The Dreamiest Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe Ever

Creamy cheesecake meets irresistible dulce de leche in a dessert that redefines indulgence.

Sweet caramel notes dance through layers of rich, velvety goodness.

These bars blend decadent textures that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Smooth cream cheese creates a luxurious base for the luscious dulce de leche swirls.

Each bite promises a symphony of classic flavors elevated with elegant simplicity.

The combination promises to delight even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate sweet treat that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a memorable moment.

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Pure Indulgence

• Conquer Complex Desserts: This recipe transforms a seemingly complicated cheesecake into an achievable kitchen adventure for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Dulce de leche and sea salt elevate classic cheesecake bars, making them perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and special celebrations with their irresistible sweet-salty combination.
• Customize with Ease: Swap nuts, add chocolate drizzle, or experiment with different toppings to make these bars uniquely yours, offering endless delicious possibilities for creative cooks.
• Prep-Ahead Party Superstar: Make these bars in advance, store in the refrigerator, and serve chilled – a stress-free dessert solution that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

Cheesecake Bar Ingredients At A Glance

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Creates a rich and cohesive texture for the graham cracker base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy component that gives the cheesecake its signature richness.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Help set the cheesecake layer and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic notes.

• Dulce de Leche: A rich, caramel-like sauce that adds a luxurious sweetness to the cheesecake bars.
• Sea Salt, Chopped Nuts: Optional toppings that add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

Making Dulce de Leche Bars Easy

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for super easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press this mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation.

Pop it in the oven for 8 minutes, then pull it out and let it cool down a bit.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for that classic cheesecake flavor.

Step 4: Build the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a set texture with just a tiny jiggle in the center.

Once done, remove and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Drizzle the Sweet Topping

Spread dulce de leche generously over the cooled cheesecake layer.

If it’s too thick to spread easily, give it a quick 20-second warm-up in the microwave.

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle some sea salt and chopped nuts on top.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Tuck the pan into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (or overnight for best results).

When ready, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire dessert out.

Slice into bars and serve chilled for a mouthwatering treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesecake Bar Baking Tricks For Perfection

• Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won't fall apart when cutting.
• Microwave dulce de leche briefly if it's too thick, making it easier to spread evenly across the cheesecake surface.
• Watch for slight jiggle in the center when removing from oven – this indicates a creamy, not overcooked cheesecake.

Cheesecake Bar Flavor Ideas To Try

• Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Alternative: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies like almond or coconut for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheesecake Transformation: Swap cream cheese for cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut condensed milk instead of dulce de leche, and replace eggs with cornstarch and plant-based egg replacer for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Modification: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free dulce de leche, and incorporate almond flour with coconut flour for a reduced-carb crust.

Sharing Dulce de Leche Bars With Friends

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these bars with fresh coffee or espresso for a decadent morning treat that balances the rich cheesecake's sweetness.
• Dessert Platter Star: Create an elegant dessert spread by arranging bars alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, and mint leaves for visual appeal and complementary flavors.
• Party Perfect Presentation: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares for easy sharing at gatherings, making them convenient for potlucks, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Wrap individually in parchment paper with a decorative ribbon for a homemade gift that looks professionally prepared and tastes absolutely delicious.

Dulce de Leche Bar Storage Secrets

• Store the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their fresh, creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 2 months, ensuring a delightful treat is always within reach.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, preserving their delicate structure and preventing moisture loss.
• Keep bars chilled at all times to prevent the dulce de leche from becoming too runny and maintain the cheesecake's perfect consistency.

FAQs

• What ingredients are key for the cheesecake bars?

Cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs, dulce de leche, eggs, butter, and sugar are the primary ingredients that create the rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor of these bars.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness for the cheesecake bars, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.

• Is sea salt necessary for the recipe?

Sea salt is optional but recommended. It enhances the caramel flavor of the dulce de leche and adds a delightful contrast to the sweet cheesecake, creating a more complex and balanced taste.

Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Dulce de leche cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with caramel-like sweetness in a dessert that promises pure indulgence. Silky layers of dulce de leche nestled between a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth cream cheese filling will transport you to a world of delectable comfort.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 can (13.4 ounces / 380 grams) dulce de leche

Sugar and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup white sugar (divided into 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup)

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess hangs over the sides for easy extraction.
2. Create a graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture compactly into the pan’s base. Bake for 8 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
3. Craft the creamy cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition, and fold in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
4. Gently cascade the cheesecake mixture over the partially cooled crust, distributing evenly across the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center maintains a subtle wobble while appearing mostly set.
5. After complete cooling, generously drape dulce de leche across the cheesecake layer, briefly warming in the microwave if needed for smoother spreading. Optionally garnish with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt and chopped nuts.
6. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 3 hours or ideally overnight to achieve perfect consistency. Utilize parchment edges to lift the entire dessert, slice into elegant bars, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Avoid overbaking by removing cheesecake when center is slightly jiggly, as it will continue setting during cooling.
• Try alternative nut varieties like pistachios or almonds for different flavor profiles and textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg