Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers all the joy and drama of a classic New York cheesecake—without any of the fuss—this Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe will be your new go-to. Imagine tender, buttery graham cracker crust beneath a luxuriously creamy cheesecake filling, all crowned with swirls of golden, caramelized dulce de leche and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. It’s the ultimate sweet-salty treat: rich, silky, and stunning, but surprisingly speedy to make and perfect for sharing with a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe is all about keeping things simple and fuss-free, relying on classic staples with just a few special touches. Each ingredient plays its part: from the crust’s crunch to the custardy filling and the decadent topping, every layer matters.

• Nonstick spray: Essential for easy pan release, especially if you opt for a foil liner.
• 2 1/4 cups finely ground graham crackers: The base for that nostalgic, slightly sweet crust.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust without overpowering it.
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle, warm spice to balance the dulce de leche.
• 10 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the crumbs and brings irresistible richness to the base.
• 3 eight-ounce packages cream cheese: Let these come to room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake layer.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens and balances the tang from the cream cheese.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Help set the filling while keeping it lush and tender.
• 1/2 cup Dulce de Leche: For that signature caramel flavor swirled right into the cheesecake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out and deepens all the buttery, caramel notes.
• About 2/3 cup Dulce de Leche (remainder of can): The crowning glory for the topping—don’t skimp here!
• 3 or more tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Helps the dulce de leche melt into a pourable, luscious topping.
• Fleur de Sel: The finishing touch that makes each bite sing with a pop of salty crunch.

How to Make Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Give your 13×9-inch pan a generous mist of nonstick spray. If you like, line the pan with foil for easy lifting later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir until every crumb is coated. Press the mixture evenly along the bottom of your pan—it should feel like making sandcastles! Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it turns a light, golden color, then let it cool completely on a rack while you make the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a food processor or using an electric mixer, blend the room-temperature cream cheese with the sugar until it’s totally smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed. Add in the 1/2 cup of dulce de leche and blend again until silky and homogenous. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, blending for a few seconds after each, and then add the vanilla extract. By now, the filling should look like a dreamy caramel-streaked cloud.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Dollop the cheesecake batter across the cooled crust and use a spatula to nudge it into a beautiful, even layer. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for about 38 minutes—you’re looking for edges that are puffed and lightly cracked, and a center that feels just set (it should give very slightly when pressed). Let the bars cool completely on a rack before adding the decadent topping.

Step 4: Swirl On the Dulce de Leche Topping

For the crowning layer that makes this Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe so irresistible, combine your remaining dulce de leche and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring gently each time, until the mixture is melted and pourable. If it’s too thick, whisk in extra cream one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a perfect, drizzle-able consistency. Pour over the cooled cheesecake and spread to the edges. Chill the bars in the fridge for at least an hour—the topping will stay a little gooey, and that’s just how we want it.

Step 5: Slice and Finish

Once chilled, lift the cheesecake from the pan if you used foil, then cut lengthwise into 4 strips, and then crosswise into 6 strips to make 24 perfect bars. Just before serving, sprinkle each bar with a hint of fleur de sel for crunch and contrast. Don’t worry if the topping has a few little lumps—they’ll disappear when you taste that creamy, caramel magic in every bite!

How to Serve Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Garnishes

These bars are show-stoppers all on their own, but you can really make them pop with some thoughtful garnishes. Try a tiny pinch of extra fleur de sel just before serving, a few chocolate shavings, or even a scattering of toasted hazelnuts for crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of softly whipped cream makes each bar feel like a plated dessert.

Side Dishes

While the Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe shines on a dessert table, they love a fresh contrast. Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries—the tartness balances the sweet caramel perfectly. A good cup of strong coffee or espresso is a classic, while herbal tea with citrus notes pairs beautifully for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Baking for a party? Arrange the bars on a simple slate board for a rustic look, or tuck them into colorful cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go treat. For special occasions, stack layers of bars on a tiered cake stand and garnish with edible flowers. Pack a batch in a waxed paper-lined tin for a decadent homemade gift that everyone will swoon over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and glorious for up to 5 days, making them a perfect treat to have on hand for a sweet tooth emergency (or surprise guests!).

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or want to savor these bars over time, freezing is a great option. Arrange cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. The bars will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

While these bars are best served cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a softer, gooier texture, let them sit out on the counter for about 20–30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the topping and alter the creamy texture of the cheesecake layer.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dulce de leche for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade dulce de leche is delicious and works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before swirling it into the filling or topping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and check your other ingredients for any hidden gluten sources—everything else in this Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have fleur de sel?

No worries. You can use any flaky sea salt for that perfect salty-sweet finish. Even a pinch of kosher salt will work in a pinch, just sprinkle lightly.

Do I need to use a food processor, or will a hand mixer work?

A hand mixer works wonderfully for this cheesecake filling! The key is to blend until super smooth—just make sure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature to avoid lumps.

How do I know when the cheesecake bars are set?

The edges should look puffed and lightly golden, while the center will feel firm but not hard—think gently jiggly, not sloshy. It’ll finish setting up as it cools, so don’t overbake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an easy, indulgent dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Swirled Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars Recipe. The blend of creamy cheesecake, caramel swirls, and a kiss of salt is simply unbeatable. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

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