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dulce de leche cheesecake square on white plate with bite taken out

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars

Yield: 15 bars
Prep Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 16-17 rectangles)
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 10 tablespoons (141 g) salted butter, melted

Cheesecake Batter:

  • 3 8-ounce packages (681 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (212 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream
  • ½ cup dulce de leche (see note)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs

Glaze:

  • ⅔ cup dulce de leche
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a metal 9X13-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy lifting of the bars after they cool and easier cutting). Lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
  • For the graham cracker crust, combine the graham crackers, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Cool while mixing the cheesecake batter.
  • With an electric mixer (stand or handheld), mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar and sour cream together until light and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the dulce de leche and mix until well-combined. Add the vanilla and eggs and mix until just combined (don't overmix or the cheesecake may crack while baking).
  • Spread the cheesecake batter evenly over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are puffed and center is soft-set (not firm but no longer jiggly). Cool completely.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the dulce de leche and heavy cream. Heat for 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until pourable. Add additional cream if the mixture is too thick. (The exact amount of cream will depend on the brand of dulce de leche.) Spread the glaze over the cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate until chilled.

Notes

Dulce de leche: store bought brands of dulce de leche will vary in texture and consistency. I use the San Ignatio brand when I can find it.
Cream Cheese: full fat cream cheese is best in this recipe (light cream cheese will alter the texture of the bars).