Dulce de Leche Squares – A Rich & Buttery Caramel Treat! 🍯🍫
These Dulce de Leche Squares are rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible! With a soft shortbread crust, creamy caramel filling, and smooth chocolate topping, they’re like Millionaire’s Shortbread with a caramel twist!
Let’s make these decadent squares! 👇
🛠 Ingredients (Makes 16 Squares)
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 🌾
¼ tsp salt 🧂
1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
For the Dulce de Leche Filling:
1 can (14 oz / 397g) dulce de leche 🍯
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
¼ tsp salt 🧂
For the Chocolate Topping:
8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped 🍫
1 tbsp coconut oil or butter 🥥
Optional Garnishes:
Sea salt flakes 🧂
Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts) 🥜
🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Shortbread Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, flour, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Press dough evenly into the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.
Let it cool completely.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dulce de Leche Filling
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in dulce de leche. Cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and spread evenly over the cooled shortbread. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3️⃣ Make the Chocolate Topping
Melt chocolate and coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Pour over the dulce de leche layer, spreading evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts.
4️⃣ Chill & Slice
Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Lift the squares out of the pan using parchment paper and slice into 16 squares.
🔥 Variations & Customization
Nutty Caramel Bars: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dulce de leche layer 🥜
Salted Caramel: Increase sea salt for a sweet-salty combo 🧂
Espresso Chocolate Topping: Add ½ tsp instant coffee to the chocolate layer ☕
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate for a fancy touch 🍫
🥡 Storage & Freezing Tips
see continuation on next page
