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Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars: Creamy, Sweet, and Irresistible

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 14-18 bars (increased from normal 9-12 bars) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with rich, caramelized dulce de leche swirls over a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection and chilled for the ultimate indulgence, these bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
7. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.

Step 3: Swirl in the Dulce de Leche
8. Warm ½ cup dulce de leche in the microwave for 20 seconds.
9. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust and drop spoonfuls of dulce de leche on top.
10. Use a knife to swirl the dulce de leche into the cheesecake.

Step 4: Bake and Chill
11. Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
12. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 5: Slice and Serve
13. Lift out of the pan, slice into squares, and drizzle with extra dulce de leche if desired.


Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients create a smoother cheesecake filling.
  • Avoid Overbaking – the center should have a slight jiggle when done.
  • Chill Thoroughly for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: ~220mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg