Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Dulce de leche cheesecake bars elevate dessert expectations with their luxurious caramel-infused richness. Silky layers of smooth cream cheese and golden dulce de leche promise indulgent moments you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until a cohesive mixture forms, ensuring even moisture distribution.
  2. Gently press the sandy mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a uniform base with light, even pressure.
  3. Bake the crust in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the edges to turn golden and crisp.
  4. Remove the crust and let it cool completely, which helps set the foundation for the subsequent layers.
  5. Beat cream cheese until smooth and velvety, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
  6. Gradually incorporate sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a homogeneous cheesecake batter.
  7. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Drizzle dulce de leche across the surface in elegant swirls, using a knife to create intricate marbling patterns.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
  10. Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to enable proper setting.
  11. Cut into precise squares, wiping the knife clean between each slice for neat presentation.

Notes

  • Crumble the graham crackers finely to ensure a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and create a silky, velvety cheesecake texture that melts in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds for a delicious alternative base.
  • Chill the bars completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise slices that showcase the beautiful layers of dulce de leche and creamy cheesecake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg