What is Dulce de Leche cheesecake?

Dulce de Leche cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines traditional cheesecake with the rich caramel flavor of dulce de leche. This Latin American confection is made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it caramelizes, creating a distinctive sweet, creamy taste with hints of toffee and caramel. In the cheesecake version, this dulce de leche is typically swirled into the cream cheese filling or incorporated into the crust, offering a unique twist on the classic dessert.

How is Dulce de Leche cheesecake different from regular cheesecake?

While regular cheesecake has a tangy cream cheese flavor with a graham cracker crust, Dulce de Leche cheesecake features a caramelized milk taste throughout. The dulce de leche adds a deeper sweetness with complex caramel notes rather than simple sugar sweetness. The texture is often creamier and richer than traditional cheesecake, with a distinctive golden-brown color that signals the presence of the caramelized milk component.

Can I make Dulce de Leche cheesecake at home?

Yes, you can make Dulce de Leche cheesecake at home with some patience. Start by preparing your dulce de leche by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk in a double boiler until it thickens and caramelizes. Then, blend this cooled mixture into your cream cheese filling along with sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the mixture over a crust (sometimes made with crushed cookies for extra texture) and bake until set. Allow several hours to chill completely before serving.

What ingredients are needed for Dulce de Leche cheesecake?

Essential ingredients include cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pre-made crust (or graham crackers for a homemade crust). For the dulce de leche component, you'll need sweetened condensed milk that you'll caramelize yourself. Optional ingredients include a pinch of salt to balance sweetness, lemon juice for brightness, and sometimes a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Some recipes incorporate crushed cookies or nuts into the crust for added texture.

How long does Dulce de Leche cheesecake last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Dulce de Leche cheesecake will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator. The dairy content makes it perishable, so keep it consistently chilled. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor of the dulce de leche.

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake: Amazingly Rich Dessert You'll Love

Name: Dulce De Leche Cheesecake
Prep time: 4 h 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: – 2 cups all-purpose flour [forms the base of the crust]; – 1 cup granular sugar [adds sweetness to balance cream cheese]; – 1 teaspoon baking soda [helps crust rise]; – 1/2 teaspoon salt [enhances flavors]; – 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) [adds buttery layer]; – 2 large eggs [binds mixture]; – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract [adds aromatic note]; – 2 cups chocolate chips [adds chocolate pockets]

Description

🍰 Indulge in the rich, caramelized sweetness of dulce de leche that creates an ultra-smooth texture, offering a decadent treat for dessert enthusiasts.
🍰 Discover the simple fusion of creamy cheesecake and caramel flavors, making it an easy way to impress at gatherings or satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour [forms the base of the crust]

– 1 cup granular sugar [adds sweetness to balance cream cheese]

– 1 teaspoon baking soda [helps crust rise]

– 1/2 teaspoon salt [enhances flavors]

– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) [adds buttery layer]

– 2 large eggs [binds mixture]

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract [adds aromatic note]

– 2 cups chocolate chips [adds chocolate pockets]

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later this keeps the crust from sticking and makes cleanup simple. Measure out your dry ingredients like the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing them in a bowl to ensure even distribution.

2-Second Step: Cream the Butter and Sugar Now, take your softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar, and cream them together in a large bowl until fluffy this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. This step builds the base flavor, making the dulce de leche shine through. Add the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract here for that extra aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

3-Third Step: Incorporate Eggs and Mix-Ins Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to keep the batter smooth and airy. Fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips gently so they don’t break apart, adding that surprise element to your Dulce De Leche Cheesecake. For a link to more chocolate treats, check out our chocolate peanut butter poke cake recipe for inspiration on variations.

4-Fourth Step: Form the Batter and Bake Combine the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended to avoid overmixing this keeps the texture light. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, shaping it into an even layer. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean that’s your cue it’s done.

5-Fifth Step: Cool and Chill Let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring to the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up patience here makes all the difference. Once set, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream for that finishing touch.

6-Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving Before serving, add a drizzle of extra dulce de leche on top for visual appeal and extra flavor. Cut into portions and enjoy with coffee or tea this is where the magic happens. Share it with friends, and watch it become your new favorite dessert that brings people together.

Notes

🍰 Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best results.
🥄 Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
❄️ Chill the cheesecake overnight for easier slicing and enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling: 4 hours
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450 per serving
Sugar: 35 grams
Sodium: 300 milligrams
Fat: 30 grams
Saturated Fat: 18 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
Trans Fat: 1 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fiber: 1 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Cholesterol: 120 milligrams

Keywords: Dulce de Leche, Cheesecake, Creamy, Dessert