The moment you take a bite of these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars, your taste buds will throw a party. Imagine a creamy, velvety cheesecake topped with rich, sweet caramel, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake The way the flavors melt together is nothing short of magical, creating an unforgettable dessert experience that leaves you dreaming of your next bite. Red Velvet Cheesecake Delight.
Growing up, dessert was always the star of our family gatherings. I remember my grandma making dulce de leche from scratch and the delightful chaos that ensued in her kitchen. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday bash or a spontaneous Tuesday night treat. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you begging for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Churro Cruffins recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to make, even for kitchen novices
- The combination of creamy cheesecake and caramel delivers an indulgent flavor profile
- Their golden-brown top and smooth filling make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- Perfect for parties or just an afternoon snack with your coffee
Sharing these bars at a family gathering had everyone asking for the recipe; they were a massive hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Graham Crackers: These form the base of your crust; opt for finely crushed ones for a smooth texture.
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Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to bind your crust ingredients together perfectly. Cheesy Garlic Butter Bombs.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to both the crust and the cheesecake filling. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting recipe.
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Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened; this ensures your cheesecake is smooth and creamy.
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Dulce de Leche: The star ingredient! Look for high-quality dulce de leche for the best flavor.
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Eggs: These help set the filling; use large eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors in this decadent dessert. Honey Vanilla Banana Bread.
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Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Bake the Crust: Place your crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed to prevent over-aeration.
Add Dulce de Leche and Flavorings: Gradually mix in dulce de leche and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The filling should be luscious and velvety at this stage.
Pour into Crust and Bake Again: Pour this heavenly mixture over your cooled crust. Bake again for about 25 minutes or until just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Chill Before Serving: Let your bars cool completely before refrigerating them for at least four hours. Slice into squares once chilled, serving each slice with an extra drizzle of dulce de leche if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
You Must Know
- These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth
- The blend of caramelized sweetness and cheesecake makes them a delightful treat
- Make sure to serve them chilled for the best texture and flavor experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the crust, then prepare the filling while it bakes. After cooling, drizzle with dulce de leche to finish. This sequence ensures a perfectly baked bar with minimal fuss.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out graham cracker crumbs for Oreo crumbs for a chocolatey twist. You can also add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-savory flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat slightly in the microwave if you prefer them warm, but they are best served cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling without lumps
- Be careful not to overbake; a slight jiggle in the center is ideal
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean edges and perfect presentation
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my friend’s birthday party when I first made these bars. Everyone insisted on seconds, and I felt like a baking rockstar!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche saves time and still tastes delicious.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust instead.
What can I serve with these cheesecake bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries or whipped cream on top!
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the heavenly taste of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets rich caramel atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This irresistible dessert is perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat any day of the week. With its velvety filling and golden-brown topping, these bars are sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake crust for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time on low speed to avoid over-aeration.
- Mix in dulce de leche and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour filling over the cooled crust and bake for 25 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely before refrigerating for at least four hours. Slice into squares and serve with an additional drizzle of dulce de leche.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
