Gooey Dulce de Leche Bars
There’s something magical about the combination of caramel and chocolate. Every time I bite into a gooey Dulce de Leche Bar, I am transported back to my childhood kitchen, where sweet aromas filled the air, and treats were a guaranteed way to bring smiles all around. My mom used to whip up something similar on rainy days, turning an ordinary afternoon into a delightful treat that made everything feel just right. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that these bars are not only a delicious indulgence but also imbued with memories and the joy of sharing something sweet.
What sets these Gooey Dulce de Leche Bars apart is their delightful layers—crunchy yet soft oat base, luscious caramel filling, and the decadent touch of chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a pick-me-up, or just want to satisfy that sweet tooth, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Now, let’s dive into the sweet details!
What’s in Gooey Dulce de Leche Bars?
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This golden ingredient creates a rich base that holds everything together in buttery bliss. I use high-quality brands for the best flavor—my go-to is always Land O’ Lakes.
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance all the flavors. It caramelizes beautifully when baked, making the edges crispier.
– 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for our base. You can swap it for a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free!
– 1 cup rolled oats: Think of oats as the soul of these bars! They add a wonderful chewiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A little leavening agent to give the bars a light texture. Don’t skip this unless you want heavy-duty bricks instead of scrumptious bars!
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything better, trust me! Good quality vanilla will elevate the flavor immensely.
– 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
– 1 cup dulce de leche: This creamy, caramel goodness is the star of the show! You can buy it or make your own at home. Just be warned—it’s hard not to eat it by the spoonful!
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate that adds richness and pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel.
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks: These little gems add a creamy sweetness that complements the darker chocolate. My personal favorite are Ghirardelli white chips.
– Additional chocolate chips and chunks for topping: Because more chocolate is always better, right?
Is Gooey Dulce de Leche Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health for a minute, shall we? While these bars are definitely more of a treat than a health food, they do have some redeeming qualities! The rolled oats in the base provide fiber, which is a good thing to have in your diet. And let’s not overlook the joy of treats themselves—they can lift your spirits and create memories with loved ones.
On the flip side, with all that butter, sugar, and dulce de leche, we should definitely enjoy these bars in moderation! Plus, if you’re watching your sugar intake or have dietary restrictions, you might want to adjust the recipe accordingly, possibly using sugar substitutes or lower-sugar chocolate options.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dulce de leche
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks
– Additional chocolate chips and white chocolate chunks for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Gooey Dulce de Leche Bars?
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so that we can all easily bask in gooey goodness later.
2. **Prepare the Base**: In a big mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy! Don’t be shy—really whip it good! (Anyone else hear that song in their head?) Add in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. **Assemble the Base**: Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until you form a soft dough. Press about two-thirds of this dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Channel your inner artist and make it even!
5. **Add the Filling**: Spread that luscious dulce de leche evenly over the base layer. Then, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chunks on top like a sweet treasure map.
6. **Top with Remaining Dough**: Crumble the remaining dough over the filling to create a top layer. Feel free to go for a rustic look—it doesn’t have to be perfect!
7. **Bake**: Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the filling is bubbling up to greet you.
8. **Cool and Cut**: Let your masterpiece cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes (if you can resist that long!), then lift it out using the parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into squares.
9. **Serve**: Enjoy the gooey bars at room temp—perhaps drizzled with more melted chocolate for a little extra pizazz!
Sweet Secret Tips for Success
– These bars are rich and sweet; cut them into small squares to avoid a sugar coma!
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you like them a little firmer, toss them in the fridge.
– Get creative! Swap out the chocolate for nuts, or try different fillings like peanut butter or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combo.
Whether it’s a cozy night at home or a festive gathering, I can’t wait for you to treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful Gooey Dulce de Leche Bars. I promise you’ll want to make them over and over. Don’t forget to share your photos and baking adventures with me—I always love hearing from fellow sweet enthusiasts! Enjoy!
