Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 16-17 rectangles)
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 10 tablespoons (141 g) salted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Batter

05 - 3 8-ounce packages (681 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
06 - 1 cup (212 g) granulated sugar
07 - ⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream
08 - ½ cup dulce de leche
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 3 large eggs

→ Glaze

11 - ⅔ cup dulce de leche
12 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a metal 9×13-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.
02 - 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.
03 - 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).
04 - 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.
05 - 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:

01 - The bars can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days
02 - You can use store-bought or homemade dulce de leche
03 - For clean cuts, wipe knife with warm water between slices