Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars: 6 Steps to Ultimate Bliss

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These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and a luscious caramelized dulce de leche topping. Each bite is rich, smooth, and melts in your mouth with the perfect hint of vanilla and cinnamon.

If you love cheesecake and caramel, this recipe is for you! The best part? These bars are baked in a simple sheet pan, making them easy to slice, serve, and share—no water bath required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy – Silky smooth cheesecake with dulce de leche in every bite!
Easy to Make – No complicated steps—just bake, chill, and enjoy!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, parties, or a casual treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling overnight!
No Water Bath Needed – Just mix, bake, and chill for stress-free cheesecake bars!

Ingredients

For the Crust

Graham Cracker Crumbs – The buttery base that holds the bars together.
Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon – Optional, but adds a warm flavor.
Melted Butter – Binds the crust together and gives it a rich taste.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese – The creamy base of the cheesecake. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake just right.
Eggs – Helps bind the filling for the perfect texture.
Dulce de Leche – Gives the cheesecake a deep caramelized flavor (use store-bought or homemade!).
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.

For the Topping & Finishing

Dulce de Leche – The caramel-like layer that makes these bars irresistible!
Heavy Whipping Cream – Helps thin the topping for easy pouring.
Fleur de Sel – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.

📌 Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. For easy removal, line the pan with foil and spray again.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly coated.
Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a food processor or mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add dulce de leche and blend until fully combined.
Add eggs, one at a time, blending for a few seconds after each.
Mix in vanilla extract and blend until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 38 minutes, until the edges are slightly puffed and the center is just set.
Let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Make the Dulce de Leche Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dulce de leche and heavy cream.
Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable.
Add more cream if needed to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Assemble & Chill

Pour the dulce de leche topping over the cooled cheesecake.
Spread evenly, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Cut into 24 bars (4 strips lengthwise, then 6 crosswise).
Sprinkle with fleur de sel just before serving for a sweet-salty finish!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake Bars

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smooth and lump-free cheesecake batter.
Don’t Overbake – The center should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
Chill Before Slicing – For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Line the Pan with Foil – Makes removing and slicing so much easier!
For Extra Caramel Flavor – Swirl a bit of dulce de leche into the batter before baking!

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

Top with Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds extra indulgence.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce – Because chocolate + caramel = magic!
Pair with Coffee or Espresso – The perfect sweet treat for a coffee break.
Serve with Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast to the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Keep them covered to prevent the dulce de leche from drying out.

Freezing

Freeze cheesecake bars (without the topping) for up to 3 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the topping before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Simply enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.

📌 Pro Tip: If freezing, cut the bars first and separate them with parchment paper to make it easy to grab one at a time!

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to make these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars even more exciting!

1. Chocolate Lover’s Version

Add ½ cup melted chocolate to the cheesecake batter for a chocolate caramel twist!
Drizzle the finished bars with dark chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
Swap the graham cracker crust for crushed Oreos for a chocolatey base.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake Bars

Instead of baking, use a no-bake cheesecake base:
- Beat cream cheese, dulce de leche, and whipped cream together until smooth.
- Spread over a pre-chilled graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 4 hours.
This version is lighter, creamier, and perfect for summer!

3. Espresso Caramel Cheesecake

Mix 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the cheesecake batter for a subtle coffee flavor.
Serve with a shot of espresso or cold brew for the ultimate pairing.

4. Nutty Caramel Crunch

Fold in chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts into the dulce de leche topping for a crunchy bite.
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the bars for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Holiday Spice Edition

Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the cheesecake batter for a warm, cozy holiday version.
Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle for extra festiveness.

📌 Tip: These variations allow you to customize the cheesecake bars to fit your taste and occasion!

FAQs

Can I use a different crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes! Try Oreo crumbs, Biscoff cookies, or shortbread crumbs for a fun twist.

How do I make homemade dulce de leche?

Simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk for about 2-3 hours until it turns golden and caramelized!

Why is my cheesecake lumpy?

This happens if the cream cheese wasn’t fully softened. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge for the best flavor.

Conclusion

These Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate caramel cheesecake dessert! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a rich caramel topping, they’re decadent, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.

Make them for holidays, parties, or whenever you need a sweet treat—they’re guaranteed to impress! Try them today and let me know what you think!