Dulce de leche cheesecake bars are the kind of dessert that make you feel like you’ve just unwrapped a cozy blanket on a chilly night. Imagine sinking into a sweet, creamy layer of luscious dulce de leche, perfectly balanced atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace that promises indulgence and joy. These bars are not just food; they are an experience to savor.

Every time I whip up these delectable dulce de leche cheesecake bars, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone fights over the last piece. They are ideal for celebrations or simply when you need a little pick-me-up after a long day. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this decadent treat that will leave you dreaming of more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These dulce de leche cheesecake bars offer incredible flavor and texture without complicated steps
The rich, creamy filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy crust for an irresistible treat
Visually stunning, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy parties
Versatile enough to adapt for various toppings or flavors based on your preferences

I once made these bars for my best friend’s wedding, and let’s just say they stole the show—sorry, bride!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base for cheesecake bars; use finely crushed crumbs for a smooth texture.
Dulce de Leche: This is your star ingredient; choose a high-quality brand or make your own for the best flavor.
Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s softened for easy blending; nothing ruins cheesecake like clumps of cold cream cheese.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, balancing out the richness of cream cheese and dulce de leche.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature; they incorporate better into the filling for a silky texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure extract if possible.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates 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 your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This simple step makes cleaning up way easier!

Crust preparation: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan and press firmly using either your hands or the bottom of a glass.

Bake the crust: Place it in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown. This step helps achieve that perfect crunch we all crave in our desserts.

Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in dulce de leche and mix until combined. Don’t be shy—taste test! You’ll want to ensure it’s divine.

Add eggs: Incorporate one egg at a time into your cream cheese mixture while mixing on low speed. This prevents unnecessary air bubbles that could ruin your bars’ smooth surface.

Pour filling: Gently pour this mixture over your pre-baked crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula, ensuring every bite will be as delicious as the last!

Bake again: Return everything to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center—this is key! Let them cool completely before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours.

Serve & enjoy: Once chilled, lift them out using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve with an extra drizzle of dulce de leche if you’re feeling fancy! These delightful dulce de leche cheesecake bars will surely impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite!

You Must Know

This delightful Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars recipe combines creamy cheesecake with rich caramel flavors
The bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing
The combination of textures creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust, then whip up the filling while it bakes. Once baked, let it cool completely before adding the dulce de leche topping for a seamless flavor blend.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the graham cracker crust for an oreo crust or add a pinch of sea salt on top for an exciting flavor contrast.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, enjoy them chilled and fresh within three days.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich texture
Make sure to let your cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracks
Always chill your bars overnight for the best flavor and texture before serving

Memories of baking these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars always bring me back to family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece—definitely a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?

Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche saves time and still tastes delicious.

How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done?

The edges should be set, but the center may still jiggle slightly; it firms as it cools.

Can I freeze leftover cheesecake bars?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Author: Mark Taylor
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Dulce de leche cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that combines a creamy, rich filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Each bite offers a luscious blend of flavors, making them an irresistible dessert option for celebrations or cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup dulce de leche
16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add dulce de leche and mix well.
Incorporate eggs one at a time on low speed. Pour the mixture over the baked crust and smooth the top.
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours.
Slice into squares and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 60g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: <1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: For a twist, substitute graham cracker crust with an Oreo crust. Drizzle extra dulce de leche on top before serving for added flavor.

Indulge in 5-Minute Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars