Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these dulce de leche cheesecake bars! They’re like a creamy dream come true, with a rich, luscious flavor that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering – my cousin took one bite and exclaimed, “Are you sure you didn’t buy these?” Trust me, the combination of the smooth cheesecake with that sticky, sweet dulce de leche is pure magic! The texture is velvety, and the graham cracker crust adds that perfect crunch. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, these bars are always a hit. I guarantee they’ll be the star of your dessert table, and once you try them, you’ll be hooked on making these delightful dulce de leche cheesecake bars again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: Crush the crackers into fine crumbs for a buttery base.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This will help bind the crust together and add richness.
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- 1 cup dulce de leche: The star ingredient! You can use store-bought or homemade for incredible flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cheesecake perfectly, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
- 3 large eggs: These will help set the cheesecake and give it that creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile.
How to Prepare dulce de leche cheesecake bars
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these dreamy dulce de leche cheesecake bars! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking, so don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together until the crumbs are fully coated. It should resemble wet sand.
- Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down – it makes a difference!
- Next, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps, as we want a velvety texture!
- Now, add in the dulce de leche, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and silky. Don’t overmix, just until it’s smooth.
- Pour this luscious cream cheese mixture over your crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. It’s going to look so good already!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center might still have a slight jiggle – that’s perfectly fine!
- Once done, let the bars cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. This chilling step is key for the texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare – you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time!
- Rich and creamy flavor that combines the sweetness of dulce de leche with smooth cheesecake.
- Perfect for gatherings – everyone loves a sweet treat, and these bars are sure to impress!
- Easy to store and serve, making them a hassle-free dessert option for any occasion.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can indulge without worry!
Tips for Success
To really nail these dulce de leche cheesecake bars, start with high-quality cream cheese. I always go for the block style instead of the spreadable kind – it makes a world of difference in texture! Also, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this helps it mix smoothly without lumps.
When you’re pressing the graham cracker crust, don’t be shy! Pack it down firmly to create a solid base that won’t crumble when you cut the bars. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If the edges look set but the center still jiggles ever so slightly, you’re good to go!
For serving, don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream on top. It adds a lovely lightness that balances the richness of the cheesecake. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix things up with these dulce de leche cheesecake bars! For a chocolate twist, try swirling in some melted chocolate or adding cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. You could also experiment with different flavors by incorporating orange or almond extract for a unique taste. If you want a nutty crust, replace some of the graham cracker crumbs with finely ground almonds or hazelnuts. And for a fruity touch, consider adding a layer of fresh fruit or a fruit compote on top before serving. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into these delightful dulce de leche cheesecake bars, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy these bars in moderation as a sweet treat, and savor every creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche is a fantastic time-saver and still delivers that rich, caramel-like flavor we all love. Just make sure it’s a good quality one for the best results.
What if my cheesecake bars are too soft after baking?
If your dulce de leche cheesecake bars seem too soft, don’t worry! They need time to cool and set in the refrigerator. Make sure you let them chill for at least two hours before cutting into them. If they’re still too soft after chilling, you may need to bake them a little longer next time.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! These cheesecake bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I serve with these cheesecake bars?
I love serving these dulce de leche cheesecake bars with a dollop of whipped cream on top! You could also drizzle extra dulce de leche or add fresh fruit for a pop of color and flavor. It’s all about that extra touch!
How long do they last in the fridge?
These bars can last about 4-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. But trust me, they’ll be gone before you know it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your dulce de leche cheesecake bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 4-5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re just too tempting! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight – no reheating necessary, as they taste divine chilled! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Dulce de leche cheesecake bars: 7 dreamy bites to savor
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy dessert with a rich dulce de leche flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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 baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add dulce de leche, eggs, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Top with whipped cream before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: dulce de leche cheesecake bars
