Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet Indulgence for Any Occasion

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate combination of decadent cream cheese filling and the rich, caramel sweetness of dulce de leche, making each bite a luxurious experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party, treat yourself to a special dessert, or add a little something extra to your holiday celebrations, these cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit. The balance between the buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust, the smooth and tangy cheesecake filling, and the glossy caramel topping creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.

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What makes these cheesecake bars stand out is their use of Dulce de Leche. This sweet milk-based treat brings a complex depth of flavor to the classic cheesecake, elevating it with its rich, caramel-like taste. The addition of the caramel topping adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the tang of the cream cheese. Topped off with a sprinkle of fleur de sel, the result is a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

The Allure of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake Bars are a popular choice for those who want all the indulgence of traditional cheesecake but in a more convenient, easy-to-serve form. Instead of dealing with the complexities of cutting a whole cheesecake and serving individual slices, these bars provide perfect portions that are easy to handle, and even easier to eat! The convenience, paired with the amazing flavors of this dessert, makes it a perfect choice for nearly any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties. What makes these bars even better is their incredible versatility: they can be made in advance, served chilled, and are often even more flavorful the next day.

But it’s not just the convenience that draws people in. The flavors and textures that come together in this dessert are truly magical. The graham cracker crust provides a crisp, slightly sweet and buttery crunch, which contrasts perfectly with the smooth, rich cheesecake filling. The filling itself is creamy yet firm enough to hold its shape, while the dulce de leche adds a luxurious sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that blends beautifully with the cream cheese.

Once topped with a dulce de leche glaze, which melts into the bars, the final result is a dessert that not only looks visually stunning with its shiny top but also brings together the richness of the filling and the caramel’s sweetness in a perfect harmony. A light sprinkling of fleur de sel at the end offers a delicate balance of salt, enhancing the flavor complexity and cutting through the sweetness just enough to make the whole dessert feel like an elevated treat.

Breakdown of the Ingredients

The ingredients for Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are a blend of classic and simple components, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cheesecake bars. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make these bars come to life:

For the Crust:

• Nonstick Spray: This is essential to make sure the cheesecake bars come out of the pan without sticking. If you don’t have nonstick spray, you can use butter to grease the pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• 2 1/4 cups finely ground graham crackers (about 17 crackers): This is the base of the crust and provides that signature crunch and slight sweetness that perfectly complements the cheesecake filling. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits or ginger snap cookies for a spicier crust.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: A small amount of sugar is used to sweeten the crust without overpowering the other elements of the dessert.
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This ingredient adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheesecake filling and the sweetness of the dulce de leche.
• 10 tablespoons melted butter (1 1/4 sticks): The melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together and adds richness to the crust. It ensures the crust is crisp and flavorful.

For the Filling:

• 3 eight-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature: The cream cheese is the main component of the filling, contributing to the creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor of the cheesecake. It’s essential to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
• 1 cup sugar: This sweetens the filling and balances the tang of the cream cheese. The sugar helps the cheesecake set properly without being too sweet.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs provide structure and firmness to the filling while keeping it soft and smooth. It’s important that the eggs are at room temperature to ensure they blend evenly into the filling.
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche, room temperature: This is the star of the filling. It infuses the cheesecake with a rich caramel flavor that’s sweet but not overpowering. You can use store-bought dulce de leche, or, if you prefer, make it at home using sweetened condensed milk.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake and adds a warm, aromatic element.

For the Topping & Finishing:

• About 2/3 cup dulce de leche (remainder from the can): This topping is what truly sets the bars apart, adding an extra layer of richness. It is melted and poured over the cheesecake to create a glossy, smooth finish.
• 3 or more tablespoons heavy whipping cream: This is added to the dulce de leche to create a pourable, smooth consistency for the topping. The amount of cream can vary based on how thick the dulce de leche is, so adjust accordingly.
• Fleur de sel: The sprinkle of sea salt adds a touch of sophistication and brings out the flavors in the dulce de leche and cream cheese. It’s a simple but effective way to balance the sweetness of the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Crust: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray. For easier removal, you can line the pan with foil, then spray the foil with nonstick spray as well. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Add the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a spoon. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and fragrant. Let the crust cool completely on a rack before adding the filling.

2. Making the Filling: In a food processor, blend the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the dulce de leche and blend until incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, blending for 3 to 5 seconds between each addition. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract and process for another 10 seconds. The filling should be smooth, creamy, and without lumps.

3. Assembling the Cheesecake: Once the graham cracker crust has cooled, dollop the cheesecake batter on top of the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 38 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly, and the edges are puffed and cracked. The cheesecake should feel firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.

4. Adding the Topping: To make the topping, place the remaining dulce de leche and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10-second intervals, stirring gently after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and pourable. If the topping is too thick, add more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Pour the caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 1 hour to chill and set the topping.

5. Cutting and Serving: Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into 24 bars by first cutting lengthwise into 4 strips and then crosswise into 6 strips. Right before serving, sprinkle the bars with fleur de sel. The sweet and salty contrast will elevate the flavor and add a refined finish to the dessert.

Tips and Variations

1. Substitute the Dulce de Leche: If you prefer, you can make your own dulce de leche by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk. Just remove the label, place the can in a pot of water, and simmer for about 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to check the water level occasionally.

2. Crust Variations: If you want to get creative, you can use chocolate wafer cookies or pecan crumbs for a different flavor. Chocolate crumbs will give the crust a rich, cocoa flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, caramel filling.

3. Add Fruit: For a fruity twist, you can add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries on top of the bars right before serving. The fresh, tart berries will balance the richness of the cheesecake and add a pop of color.

4. Vegan or Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese and substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water). You can also use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative for the topping.

5. Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, they often taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld.

Conclusion

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Their smooth, creamy filling, buttery crust, and rich dulce de leche topping make them an indulgent treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are a great choice. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection. Try making these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars for your next gathering, and watch as they disappear in no time! Happy baking!