Dulce De Leche Bars

Caramel is one of my weaknesses. There’s something about the sweet, buttery flavor that I really enjoy. In Latin countries, they have something similar to caramel called Dulce de Leche. When I came across this recipe for Dulce De Leche Bars, I knew I had to give it a try and get my caramel fix. These bars are the ultimate treat for caramel lovers and just might convert you into one!…

I like it just as is but you can adapt to include nuts, chocolate or whatever you like to pair up with caramel. It involves creaming butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Flour, baking soda, and salt is mixed in and some of this mixture is baked into a baking pan for a few minutes. Meanwhile, caramel is melted with some evaporated milk and poured onto the baked bars. Dollops of the remaining batter is swirled into the caramel layer and is finished baking. The result is a decadent dessert bar that’s buttery and sweet. If you do want to adapt the recipe, I recommend adding the extra ingredients over the caramel layer and swirling it in with the remaining batter.

2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 14oz package caramels
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 13X9-inch baking pan. Sift flour, baking soda and salt into medium bowl; set aside.

Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth. Gradually stir in flour mixture. Spread half of batter in prepared pan. Bake about 8 minutes; cool 5 minutes on wire rack.

Meanwhile, melt caramels with evaporated milk in nonstick saucepan over very low heat. Pour remaining caramel mixture over baked bottom layer. Drop tablespoonfuls of remaining batter over caramel layer; swirl slightly with knife.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.