Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars 

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, caramel flavor of dulce de leche. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth cheesecake filling, swirled with dulce de leche, and finished with a luscious caramel glaze. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress with their indulgent taste and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  
  

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  
  

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  
  

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  
  

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
  

• ½ cup dulce de leche
  
  

• ½ cup sour cream
  
  

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
  

• 3 large eggs
  
  

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup dulce de leche
  
  

• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   
   

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
     
     

   • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
     
     

   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form an even layer.
     
     

   • Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
     
     

   • Remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
     
     

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   
   

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
     
     

   • Add granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
     
     

   • Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
     
     

   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
     
     

   • Add ½ cup of dulce de leche and mix until fully incorporated.
     
     

3. Assemble and Bake:
   
   

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
     
     

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
     
     

   • Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
     
     

4. Prepare the Glaze:
   
   

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of dulce de leche and heavy cream.
     
     

   • Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
     
     

   • Pour the glaze over the cooled cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
     
     

5. Chill and Serve:
   
   

   • Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
     
     

   • Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
     
     

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 280 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 4 g
  
  

• Total Fat: 18 g
  
  

  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
    
    

• Cholesterol: 70 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 150 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 28 g
  
  

  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
    
    

  • Sugars: 15 g
    
    

• Calcium: 40 mg
  
  

• Iron: 1 mg