Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these dulce de leche cheesecake bars! They’re creamy, sweet, and absolutely decadent—just the kind of treat that makes my heart skip a beat. Honestly, every time I take a bite, I’m transported to dessert heaven. The richness of the cheesecake combined with the smooth, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche is a match made in culinary paradise. What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s a family favorite; my kids go crazy for these bars! I remember the first time I made them for a gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “dessert.” Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last crumb has vanished!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those bars just right!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a medium bowl and mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until they’re well combined. It should look like wet sand—yum!
- Next, take a greased 9×9 inch baking pan and press that crumb mixture firmly into the bottom. You want a nice, even layer that’ll hold up against the creamy filling.
- Now, in a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—think fluffy clouds of happiness!
- Time to add the star of the show! Mix in the dulce de leche, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend it all together until you have a luscious, velvety consistency. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s just the magic happening!
- Pour this heavenly mixture over the crust in your baking pan, spreading it out evenly. I can almost smell it already!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle—don’t overbake, or they’ll lose that creamy texture!
- Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or even overnight if you can resist!). This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely delicious—creamy cheesecake meets the heavenly sweetness of dulce de leche!
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
- Perfect for gatherings; they’re always a hit and disappear in no time!
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
- Customizable—add your favorite toppings or serve with fresh fruit for an extra pop!
- Each bar is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making every bite a treat.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: This is a game changer! Let your cream cheese and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before you start mixing. It helps create that smooth, lump-free texture we all crave.
- Chill overnight: If you can wait, chilling the bars overnight will intensify the flavors and ensure that they slice beautifully. Trust me, the extra time is worth it!
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven. The center should be set with just a slight jiggle when you take them out. Overbaking can lead to a drier texture, and nobody wants that!
- Grease your pan well: This will help prevent any sticking issues when you cut the bars. A little pam or butter goes a long way in ensuring you get those perfect slices.
- Top them off: Before serving, drizzle extra dulce de leche on top for an added touch of decadence. It not only looks fancy but takes the flavor to another level!
Variations
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a rich chocolate flavor by swirling in melted chocolate or chocolate ganache into the cheesecake mixture before baking. It creates a beautiful marbled effect and a deliciously indulgent taste!
- Nutty Crunch: For a delightful texture, sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top before baking. It adds a wonderful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Fruit Topping: Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars. Top them just before serving for a pop of color and flavor!
- Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling for a warm, spiced flavor. It’s a cozy twist that’s especially nice for fall gatherings!
- Coconut Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut into the filling or sprinkle it on top for a tropical flair. It adds a lovely chewiness that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
These dulce de leche cheesecake bars are a treat on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert experience, I’ve got a few delightful pairing suggestions for you!
- Fresh Berries: A side of mixed fresh berries—like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—adds a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars. Plus, they look gorgeous on the plate!
- Whipped Cream: You can never go wrong with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the cheesecake, making each bite even more indulgent.
- Espresso or Coffee: Pair these bars with a nice cup of espresso or your favorite coffee. The bold flavors of coffee enhance the caramel notes of the dulce de leche, creating a wonderfully satisfying dessert experience.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect combination. Happy indulging!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing these dulce de leche cheesecake bars properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the bars to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and they’ll be just as creamy and delightful as when you first made them.
No need to reheat these bars; they’re best served chilled. Just slice, serve, and savor the yumminess!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional values for these dulce de leche cheesecake bars can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I’ve provided a general breakdown, keep in mind that your results might differ slightly. Always feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs!
For the most accurate information, it’s best to calculate the nutrition based on the exact ingredients you use. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you can make these bars fit your lifestyle!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly for these cheesecake bars, saving you time and effort. Just make sure to choose a quality brand for the best flavor!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they bake. They’re done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. Just remember, they’ll firm up more as they cool!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Sure! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
How should I cut the bars for serving?
For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife that’s been warmed under hot water, then dried. This helps prevent sticking and gives you those beautiful, neat squares!
Can I freeze dulce de leche cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
For more information on dulce de leche, check out this article that explains its origins and uses.
For tips on making cheesecake, you can refer to this guide from Food Network.
Print
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars: 7 Sweet Tips for Beginners
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dulce de leche cheesecake bars are creamy, sweet, and decadent. They combine the richness of cheesecake with the caramel flavor of dulce de leche.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add dulce de leche, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother texture.
- Chill the bars overnight for best results.
- Top with extra dulce de leche before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: dulce de leche cheesecake bars
