Decadent Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the decadent delight of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars – a dessert that will leave your taste buds singing with joy! These bars are the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and luscious dulce de leche, all nestled atop a sweet and buttery graham cracker crust. It’s like a symphony of flavors and textures that come together in each delightful bite.

Crafted after falling in love with the flavors of dulce de leche during a trip to Argentina, these bars have quickly become a crowd favorite at potlucks and family gatherings. Imagine the rich, caramelized topping complementing the creamy cheesecake layer, creating a dessert that’s both sophisticated yet comforting. They are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Whether you’re serving these bars at a festive dinner party or a casual get-together, they are bound to be a hit. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the bars with cocoa powder and pair them with fresh berries or whipped cream. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of dark chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a delightful twist. Get ready to create a dessert sensation that will have everyone coming back for more!

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and rich: The combination of creamy cheesecake and caramelized dulce de leche topping creates a decadent and irresistible dessert.
• Easy to make and serve: These cheesecake bars are simpler to prepare and serve compared to a traditional cheesecake, making them perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
• Impressive and crowd-pleasing: These bars are guaranteed to impress guests and have received high praise, becoming a signature dessert that people request by name.
• Versatile variations: Customize the bars with optional toppings like nuts and coconut or try variations like adding chocolate ganache or holiday spices for a unique twist.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The creamy cheesecake paired with rich, caramelized dulce de leche topping creates a flavor profile that is absolutely irresistible.
• Easy to Make: Easier to make than a regular cheesecake, these bars are simple to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Impressive Presentation: These bars are like the sophisticated cousin of a regular cheesecake, making them the perfect dessert to impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or dinner parties.
• Versatile: The recipe offers various customization options such as adding a layer of dark chocolate ganache, incorporating holiday spices, or adding toasted coconut and nuts for texture contrast, allowing you to tailor the bars to your preferences.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for gatherings, the bars can be cut into small squares for easy serving, and they are sure to disappear quickly from the dessert table.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert option for busy schedules or planned events.
• Longstanding Favorite: With a decade of making these bars, the recipe has been tried and tested to perfection, becoming a signature dessert that never fails to impress and garner recipe requests.

Ingredients for Decadent Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

For the Crust

• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup white sugar

For the Topping

• A pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
• 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Decadent Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for overhang on the sides.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Layer

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Cool completely before serving.

Step 5: Add Topping

Spread dulce de leche over the cooled cheesecake layer. If needed, warm in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften. Sprinkle with sea salt and chopped nuts, if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Chill for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight until set. Use parchment paper to lift the cheesecake from the pan, cut into bars, and serve cold.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The airtight container will help maintain the freshness and prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the bars. If you anticipate keeping them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. It’s recommended to cut the bars into individual portions first, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, and finally place them in a freezer bag. Thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving to ensure the best texture and taste when enjoying them.

The Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with additional toppings for presentation. For a special touch, lightly dust the bars with cocoa powder before serving. To elevate the dessert for a dinner party, consider cutting them into small squares and serving them with fresh raspberries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine complements the bars perfectly. Experiment with variations such as adding a layer of dark chocolate ganache or incorporating spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make ingredient substitutions for the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars, here are a few suggestions to consider. For the graham cracker crust, you could swap the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies if you prefer a different flavor profile. Instead of using white sugar in the crust, you can try using brown sugar for a richer taste. To make the bars nut-free, omit the chopped pecans or walnuts on top or replace them with toasted coconut for a similar crunch.

For a lighter version of the cheesecake layer, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. Neufchâtel has a lower fat content but a similar taste and texture to cream cheese. If you prefer a different caramel flavor, you could substitute the dulce de leche with caramel sauce or homemade caramel for a slightly different taste. Additionally, if you are looking to reduce the sweetness, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of white sugar in the cheesecake layer. These substitutions can help tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability while still maintaining the delicious essence of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, cut the dulce de leche cheesecake bars into small bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of extra dulce de leche on top. Serve them with a side of freshly whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance. The combination of the creamy cheesecake, sweet dulce de leche, and crunchy nuts will have your guests coming back for seconds!

To elevate these dulce de leche cheesecake bars even further, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, drizzled with warm caramel sauce. The contrast of the cold ice cream with the rich, creamy cheesecake bars creates a deliciously indulgent dessert experience. Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut and chopped nuts for an extra crunch that will leave your guests raving about this decadent treat.

FAQs for Decadent Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Can I use a different type of nut for the garnish?

Yes, you can use chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice for the garnish. Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference.

Can I make these cheesecake bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars in advance. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake mixture?

Absolutely! You can customize the cheesecake layer by adding flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a thin layer of dark chocolate ganache between the cheesecake and dulce de leche layers. Get creative with the flavors to suit your taste preferences.

How should I serve these dulce de leche cheesecake bars for a dinner party?

For a dinner party, you can cut the cheesecake bars into small squares and serve them alongside fresh raspberries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. You can also dust the tops lightly with cocoa powder before serving for an extra-special presentation. Pair them with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a delightful dessert experience.

Conclusion

As you embark on creating your own batch of these delectable Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars, remember that the magic of this dessert lies not just in its taste, but in the joy it brings to those who indulge in its creamy, caramel goodness. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who try them.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a treat that will have everyone asking for more. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the luscious dulce de leche topping, each bite of these cheesecake bars is a celebration of flavor and love. Let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen and the anticipation build as you wait for them to cool. And when you finally take that first bite, savor the moment and revel in the delight of these unforgettable Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars. Happy baking!

Decadent Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the luxurious blend of creamy cheesecake, caramelized dulce de leche, and buttery graham cracker crust with these irresistible Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time38 Minutes

Total Time58 Minutes

CuisineLatin American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 bars)

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup white sugar

For the Topping

• A pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
• 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for overhang on the sides.
2. Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly.
3. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake: Spread cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Cool completely before serving.
5. Add Topping: Spread dulce de leche over the cooled cheesecake layer. If needed, warm in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften. Sprinkle with sea salt and chopped nuts, if desired.
6. Chill and Serve: Chill for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight until set. Use parchment paper to lift the cheesecake from the pan, cut into bars, and serve cold.