Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars! They’re an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves a rich, creamy dessert. I first made these bars for a family gathering, and the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! The combination of the silky cream cheese with the sweet, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche and the chocolate is just divine. It’s like a hug in dessert form! Plus, they’re so easy to make, yet they look so impressive that your friends will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you taste these bars, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my dessert repertoire. The texture is smooth, the flavors are bold, and they’re perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Dulce de Leche Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious bars! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft before you start; it’ll help achieve that dreamy, creamy texture. And don’t skimp on the chocolate chips – they add that extra layer of indulgence that makes these bars irresistible! You’ll absolutely love how these ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular.
How to Prepare Dulce de Leche Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars! The process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this decadent dessert. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get that oven nice and hot so your bars bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until it looks like wet sand. This will be your crunchy base, so make sure it’s well mixed!
- Next, press that crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. You want a nice, even layer, so don’t be shy about using your hands or the back of a measuring cup to pack it down.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for that perfect texture!
- Now, add the dulce de leche, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures they incorporate fully and helps avoid any lumps.
- Stir in those oh-so-delicious semi-sweet chocolate chips. Can you smell the chocolate already? Yum!
- Pour this luscious mixture over your crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set. It should have a slight jiggle but not be liquidy. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary!
- Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about an hour at room temperature. Then, transfer them to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Trust me, the longer they chill, the better they’ll taste!
And there you have it! Your bars are ready to impress everyone with their creamy, dreamy goodness. Each step is so worth it, and you’ll be basking in the glory of your delicious creation in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, indulgent flavor that combines the sweetness of dulce de leche with the decadence of chocolate.
- Easy preparation—no complicated techniques, just mix and bake!
- Impressive dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, making you look like a pro in the kitchen.
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth, leaving everyone wanting more.
- Versatile enough to enjoy on any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to special celebrations.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored easily for a sweet snack later.
Tips for Success
To make sure your dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars turn out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips! First, always use softened cream cheese; it blends beautifully for that smooth texture we’re after. If you can, opt for high-quality chocolate chips because they really elevate the flavor. Don’t rush the chilling process—allowing them to cool completely in the fridge for at least 4 hours is key to achieving that perfect set. And if you want an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before serving. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information! Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not provided with absolute precision. However, for a typical serving of these dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars, you can expect around 320 calories, 20g of fat, 4g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to check your ingredients if you’re tracking your nutrition closely. Enjoy these rich and creamy bars as an indulgent treat, and remember, balance is key!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly in this recipe and can save you some time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
No worries! You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits. Just keep the measurements the same, and you’ll still get that delicious crust!
How should I store the leftovers?
To keep your dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist or even some orange zest for a citrusy note. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars for up to two months. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—serve them chilled to savor that creamy goodness right out of the fridge!
Serving Suggestions
To take your dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars to the next level, consider serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. The light, airy texture of the cream perfectly balances the richness of the bars. You could also drizzle some extra dulce de leche over the top for that added touch of sweetness and visual appeal—trust me, it looks stunning! For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on the plate. And if you really want to impress, pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee to cut through the sweetness. Enjoy every bite!
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Dulce de Leche Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: 5 Must-Try Tips
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dessert combining dulce de leche and chocolate in a cheesecake bar.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add dulce de leche, sugar, and vanilla; mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can be topped with whipped cream or extra dulce de leche.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, add cocoa powder to the crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: dulce de leche chocolate cheesecake bars
