Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, caramel flavor of dulce de leche with a creamy cheesecake filling, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with a drizzle of melted dulce de leche and a sprinkle of fleur de sel, these bars are indulgent, easy to make, and sure to impress. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert at any gathering, these bars offer a unique twist on traditional cheesecake.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Crust:

• Nonstick spray

• 2 ¼ cups finely ground graham crackers (about 17 crackers)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 10 tablespoons melted butter (1 ¼ sticks)

Filling:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• ½ cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping & Finishing:

• About ⅔ cup dulce de leche (remainder from the can)

• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

• Fleur de sel (for sprinkling)

Directions

1. Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray, or line it with foil and spray for easy removal. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Press mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a rack.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a food processor or with a mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Add dulce de leche and blend until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, processing briefly between each addition. Add vanilla extract and blend until smooth.

3. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for about 38 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are puffed and slightly cracked. Cool completely on a rack.

4. Make the Topping: Mix the remaining dulce de leche and 3 tablespoons cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

5. Top the Cheesecake: Pour the melted dulce de leche over the cooled cheesecake and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Serve: Cut the cheesecake into 24 bars. Sprinkle with fleur de sel just before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 351 kcal per serving (1 bar)

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Sodium: 461mg

• Potassium: 815mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 4875 IU

• Vitamin C: 58mg

• Calcium: 72mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Perfect Crust: A Buttery Base for Cheesecake Bars

The crust of these dulce de leche cheesecake bars is simple yet essential in providing a flavorful and sturdy foundation for the creamy filling. Made from finely ground graham crackers, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, the crust is perfectly complemented by the rich, melt-in-your-mouth butter. The addition of cinnamon enhances the graham cracker’s natural sweetness, making every bite of the crust flavorful and satisfying.

To ensure the crust is firmly set, it’s pressed evenly into the pan before baking. A quick 10-minute bake is all it takes to create a golden, slightly crisp crust that will hold up well against the creamy cheesecake filling. Allowing the crust to cool completely before adding the filling ensures that it stays firm and doesn’t get soggy from the creamy cheesecake mixture.

Making the Creamy Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Filling

The filling of these cheesecake bars is the star of the show, and it’s made with just a few simple ingredients. The combination of cream cheese and sugar is whipped until smooth, creating a base that’s rich and velvety. Dulce de leche is added to the cream cheese mixture, infusing it with its signature caramel flavor, which perfectly complements the tang of the cream cheese.

The eggs are then added one at a time, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and incorporates fully. Finally, vanilla extract is stirred in to round out the flavor. The result is a silky, smooth, and creamy filling that bakes into a perfectly set cheesecake with a slight puff around the edges and a soft, luscious center.

One of the advantages of making cheesecake bars is the relatively short baking time compared to traditional cheesecake. After baking, the cheesecake should cool completely before the dulce de leche topping is added, which allows the flavors to set and develop.

Adding the Dulce de Leche Topping

No dulce de leche dessert would be complete without a generous drizzle of dulce de leche on top. For this recipe, the remaining dulce de leche from the can is combined with heavy whipping cream, which thins out the mixture and makes it easier to pour. This topping adds an additional layer of sweetness and creaminess, which contrasts beautifully with the tangy and rich cheesecake filling below.

To achieve a smooth, pourable consistency, the dulce de leche and cream mixture is gently heated in the microwave, stirring in 10-second intervals. Once melted and smooth, the topping is spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake bars, giving them an irresistible glossy finish.

The Final Touch: Fleur de Sel for a Salty Contrast

To elevate the flavor profile even further, a sprinkle of fleur de sel is added to the cheesecake bars just before serving. Fleur de sel is a delicate, flaky sea salt that adds a mild saltiness without overwhelming the sweetness of the dessert. The salt creates a beautiful contrast with the creamy caramel topping and cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, enhancing all the flavors in each bite.

The addition of fleur de sel is a subtle touch that takes these bars from delicious to extraordinary. It’s a small detail that adds an element of sophistication, and the slight crunch it provides adds texture to the smooth, velvety bars.

Why Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their rich flavor and beautiful presentation make them an excellent choice for gatherings, whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or a casual get-together. Because they can be easily cut into bars, they’re perfect for sharing and serving to a crowd.

The recipe is simple to follow, making it a great choice even for novice bakers. Plus, the option to make these cheesecake bars ahead of time is a real bonus. After assembling and baking the bars, they can be refrigerated for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop and making them easy to serve whenever you need them.

In addition to being a great party dessert, these bars are perfect for anyone who loves the combination of cheesecake and caramel. The richness of the dulce de leche filling is balanced by the buttery crust and the added fleur de sel, creating a dessert that is as satisfying as it is unique. Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or a lover of caramel-based sweets, these dulce de leche cheesecake bars are sure to impress.

Nutritional Value of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Each serving of these cheesecake bars contains 351 calories, making them a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfect for an occasional dessert. While they are higher in fat, due to the cream cheese and butter, they also provide 7 grams of protein, which helps to make the bars more filling. With 16 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber per serving, they offer a satisfying sweetness without being overly sugary.

Additionally, these bars are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, calcium, and iron, thanks to the dairy ingredients in both the cheesecake filling and the topping. However, due to the richness of the ingredients, they should be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Conclusion

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet, caramel-flavored treat with a creamy, luxurious texture. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and decadent dulce de leche topping is irresistible, and the fleur de sel adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert, these cheesecake bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe. With their simple yet impressive flavors, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.