Introduction
If you love sweets that are creamy, rich, and full of caramel flavor, then caramel cheesecake bars are just for you! These bars combine the smooth texture of cheesecake with the sweet, caramel taste of dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is a thick caramel sauce made by slowly heating sweetened milk. It gives desserts a delicious, buttery caramel flavor that’s hard to resist.
Caramel cheesecake bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even just a tasty treat for yourself. They are easy to make and taste like a fancy dessert, but you don’t need to be a chef to bake them. Ready to learn how to make these yummy bars? Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
Here is what you will need to make your caramel cheesecake bars:
For the crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 ounces (2 packages) of cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
For the dulce de leche caramel topping:
- 1 cup of dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
Optional:
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Whipped cream for serving
Step by Step Process – Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the crust
- Oreheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Take your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. You can put them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
- Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sugar in a bowl until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan. Make sure the layer is even and compact.
- Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Then add the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Spread it evenly.
- Now, spoon dollops of dulce de leche over the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the cheesecake filling. This creates a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake the whole pan for about 35 to 40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles a little when you shake the pan. This will keep the bars creamy.
Step 4: Cool and chill
Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then cover the pan with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Cut the caramel cheesecake into bars or squares. If you want, add a little whipped cream on top before serving. These bars taste best cold and fresh!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make dulce de leche at home?
Yes! You can make dulce de leche by slowly simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk in water for 2-3 hours. Be sure to keep the can fully submerged in water and never open it until cooled.
Q2: Can I use regular caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche?
You can, but dulce de leche has a creamier, richer texture and deeper flavor that really makes these bars special.
Q3: How long can I keep the cheesecake bars?
Store them covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months if wrapped tightly.
Q4: Can I use a different crust?
Yes! You can use cookie crumbs like Oreos or chocolate wafers if you want a different flavor.
Q5: What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream. It will still taste great.
Final Thoughts
Caramel cheesecake bars are a delicious and simple dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet, buttery taste of dulce de leche. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Making these bars from scratch is easier than it looks, and the results are amazing. Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings or crust types to make it your own.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat yourself to these irresistible dulce de leche cheesecake bars today!
