Here we go again with bars. I know, I know. I just can’t seem to help it. In defense of bars, they’re easy to make. They make enough for a crowd. And, they’re usually pleasing to that crowd.
The flavor of these bars is a bit different than my usual bar recipes. Dulce de leche is definitely underused in my kitchen. I love its caramel-like, smooth flavor.
Much like those Blueberry Jam Bars from earlier this month, these bars are made mostly of a crumb crust and topping. It’s hard to go wrong with a buttery, sugary crumb crust. Sandwiched between two layers of that is a whole lot of dulce de leche goodness. A sprinkling of toffee bits tops it all off. All of that adds up to some kind of good.
If you like a bit of salty with your sweet, then you might sprinkle a bit of kosher salt over the dulce de leche layer before baking. With or without that, these are truly delicious and hard to resist. While they would make great gifts or party food, you are likely to want to keep these all for yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 13.4 ounces dulce de leche
- 1 cup toffee bits
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar and salt. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1/4 of crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into bottom of ungreased 9″x 13″ baking pan. Bake 10 minutes.
In a small saucepan, heat dulce de leche over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, to soften slightly.
Spread dulce de leche over crust. Sprinkle evenly with toffee bits. Then, sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes.
Run a knife around sides of pan to loosen bars. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Just went to a party and both desserts were from B or B. Yay!!!
December 20th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
oh my goodness, i LOVE dulce de leche. these must be amazing! xoxo
December 21st, 2011 at 5:47 am
These bars are lovely! Great recipe
December 21st, 2011 at 6:03 am
YES PLEASE!!!
December 21st, 2011 at 9:17 am
Heck yes! These look amazing!
December 21st, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Your bringing Christmas early Santa
December 22nd, 2011 at 3:23 am
I’m going to eat the screen.
December 23rd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
These look absolutely incredible – I love dulce de leche and would definitely add a sprinkle of salt for the ultimate salty sweet experience
March 8th, 2012 at 9:27 am
I made these last night & they disappeared! Thanks for sharing all of your delicious recipes.
October 25th, 2012 at 5:33 am
This sounds perfect. I will make these today for my sister who is a dulce the leche addict (and having a baby right now)!
November 20th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
I made these this evening and can confirm that they are as scrumptious as they look in the photos! Absolutely delicious and I will definitely make them again. Thank you for sharing such a fantastic recipe
December 16th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Can you share the recipe for the Dulce de Leche..tnx! i love all your posted recipes. Godspeed!