Dulce de Leche Caramel Bars

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances buttery richness, chewy caramel, and a hint of vanilla, these Dulce de Leche Caramel Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Packed with the irresistible flavor of dulce de leche and gooey Rolo candies, every bite delivers a luscious caramel experience layered over a tender, buttery base. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these bars bring a perfect harmony of texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.

Why It Deserves a Spot

These Dulce de Leche Caramel Bars stand out because they combine simplicity and decadence in every slice. Unlike typical caramel bars, the addition of dulce de leche—a creamy, caramelized milk spread—adds depth and a silky smooth texture that elevates the dessert beyond the ordinary. The Rolo candies melt into pockets of chocolatey caramel bliss, making each bite a delightful surprise. Plus, with everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or even a weekend treat.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened – for that rich, tender base
• 2 large eggs – to bind and add moisture
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed – brings natural molasses flavor and sweetness
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – enhances the buttery caramel notes
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the structure for our bars
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bars rise slightly
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste – balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 30 Rolo candies, unwrapped and halved – for those pockets of melted chocolate caramel
• Half of one 13.4-ounce can dulce de leche – the star ingredient delivering creamy caramel goodness

Hardware & Gadgets

• 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for thick, chewy bars
• Electric mixer or stand mixer – to cream butter and sugar effortlessly
• Mixing bowls – for dry and wet ingredients
• Rubber spatula – for folding ingredients gently
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters for baking
• Sharp knife – to cut the bars cleanly

Directions: Dulce de Leche Caramel Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale – about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential for a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Candies

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the dulce de leche over the layer, gently spreading it with the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Sprinkle the halved Rolo candies evenly over the dulce de leche layer.

Step 6: Top it Off

Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the candy layer, gently spreading to cover as much as possible without disturbing the candy layer too much. The Rolo candies will melt into gooey caramel pockets as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Budget & Availability Swaps

• If dulce de leche is hard to find, you can substitute with caramel sauce or a homemade caramel made from simmered sweetened condensed milk.
• For Rolo candies, any caramel-filled chocolates like caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses or similar candies work great.
• Unsalted butter can be swapped for salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
• Light brown sugar can be replaced with dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor or regular granulated sugar with a tablespoon of molasses added.

Cook’s Commentary

These bars hit the perfect balance between buttery, sweet, and chewy. The use of brown sugar adds a subtle depth that complements the caramel layers beautifully. The Rolo candies melt into delightful pockets that surprise you with bursts of chocolate and caramel. When spreading the dulce de leche layer, try not to spread it too thinly; a generous layer offers that creamy caramel bite in every square.

For a fun twist, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or try them alongside a homemade Mint Oreo Ice Cream Parfaits With Caramel Sauce to create an indulgent caramel-themed dessert experience.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

• Store: Keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freeze: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that soft, melty texture.

Quick Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

Is it okay to use store-bought caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche?

Absolutely! While the flavor of dulce de leche is unique, caramel sauce works as a great substitute for a similar creamy caramel layer.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Dulce de Leche Caramel Bars, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to achieve neat squares without crumbling.

Don’t Miss These

• Mint Oreo Ice Cream Parfaits With Caramel Sauce – a refreshing caramel-infused dessert to enjoy alongside these bars.
• Caramel Banana Bread With Walnuts – another sweet treat that features rich caramel flavors for your baking repertoire.

Let’s Eat

Nothing beats the joy of sinking your teeth into a bar that’s bursting with buttery softness and gooey caramel centers. These Dulce de Leche Caramel Bars are best served with a tall glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee. Whether you’re gifting them to a friend or enjoying a quiet moment at home, these bars deliver a satisfying caramel indulgence that’s hard to forget. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and treat yourself to a little slice of caramel heaven today!

With their rich caramel flavor, tender crumb, and melty chocolate pockets, these bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert collection. Don’t forget to experiment by pairing them with other caramel delights or adding your own twist – the possibilities are endless!

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