If you have a sweet tooth that craves something rich, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, then this Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert obsession. The luscious layers of velvety cream cheese mingled with caramel-like dulce de leche atop a buttery graham cracker crust create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. These bars are the ideal crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration, each bite melts in your mouth and leaves you longing for just one more. Let me walk you through every step so you can bring this delightful treat to your kitchen with confidence and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the foundation of making these cheesecake bars nothing short of spectacular. Each element plays a starring role in delivering the creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and buttery richness that make this recipe shine.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base of the crust provides a slightly sweet and crumbly foundation that crisps up nicely.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together and gives it a rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the creamy, dreamy texture of the cheesecake filling.
- Eggs: Help to set the filling and give the bars structure without drying them out.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances all the other flavors in the cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Contributes tanginess and silkiness, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Dulce de leche: The star ingredient that infuses the bars with luscious caramel richness.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A finishing touch to contrast and highlight the sweetness.
How to Make Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this evenly into the pan’s bottom, making sure to compact it well. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, which helps it set and develop a slight golden hue.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
While the crust cools slightly, grab a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they blend seamlessly. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is evenly combined. Lastly, fold in 1 cup of dulce de leche, swirling it through the batter to infuse every bite with that irresistible caramel flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be just set with a gentle jiggle—this guarantees a creamy texture rather than an overbaked, dry one. Once done, turn the oven off, crack the door open, and let the bars cool inside for 1 hour. This gradual cooling step prevents cracks and keeps the texture silky smooth.
Step 4: Chill and Finish
After removing the pan from the oven, place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. Chilling helps the bars firm up and makes slicing easier. Before serving, drizzle the remaining warmed dulce de leche over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you’d like to add that delightful salty kick that contrasts the sweet layers perfectly.
How to Serve Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Topping these cheesecake bars with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the dulce de leche’s richness, creating a sophisticated flavor balance that’s downright addictive. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries can add a pop of color and a bright, fresh contrast. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts either if you want to keep things classic and creamy!
Side Dishes
Serve these bars as the grand finale of a meal with some light and refreshing sides. A citrus salad or a simple fruit sorbet pairs wonderfully to cut through the richness, making each forkful of the bars feel like a little celebration. Coffee or a robust black tea also complements the caramel notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Present the bars on a wooden serving board with small bowls of extra dulce de leche and sea salt on the side, letting everyone customize their own bites. For parties, try cutting them into mini squares and serving each on a decorative cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go treats. Even arranging a petite scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a bar adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container to maintain their moist texture and prevent them from picking up any fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
These cheesecake bars are delicious cold, but if you prefer a slightly warm treat, gently heat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This softens the dulce de leche topping and makes the bars even more gooey and comforting without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make my own dulce de leche for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dulce de leche adds a wonderful personal touch. You can make it by simmering sweetened condensed milk or by slowly cooking milk and sugar until it caramelizes. Whether store-bought or homemade, either option will give you that luscious caramel flavor you want.
Why is sour cream used in the filling?
Sour cream brings a subtle tanginess that balances out the sweetness and enriches the cheesecake’s texture. It keeps the filling creamy and adds a slight depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How do I get clean slices for serving?
To slice these bars neatly, use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water, then wipe it dry before cutting. Repeat warming and wiping the knife between slices to prevent the dulce de leche and cream cheese from sticking and smudging.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative gluten-free cookie crumb. Just be sure to check the other ingredients, especially dulce de leche, for any additives or hidden gluten.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, especially in the crust or filling, but keep in mind that dulce de leche is quite sweet on its own. Reducing sugar too much might affect the balance of flavors and texture, so any adjustments should be done carefully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe that makes it a standout dessert to keep in your repertoire. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing loved ones, these bars bring a perfect blend of richness, sweetness, and comfort to the table. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and savor every wonderfully gooey, creamy bite—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour plus chilling time
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling infused with luscious dulce de leche. Finished with a drizzle of warm dulce de leche and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite, making them an irresistible Latin American-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup dulce de leche
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup dulce de leche, warmed
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is fully incorporated. Gently fold in 1 cup of dulce de leche, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly when nudged.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake bars cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow them to set firmly.
- Add Topping and Serve: Once chilled, warm the remaining 1/4 cup dulce de leche and drizzle it over the top of the bars. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to slice the bars for clean edges. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a firmer crust, add an extra 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Dulce de leche can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- To get clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
