If you have a soft spot for caramel-flavored desserts, then Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are going to be your next obsession. Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, luscious notes of dulce de leche, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply a weekend indulgence.
In this post, I’ll guide you through how to make these decadent bars from scratch, share some tips to nail the texture and flavor, and explain why these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars stand out among other desserts.
What Are Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars?
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a silky cheesecake batter infused with dulce de leche a rich, caramelized milk spread beloved across Latin America. The bars are then finished with a smooth dulce de leche glaze, making every bite a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly salty.
These bars offer all the satisfaction of a classic cheesecake but with a portable, easy-to-serve format that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients for Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
Before we jump into the baking, here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (roughly 16-17 rectangles)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 10 tablespoons (141 g) salted butter, melted
For the cheesecake batter:
- 3 packages (8 ounces each, total 681 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (212 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream
- ½ cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the glaze:
- ⅔ cup dulce de leche
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper — this helps you lift out the bars easily once they’re baked and cooled. Lightly grease the lining with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. It’s important that the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
Add the dulce de leche and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until fully incorporated and you have a uniform caramel color.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can introduce too much air, which may cause cracks in the cheesecake while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for puffed, set edges with a center that’s just barely jiggly this ensures the perfect creamy texture.
Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare the Dulce de Leche Glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dulce de leche and heavy cream. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a small splash more cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Chill
Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled cheesecake bars. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Chilling helps the bars firm up and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using the foil or parchment paper edges, carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into bars or squares of your preferred size, and serve chilled. These bars keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, making them ideal for making ahead.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
- Softened cream cheese is key: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Avoid overmixing: Especially after adding eggs overmixing incorporates air, which leads to cracks.
- Quality dulce de leche matters: Whether you use homemade or store-bought, a rich, creamy dulce de leche will dramatically enhance the flavor.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing: This step ensures clean cuts and a perfect texture.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before glazing for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.
What is Dulce de Leche?
Dulce de leche is a traditional Latin American caramel sauce made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it thickens and caramelizes. Its silky texture and complex caramel flavor make it an extraordinary addition to desserts like cheesecake bars, offering a deeper, richer sweetness than standard caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I substitute the crust?
Yes. Crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies can make delicious alternatives to the classic graham cracker crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably irresistible about Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars their perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and caramel sweetness wrapped in a buttery crust makes them a crowd favorite every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a little luxury, these bars are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive headfirst into the caramel dream of these delicious Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars. Your taste buds will thank you!
