If you have a sweet tooth and a love for luscious desserts, the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These golden, creamy bars combine the rich caramel goodness of dulce de leche with the velvety smoothness of cheesecake, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that feels indulgent yet approachable—perfect for when you want to impress friends or satisfy your dessert cravings at home. Get ready to dive into a dessert experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients for this recipe is a joy because each component plays a key role: from the crunchy crust to the silky filling and that irresistible drizzle on top.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crisp and buttery base for the cheesecake bars.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, floral note to both crust and filling.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the cheesecake, lending that classic tangy texture.
- 1 cup dulce de leche: Infuses the filling with deep, caramelized sweetness that makes this recipe truly special.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the richness in the cheesecake filling for a perfect taste.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the filling and create that smooth, custard-like consistency.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Stabilizes the filling for neat, sliceable bars.
- ½ cup dulce de leche (for drizzling): Adds a gorgeous, glossy finish and a burst of caramel flavor on top.
- Whipped cream (optional): Light and airy topping to complement the dense bars.
- Chocolate shavings or crushed nuts (optional): Adds texture and visual appeal when serving.
How to Make Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract together is the foundation for a buttery, crunchy crust that perfectly offsets the creamy filling. Press this mixture firmly into your 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden color. This step sets the stage beautifully for the chewy and smooth cheesecake layers to come.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust cools, whip up the filling by beating the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth and creamy—it’s all about that texture! Add the dulce de leche and sugar, beating until the mixture is velvety and combined seamlessly. Incorporate eggs one at a time to keep the filling stable, then mix in vanilla extract and flour just until combined. This ensures a luscious, rich cheesecake that will hold its shape once baked.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Pour your cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and level it out with a spatula. Bake the whole pan for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the edges to be set firmly but keep a slight jiggle in the center to maintain that creamy texture. Then, with the oven turned off and the door cracked open, let the bars slow-cool for about an hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and helps the bars set beautifully.
Step 4: Chill and Add Finishing Touches
After that hour, bring the bars to room temperature before covering them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least four hours, but preferably overnight to let the flavors meld and texture firm up perfectly. Before serving, cut the cheesecake into bars, drizzle with the remaining dulce de leche, and add optional whipped cream and garnishes for that wow factor.
How to Serve Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the beauty and flavor of your bars, a dollop of whipped cream provides a fluffy contrast to the dense sweetness. Sprinkling chocolate shavings or crushed nuts adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal, making these bars irresistible at any gathering.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars shine as a standalone dessert, but if you want to pair them thoughtfully, fresh berries or a simple berry compote offer a tart counterpoint that brightens each bite. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte also pairs wonderfully with the caramel notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe on a decorative platter sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Layer them with other mini desserts or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an irresistible dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and preserves the delicate texture and rich flavors perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain that creamy, luscious texture.
Reheating
Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the smooth texture negatively.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s creamy and not too thick for easy mixing into the filling.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If graham cracker crumbs aren’t available, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers. Just keep the amount and texture similar for the best crust.
Do I have to use all-purpose flour in the filling?
The flour helps stabilize the filling and prevents cracking, but if you prefer gluten-free, you can experiment with cornstarch or almond flour, though results may vary slightly.
Can I make these bars without eggs?
Eggs are crucial for the structure and creamy texture, so it’s best not to omit them. If you have an egg allergy, you might try an egg substitute, but this could affect the final texture.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts and chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. This ensures neat, clean edges without crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe, it will fast become a beloved dessert in your home. Its rich caramel flavor paired with creamy cheesecake and a crunchy crust is pure magic that’s easy to achieve. Whether for a special celebration or a cozy night in, these bars will leave everyone asking for seconds. Dive in and let yourself enjoy every delightful bite!
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Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours (includes cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these rich and creamy Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious dulce de leche-infused cheesecake filling. Perfectly baked to achieve a slightly jiggly center, these bars are drizzled with extra dulce de leche and optionally garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for an irresistible dessert experience.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche, for drizzling
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or crushed nuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake bars.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer that will support the cheesecake filling.
- Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sweeteners: Blend in the dulce de leche and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth filling.
- Finish Filling: Stir in vanilla extract and flour just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake bars cool inside for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven, let cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Cut Bars: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into 16 bars using a sharp knife for clean edges.
- Drizzle Dulce de Leche: Top each bar with the remaining dulce de leche for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Optional Garnishes: Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or crushed nuts to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, decadent dessert bars.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Crack the eggs one at a time to avoid any shell pieces in the batter.
- To get clean slices, wipe the knife blade with a warm damp cloth between cuts.
- The slight jiggle in the center after baking is key to a creamy texture.
- Refrigeration time is important to set the dessert properly before serving.
- Use high-quality dulce de leche for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
