Heavenly Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Dear foodies,
I’m here to introduce you to a tantalizing dessert that is set to take your taste buds on a roller coaster ride. Brace yourselves for the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars recipe from Bon Appetit!
If you’re someone who loves experimenting with new recipes, this decadent dessert is definitely worth adding to your collection. It’s a delightful fusion of Brazilian and American cuisine that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Dulce de Leche, also known as caramelized milk, is the star of this recipe. With its creamy texture and rich, sweet flavor that has hints of vanilla and cinnamon, it’s sure to give you a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s combined with luscious cream cheese, buttery graham cracker crust, and a sprinkle of fleur de sel to make for the ultimate indulgence.
But not only does this Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bar recipe offer an explosion of flavors, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Plus, it comes with variations and substitution options to suit your preferences.
So put on your apron and let’s dive into the world of heavenly desserts with this irresistible Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why settle for an ordinary dessert when you can have Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars? These bars are creamy, delicious, and loaded with the sweet and irresistible flavor of dulce de leche. What more could you ask for?
One reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of basic ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert with ease. The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, while the creamy filling only requires cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and of course, dulce de leche.
But the real star of the show is the dulce de leche filling. This caramel-like sauce made from condensed milk has a rich and indulgent taste that is hard to resist. It adds a depth of flavor to the already creamy cheesecake that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.
And for those who crave a bit of saltiness in their dessert, a sprinkle of fleur de sel over the top will take the bars to another level.
But don’t just take my word for it. This recipe has been featured in Bon Appétit magazine and received rave reviews from readers across the country. So why not try it out for yourself? I promise it will be love at first bite.
Ingredient List
Before starting any recipe, it is essential to check the ingredient list first. Here’s what you’re going to need for this Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars (Bon Appetit) Recipe:
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fleur de sel (or any sea salt)
- 3/4 cup Dulce de Leche
All of these ingredients are essential to create the perfect taste and texture for your cheesecake bars. Make sure to gather all of them before starting the recipe so that you won’t miss anything!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the most exciting part of this recipe article: “The Recipe How-To.” This is where you will learn how to make these delicious Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars.
Preheat The Oven
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your baking pan to have it ready for the crust mixture.
Make The Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salted dulce de leche, unsalted butter and cinnamon, mixing them until they are evenly combined. Then, press the mixture firmly down in the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly on the bottom, and if you’d like to make some edges protrude up the sides of the pan to form a border, use a spoon or your fingers. Place it aside for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.
Mix The Filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add in sugar gradually and continue beating until everything is fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time while blending to ensure that they fully incorporate as well. Lastly, pour in the vanilla extract and blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
Next, add in salted dulce de leche once again and blend with a mixer for a few intense seconds.
(Optional) Add A Topping
If you want to go above and beyond with your Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars, you can easily add toppings. Try adding chopped nuts or shaved chocolate flakes around the edges before baking for a little extra crunch.
Pour The Filling Onto The Crust
Now gently pour the creamy filling above onto the crust that had been already set aside in your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly till everything’s covered nicely so that there’s no empty spot left.
Bake The Bars
Finally, it’s time to bake the cheesecake bars at 325°F for 45-50 minutes. Be sure that they are cooked through entirely by inserting a toothpick in the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, it’s time to take them out of the oven. Let the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars cool down completely before cutting them into perfectly sized squares.
Congratulations!
You have made your very own Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars that are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy your sweet and creamy treat that will be hard to resist!
Substitutions and Variations
Now that you have tried the original recipe for Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars and fallen in love with them, you might be wondering what other variations and substitutions can be made to switch things up. Luckily, these bars are versatile enough to accommodate many different variations without compromising the delicious taste that you already know and love.
If you’re looking to add a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fleur de sel on top of the cheesecake layer before baking. This will give your bars a little salty kick to offset the sweet dulce de leche flavor. For chocolate lovers out there, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top of your bars once they’ve cooled; this will create a delicious chocolate cheesecake spread perfect for dessert!
For those who prefer their caramel on the less sweet side, you can substitute salted caramel in place of dulce de leche. To make salted caramel, simply melt granulated sugar in a saucepan until it becomes golden brown in color, then add heavy whipping cream and butter, stirring until combined. Let it cool before spreading it onto the cheesecake layer for an equally rich and tasty treat.
If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, try substituting digestive biscuits or cinnamon gingersnaps for a unique twist on this classic recipe. To make it nuttier, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to your graham cracker crust mixture for an additional crunch factor.
Additionally, if you are looking to experiment with different flavors of cream cheese, you can use flavored cream cheese varieties like strawberry or chocolate instead of plain cream cheese. This will add another dimension of taste to your cheesecake bars.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are sure to impress everyone with their smooth and creamy texture and rich caramel flavor. So go ahead and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that should be savored and enjoyed slowly. On their own, the bars have a rich, creamy texture with a beautifully balanced sweetness. However, adding a few extra elements can take these bars to the next level.
One way to elevate the flavor is by serving the cheesecake bars with a sprinkle of Fleur de Sel, a French sea salt known for its delicate and distinctive flavor. The salty notes enhance the sweetness of Dulce de Leche, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
If you want to add some freshness to your bars, consider pairing them with fresh berries or fruits such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. The acidity and tartness of these fruits can help balance out the richness of the cheesecake bars.
