There’s nothing quite like the allure of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars. Imagine diving into a creamy, velvety cheesecake, where each bite is a delightful dance of sweetness and richness, highlighted by the caramel undertones of dulce de leche. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace that promises indulgence and joy.
Now, picture this: a family gathering with laughter echoing off the walls, and there you are, the star of the dessert table, showcasing these decadent bars. As your loved ones take their first bite, eyes widen in delight, and smiles spread like wildfire. It’s moments like these that make baking so rewarding!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their rich flavor profile blends creamy cheesecake with sweet caramel notes beautifully
- Visually appealing with their luscious topping, they steal the spotlight at any gathering
- Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in!
I still chuckle when I remember the first time I served these bars at a friend’s birthday party. The crowd went wild; one friend even tried to sneak off with the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for that perfect crust texture; they hold everything together beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Melting butter adds richness; don’t forget to let it cool slightly before mixing.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a luxurious texture; let it soften for easier blending.
Dulce de Leche: Look for a good quality brand or make your own; it elevates the flavor immensely.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling; adjust based on your preference for sweetness.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the mixture, giving your bars a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings depth to your dessert; avoid imitation for best results.
Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid base.
Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing until fully combined and creamy.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time until just incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and salt to enhance all those lovely flavors.
Incorporate Dulce de Leche: Gently fold in half of the dulce de leche into the cream cheese mixture until well blended but still swirled for visual appeal!
Bake the Bars: Pour this delectable mixture over your crust and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until set. The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains slightly jiggly.
Let these scrumptious bars cool completely before refrigerating them for at least two hours (if you can resist!). Drizzle remaining dulce de leche on top for that extra touch of sweetness before slicing into squares.
Enjoy each bite as you savor every layer of creamy goodness combined with crunchy crust—perfectly irresistible!
You Must Know
- This recipe for Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars combines creamy cheesecake with sweet caramel for a dessert that impresses
- The aroma of baking fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
- Plus, they are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, satisfying all sweet cravings effortlessly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while preheating the oven to 350°F. Bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer and topping with dulce de leche.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the graham cracker crust for an Oreo base. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slightly in the microwave for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly creamy cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks, and always let it cool completely before slicing
- These simple steps lead to dessert perfection every time!
Sharing my first attempt at these bars was a laugh! Friends couldn’t stop raving about them, even trying to swipe leftovers—it’s safe to say they were a hit!
FAQ
Can I make Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What if I can’t find dulce de leche?
You can substitute with caramel sauce or make your own by simmering sweetened condensed milk.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence, combining rich, creamy cheesecake with the sweet caramel goodness of dulce de leche. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Each bite offers a delightful balance of texture and flavor, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dulce de leche (plus extra for topping)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until moistened. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Gently fold in half of the dulce de leche into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour filling over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely and refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing. Drizzle remaining dulce de leche on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (72g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
