Dulce de Leche Squares: A Decadent Sweet Treat 🍮🍫
These Dulce de Leche Squares are a heavenly combination of a buttery shortbread base, a rich and gooey dulce de leche layer, and an optional chocolate or nut topping. Perfect for dessert, potlucks, or a sweet indulgence, these squares are easy to make and impossible to resist. The balance of sweet caramel, tender shortbread, and a touch of salt or chocolate makes them a crowd-pleaser every time!
⏲️ Total Time: 45 minutes prep + baking + 1 hour chilling
🍽️ Servings: 24 squares
🔥 Kcal: ~200 kcal per square (varies based on toppings)
📏 Pan Size: 9×13-inch baking dish
📝 Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dulce de Leche Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz, 400g) dulce de leche
- 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
Optional Topping:
- 6 oz (170g) dark or milk chocolate, melted
- ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, then mix in 2 cups flour and ½ tsp salt until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan (about 15 minutes).
Step 3: Prepare the Dulce de Leche Layer
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add the 14 oz can of dulce de leche and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined (about 3-5 minutes).
- Pour the warm dulce de leche over the cooled shortbread base and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Let the caramel layer set for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 4: Add the Topping (Optional)
- For Chocolate Topping: Melt 6 oz dark or milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread evenly over the set dulce de leche layer.
- For Nut Topping: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) over the dulce de leche layer.
- For Salty-Sweet: Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the chocolate or dulce de leche for a gourmet touch.
Step 5: Chill and Cut
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to firm up the layers.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab from the pan.
- Cut into 24 squares using a sharp knife (warm the knife under hot water and wipe dry for clean cuts).
Step 6: Serve
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy as a decadent dessert or sweet snack!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Homemade Dulce de Leche: If you can’t find canned dulce de leche, make your own by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk (label removed) in a pot of water for 2-3 hours, ensuring the can is fully submerged. Cool completely before opening.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the shortbread base.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and opt for chocolate or sea salt toppings.
- Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dulce de leche for a unique flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pairings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee for a perfect dessert.
- Occasions: Ideal for holiday trays, potlucks, or gifting to friends and family.
- Presentation: Arrange squares on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or extra sea salt for a stunning display.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
- Butter & Dulce de Leche: Provide energy and a rich, satisfying flavor.
- Nuts (Optional): Add healthy fats and protein for a nutrient boost.
- Homemade Advantage: Control the quality of ingredients for a fresher treat.
🥄 Dietary Information
- Contains Gluten: Due to all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Contains Dairy: Butter and dulce de leche are dairy-based.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts for those with allergies.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarian diets.
📊 Nutritional Facts (Per Square, Approximate, Without Toppings)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Adding chocolate or nuts will increase calories and fat content.
🗃️ Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed within a few hours if left out; otherwise, keep chilled to maintain texture.
Who Will Love This Dish?
- Caramel Lovers: The gooey dulce de leche layer is a dream for caramel fans.
- Dessert Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who love rich, layered sweets.
- Party Hosts: Easy to make in bulk and always a hit at gatherings.
- Gift Givers: These squares make a thoughtful homemade gift for any occasion.
Why It’s Awesome
- Three Layers of Bliss: Buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and a customizable topping create a perfect balance.
- No-Fuss Prep: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps yield gourmet results.
- Versatile: Customize with chocolate, nuts, or sea salt to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead: Ideal for preparing in advance for events or weekly treats.
Conclusion
Dulce de Leche Squares are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining a buttery shortbread base with a luscious caramel layer and your choice of decadent toppings. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need a showstopping dessert for a special occasion, these squares deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Slice, serve, and watch them disappear! 🍮✨