For those who love chocolate, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top of the cheesecake bars before serving. This addition will not only add an elegant finishing touch but also complement the flavors of the Dulce de Leche perfectly.
To complete your perfect dessert, serve Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars with a strong coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness of cheesecake without overpowering it, providing the perfect balance to enjoy every spoonful.
With these simple suggestions in mind, you can create an unforgettable dining experience that will impress your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best parts of the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars recipe is that they can be made ahead and stored for later. This recipe is perfect for those times when you need a dessert on hand but have limited time to make something from scratch.
To make these bars ahead of time, simply bake them as directed in the recipe and let them cool completely. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to store the bars for longer than three days, you can freeze them instead. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve them, let them defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat the bars, preheat your oven to 350°F and then place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the bars on a low heat setting, but be careful not to overheat or they may become tough.
The Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars taste just as good reheated as they do fresh out of the oven. They are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks or family dinners, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking to create a perfect classic American and Brazilian fusion dessert, these Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars are the way to go. However, achieving stellar results can be a bit tricky, so I’ve compiled some tips to keep in mind when making these bars.
Firstly, using the right ingredients is key. Be sure to use high-quality cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for the best flavor and texture. Additionally, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before using them in the recipe.
Another tip is to make sure your Dulce De Leche is evenly spread throughout the cheesecake layer. You can achieve this by adding small spoonfuls of Dulce De Leche onto the cheesecake mixture and then gently swirling them together with a knife.
When making the graham cracker crust, be sure to really press it down into the baking dish. This will ensure that it holds up well once the cheesecake layer is added on top.
Lastly, when it comes to adding any toppings or additional flavors, a sprinkle of fleur de sel on top of each bar before serving will really bring out the flavors of the Dulce De Leche.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create perfect Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings as well, but always remember that attention to detail and using quality ingredients are key in creating an exceptional dessert.
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make the perfect Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars, it’s important to address any frequently asked questions or concerns you may have. After all, a recipe is only as good as its execution. So, let’s take a moment to review some common inquiries about this delicious dessert and ensure that your baking experience is nothing short of successful.
What is dulce de leche cheesecake made of?
For this recipe, we will need two 8 oz packages of softened cream cheese. To sweeten it up, we will use â…” cup of granulated sugar and add a touch of flavor with 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Two large eggs, lightly beaten, will give our mixture a smooth and creamy texture. And to add a unique twist, we will incorporate ¼ cup of melted dulce de leche – canned is perfectly fine for this recipe!
How to use dulce de leche?
There are numerous ways to enjoy the delicious taste of caramel sauce. One way is to slather it on top of some buttered toast for an indulgent breakfast or snack. Another way is to add it to your coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet kick. It can also be used in cooking to balance out the acidity in vinaigrettes and pan sauces. For parents, it’s a great addition to sweeten up baby food. For those with a sweet tooth, drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, mix into oatmeal, or pour over ice cream or yogurt. Additionally, it’s a versatile ingredient in baking, perfect for filling cookies, cakes, crepes, doughnuts, or churros.
What does dulce de leche taste like?
The flavor of dulce de leche is similar to that of caramel, but it has a smoother texture due to its creation process of slowly heating milk and sugar together (or by using sweetened condensed milk for a quicker method).
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to explore new flavors and indulge in a delicious dessert. With its smooth and creamy texture, rich dulce de leche taste, and balanced sweetness, this dessert is perfect for any occasion or celebration.
By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can whip up a batch of these mouth-watering cheesecake bars in no time. And with the various substitutions and variations suggested, you can tailor the recipe to your liking and experiment with different flavors and textures.
So the next time you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than these Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars. Trust me; they won’t disappoint.
Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bars (Bon Appetit) Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- nonstick vegetable cooking spray
- 2 1/4 cups finely ground graham crackers (from about 17 whole graham crackers)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 ounce) packages philadelphia-brand cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche (storebought is fine)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Glaze
- 2/3 cup dulce de leche
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (or more)
- fleur de sel (optional)
Instructions
- FOR CRUST: Preheat oven to 350°F Coat 13 x 9 x 2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in medium bowl. Add melted butter; stir until coated.
- Transfer crumb mixture to pan. Press evenly onto bottom of pan. Bake until crust is light golden, about 10 minutes. Cool completely on rack.
- FOR FILLING: Blend cream cheese and sugar in processor until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl. Add eggs 1 at a time, processing 3 to 5 seconds to blend between additions. Add dulce de leche and vanilla; process until blended, about 10 seconds. Spread batter evenly over cooled crust.
- Bake until just set in center and edges are puffed and slightly cracked, about 38 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely.
- FOR GLAZE: Heat dulce de leche and 3 tablespoons cream in microwave-safe bowl in 10-second intervals until melted. Stir to blend, adding more cream by teaspoonfuls if too thick to pour (amount of cream needed will depend on brand of dulce de leche). Pour glaze over cooled cheesecake; spread evenly.
- Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour (glaze will not be firm). (DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill.)
- Cut cheesecake lengthwise into 4 strips, then crosswise into 6 strips, forming 24 bars. Sprinkle bars with fleur de sel.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.