Description
These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a rich, creamy dulce de leche cheesecake filling and a glossy caramel topping. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt finishes these indulgent yet balanced dessert bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or Nilla wafers for variation)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dulce de leche (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Add 1 cup dulce de leche and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Warm 1/3 cup dulce de leche with 2 tbsp heavy cream. Stir until smooth and spread over chilled cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving. Cut into bars using a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
Notes
- Use chocolate wafer cookies or add chopped pecans for crust variation.
- Swirl extra dulce de leche into filling before baking for a marbled effect.
- Bars can be made ahead and taste better chilled overnight.
- Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Best served cold; no reheating required.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
