✔ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
✔ Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
✔ In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
✔ Add vanilla extract, flour, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
✔ Press the dough evenly into the pan.
✔ Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
✔ Let cool completely.
✅ This forms a crisp, buttery base for the caramel layer!
2️⃣ Prepare the Dulce de Leche Filling
✔ In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in dulce de leche.
✔ Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
✔ Remove from heat and spread evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.
✔ Let set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
✅ Smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet!
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.
✔ Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or chopped nuts (if using).
✅ This creates a silky, rich chocolate topping that balances the sweetness!
4️⃣ Chill & Slice
✔ Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
✔ Lift out of the pan using parchment paper.
✔ Slice into 16 squares (use a warm knife for clean cuts!).
✅ Every bite is buttery, caramel-rich, and chocolatey!
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Nutty Caramel Bars – Mix ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the dulce de leche layer 🥜
🔹 Salted Caramel Version – Increase sea salt flakes for a bold sweet-salty combo 🧂
🔹 Espresso Chocolate Topping – Add ½ tsp instant coffee powder to the chocolate layer ☕
🔹 White Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a fancy touch 🍫
🥡 Storage & Freezing Tips
✔ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
✔ Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.
✔ Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
✅ Perfect for parties, gifts, or an indulgent treat anytime!
🏆 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Dulce de Leche Treat!
These Dulce de Leche Squares are buttery, caramel-rich, and topped with silky chocolate—a perfect mix of textures and flavors! They are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and simply irresistible.
