simple peanut butter cookie-style fat bombs, chocolate-covered nuts, or keto pies when you crave variety—fat bombs are a convenient, satisfying way to stay on track while enjoying dessert.
