Sweet Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A Dreamy Treat

Creamy dulce de leche cheesecake bars weave magic into every single bite, promising pure dessert bliss.

Sweet caramel layers meld seamlessly with rich cream cheese.

Decadent squares combine classic comfort and elegant indulgence.

Smooth textures dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

Simple ingredients create extraordinary results in this irresistible treat.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction for passionate bakers.

You’ll fall in love with these delectable bars that turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable sweet moment.

Why Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Are a Decadent Delight

• Elevate Dessert Game: Indulge in a decadent cheesecake bar that transforms ordinary baking into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a sweet, luxurious treat that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or caramel swirls to make the recipe uniquely yours and experiment with flavors.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Designed for home bakers of all levels, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results without professional pastry training.

Ingredients to Create the Richest Dulce de Leche Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the smooth, velvety texture and adds a subtle tanginess.

• Dulce De Leche, Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Sea Salt: Create a rich, glossy caramel-like topping that adds depth and complexity to the cheesecake bars.

How to Bake Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Just Right

Step 1: Create the Crust Foundation

Grab graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix these ingredients until they transform into a texture resembling wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring a compact and uniform base.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about 3 minutes of mixing. Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next. This technique ensures a silky, luxurious texture.

Step 4: Finish the Filling

Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Continue mixing until the filling is completely smooth and free of any lumps.

Step 5: Pour and Bake the Cheesecake

Carefully spread the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, making sure it covers the entire surface evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The center should be almost set but still slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.

Step 6: Cool the Cheesecake

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.

Step 7: Create Dulce De Leche Topping

• Dulce de leche
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Sea salt

Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Add the Decadent Topping

Pour the warm dulce de leche mixture over the cooled cheesecake, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely. When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into neat, precise squares and enjoy your indulgent dessert.

Key Tips for Creamy Texture and Bold Flavor

• Perfect Crust Creation: Press graham cracker mixture firmly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when cutting bars.
• Smooth Filling Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture that spreads evenly.
• No-Crack Baking Trick: Remove cheesecake when center is slightly jiggly to prevent surface cracking and ensure a tender, creamy consistency.
• Chilling Champion: Refrigerate bars for minimum 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and dulce de leche topping to set perfectly.
• Slice Like a Pro: Use a hot, clean knife wiped between cuts to create clean, beautiful bar edges without dragging filling.

Tasty Twists on Classic Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

• Chocolate Marble Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking, creating beautiful chocolate ribbons throughout the creamy filling.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch Bars: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the dulce de leche topping, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the classic recipe.
• Salted Coconut Dulce De Leche Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired variation.

What to Serve with These Luscious Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Sweet Caramel Notes with Bold Coffee: Dark roast espresso or Colombian coffee cuts through the rich sweetness, creating a perfect flavor balance that highlights the dulce de leche's depth.
• Create Complementary Wine Experience: Late harvest Riesling or sweet Moscato will echo the caramel's sweetness while providing a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake texture.
• Enhance Dessert with Nutty Accompaniments: Toasted almond slivers or candied pecans sprinkled on top add delightful crunch and bring out the caramel's warm, golden undertones, elevating the overall dessert experience.

How to Keep Cheesecake Bars Fresh and Delicious

• Transfer cheesecake bars to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no air can enter to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Place parchment paper or wax paper between each bar layer to prevent sticking and maintain their pristine appearance during storage.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture by keeping the container sealed and away from strong-smelling foods.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Your Top Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bar Questions Answered

• What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel-like sauce originating from Latin America, made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it becomes thick and golden brown with a rich, creamy flavor.

• Can I make dulce de leche at home?

Yes, you can make dulce de leche by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk in a water bath or using an oven method, which transforms the milk into a thick, caramel-like sauce.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake bars?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually at room temperature to prevent cracks from forming on the surface.

Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Dulce de leche cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with caramel’s sweet embrace, creating a dessert that dances between indulgence and comfort. Layered with silky filling and a buttery graham cracker base, these bars invite you to savor each luxurious bite of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Dulce De Leche Topping:

• 1 cup dulce de leche
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until thoroughly combined and resembling wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact and uniform crust layer.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
5. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, approximately 3 minutes.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a silky texture.
7. Incorporate vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until the filling is completely uniform and free of lumps.
8. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
11. Whisk dulce de leche, heavy cream, butter, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and glossy.
12. Pour the warm dulce de leche mixture over the cooled cheesecake, ensuring even coverage.
13. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set completely.
14. Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using parchment paper edges and cut into neat squares before serving.

Notes

• Chill your cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
• Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling and create a silky, even cheesecake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg