Heavenly Dulce De Leche Cream Bars Recipe
I invite you to embark on a sweet adventure with me as we explore the Dulce De Leche Cream Bars Recipe. I’m thrilled to share with you the secrets and nuances of this delightful dessert.
The recipe fuses the decadent flavors of American and Brazilian cuisines, resulting in an incredibly smooth, buttery finish with a subtle caramel note. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging yourself, these bars offer the perfect blend of sweetness and richness that will leave your taste buds in ecstasies.
Throughout this recipe article, I’ll walk you through every step of the process to achieve these bars’ perfection. From identifying the essential ingredients to sharing my favorite tips for optimal results, my goal is to guarantee that every bite delights your senses.
But first, let me tell you a bit about how Dulce De Leche came into existence.
Is dulce de leche made from milk or sugar? This is a common question, and it’s fascinating to learn that dulce de leche is caramel made from sweetened condensed milk – it’s a Latin American classic! The process involves simmering sweetened condensed milk for an extended period until it thickens and develops its characteristic caramel color, which takes around 2-3 hours.
So are you ready for a taste of South American culture with an American twist? Let’s dive into this Dulce De Leche Cream Bars Recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a sweet, decadent treat that is sure to impress, look no further than this Dulce De Leche Cream Bars Recipe. This recipe combines the rich and creamy flavor of dulce de leche with a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth cream cheese filling to create the perfect dessert.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a snack or dessert at any time of the day or for any occasion. Whether it’s for an after-dinner treat or a teatime snack, these dulce de leche bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Another reason to try this recipe is the ease of preparation. The ingredients required to make these delicious bars are readily available at most supermarkets, making it a hassle-free dessert option for any home cook. Plus, the step-by-step instructions provided make it easy for anyone to follow along and achieve perfect results from their first attempt.
What’s more, this dessert recipe is also ideal for anyone who loves experimenting with different flavors and textures. You can even add some chocolate chips, nuts or cinnamon for an additional kick if you want to create a unique flavor profile.
In conclusion, this Dulce De Leche Cream Bars Recipe is versatile, easy-to-follow and absolutely delicious. So why not indulge in something sweet today? Try making these dulce de leche bars recipe yourself and impress your family and friends with your amazing baking skills!
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients needed to make these indulgent and creamy desserts that combine the richness of cheesecake and caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups graham crackers crumbs
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can condensed milk (14 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup dulce de leche
For the Topping:
- ½ cup dulce de leche
- Graham cracker crumbs
Make sure to use high-quality dulce de leche, which is a thick and sweet caramel sauce made from slowly cooking sweetened condensed milk. You can either buy it ready-made or make it yourself. The key is to cook the condensed milk low and slow for around three hours until it thickens into a deep golden color.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and then gather all your ingredients together on a clean workspace. It’s time to get started on making these delicious Dulce De Leche Cream Bars!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Dulce De Leche Cream Bars:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give your oven enough time to reach the desired temperature while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
To make the crust, take a large bowl and mix together 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until all the ingredients are completely combined.
Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust
Press the crumb mixture into your baking dish, making sure it is even on all sides. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the crust starts to turn golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Filling
Using an electric mixer, blend 16 oz of cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Add in one egg at a time while continuing to mix. Next add in one can of dulce de leche and mix again until evenly combined. Finally add in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and mix everything together one last time.
Step 5: Pour the Filling Over the Crust
Pour this mixture over your baked crust until it’s evenly spread out. You can even out any lumps or bumps using a spatula.
Step 6: Bake In The Oven
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool And Chill
Once you’ve taken it out of the oven, allow it to cool down on a wire rack for about an hour at room temperature. Once cooled place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
Step 8: Cut, Serve And Enjoy
After chilling in the fridge for a few hours, take out your Dulce De Leche Cream Bars and slice them into portions. They are now ready to be served and enjoyed by you, your friends, or family. Enjoy this sweet, creamy dessert!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Dulce De Leche Cream Bars, there are plenty of ways to infuse your own creativity into the recipe. Below are some substitutions and variations that you can experiment with:
– Crust: Instead of using graham crackers, you can use other types of cookies for the crust, such as vanilla wafers or chocolate sandwich cookies.
– Filling: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with equal amounts of sour cream or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to add texture and dimension to the filling.
– Toppings: For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving. Other fun toppings could be whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even sprinkles.
– Ice Cream: To turn this dessert into a frozen treat, try mixing dulce de leche ice cream with crushed graham crackers and a touch of cinnamon for an irresistible churro-inspired ice cream that pairs perfectly with the bars.
Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with this recipe. With so many variations and substitutions available, you can truly make these Dulce De Leche Cream Bars your own!
Serving and Pairing
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, let me tell you that there’s no better dessert than these decadent Dulce De Leche Cream Bars to end your meal on a high note. The bars are rich and creamy, yet not too sweet, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.
These bars are perfect as stand-alone treats, but if you want to get fancy, serve them with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream on top. Alternatively, you can add fresh berries or mint leaves to give the bars a pop of color and freshness.
Pair these Dulce De Leche Cream Bars with bold coffee or dark hot chocolate for an indulgent dessert experience that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. A glass of cold milk can also be the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the bars.
If you’re feeling creative and have some extra time, try making churro ice cream or Haagen Dazs ice cream using dulce de leche as the base flavor to pair with the bars; the combination is heavenly.
You can also use these bars in other desserts like cake or brownie cheesecake by crushing them up and using them as a crust; the outcome is divine, trust me. The options are endless when it comes to serving and pairing these Dulce De Leche Cream Bars; let your imagination run wild!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
What I love about this Dulce De Leche Cream Bars recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. Assemble and bake the bars as directed, and once cooled, place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When it’s time to serve them, simply remove the bars from the refrigerator about half an hour before serving so they can come to room temperature. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and the texture to become just the right level of creamy.
If you happen to have leftovers (though I highly doubt there will be any!), you can also freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month in the freezer.
To reheat frozen bars, place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. When you’re ready to heat them up, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method will restore their creamy texture and rich flavor.
These Dulce De Leche Cream Bars are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when served with a generous scoop of ice cream. Try them with Haagen Dazs’ Churro flavor or even as a topping for a decadent brownie cheesecake or cake – the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
Ensuring that your Dulce de Leche Cream Bars turn out just right is easy when you follow these helpful tips. From baking techniques to ingredient substitutions, I have got you covered.
Firstly, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese, unsalted butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Using low-quality ingredients can change the final taste and texture of the dessert. It’s best to stick with trusted brands.
When blending the cream cheese with sugar in a processor, make sure it becomes smooth and creamy before adding the eggs. This not only prevents lumps in the mixture but also ensures that the bars will turn out velvety.
Another important tip is to always bake at precisely the right temperature stated in the recipe. An oven that is too hot or too cold will affect the melting process of dulce de leche and may cause your bars to overcook or burn.
Furthermore, while making the Dulce de Leche Cream Bars, pay close attention to not overmixing the batter because it can be tempting to continue mixing until there are no lumps; however, this can lead to a dense and dry bar. In order for the bars to rise properly, the mixture needs some air bubbles!
Lastly, allow enough time for cooling before serving this sweet dessert. Letting it sit for some hours or preferably overnight in a fridge makes all of the difference in making it easier to cut cleanly into beautiful slices. Additionally, fully cooled bars hold together better and have an intensified flavor.
By following these tips for perfect results, you’ll produce tender Dulce de Leche Cream Bars with a luscious caramel flavor satisfying any sweet-tooth craving!
FAQ
Before we conclude, it’s important to address any potential questions you may have about this Dulce De Leche Cream Bars recipe. Here are some frequently asked questions that might help troubleshoot any issues you may encounter during preparation or serving.
What is the difference between caramel and dulce de leche?
Although caramel and dulce de leche may seem alike in appearance and flavor, their making process is quite distinct. Caramel is created through a gradual heating of water and sugar until it caramelizes, while dulce de leche is produced by slowly heating milk and sugar until it reaches a creamy, caramel-like consistency.
How long does it take for condensed milk to turn into dulce de leche?
For a perfect caramel-colored dulce de leche, the can of condensed milk should be cooked for 2 to 3 hours. The longer the cooking time, the thicker and darker the caramel will become. If you prefer a lighter and less viscous caramel, cook the can for 2 hours, otherwise, let it cook for 3 hours. Keep an eye on the water level in the pot, adding more water if necessary to ensure the can is always fully submerged while cooking.
Is dulce de leche just sweetened condensed milk?
If you are looking for a luscious and indulgent caramel sauce, then dulce de leche is the perfect treat for you. The secret to this decadent sauce is the usage of only one ingredient, which is sweetened condensed milk.
Is dulce and condensed milk the same thing?
When it comes to the contrasting aspects of dulce de leche and caramel, the main variance lies in their ingredients. Whereas the former is comprised of condensed milk, or a mixture of milk and sugar, the latter is solely composed of sugar and water.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Dulce De Leche Cream Bars are a delicious and impressive treat that everyone will love. I believe that the combination of the cream cheese and dulce de leche creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize to fit your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and variations that suit your style!
Remember, these bars are perfect for any occasion or celebration. You can make them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and even reheat them for a quick snack whenever you need it.
Finally, I hope that this recipe has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try out some new dessert ideas. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you too can create amazing treats that everyone will enjoy. So go ahead, indulge in these Dulce De Leche Cream Bars – I promise you won’t regret it!
Dulce De Leche Cream Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (19 1/2 ounce) package brownie mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (17 ounce) jar premium caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°; position oven rack in the lower third of the oven; spray a 13x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine brownie mix, melted butter, and 1 egg with a wooden spoon until just blended and all dry ingredients are moistened.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan; bake 18 minutes; remove from oven (leave oven on).
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla with an electric mixer on high until well blended.
- Add in sour cream; mix until blended.
- Add remaining 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing on low after each addition until just blended.
- Add half the caramel topping; mix on low until blended; pour over hot crust.
- Bake 32-35 minutes or until center is just barely set.
- Transfer to wire rack and cool completely; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drizzle remaining caramel topping over bars; refrigerate until set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
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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.