These Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars (with pecans and cinnamon) is a super easy dessert that will be ready in less than one hour. And the combination of rich and buttery shortbread layer, luscious dulce de leche, and crunchy pecans is simply irresistible!
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Hey folks, how are you? I hope this week has been treating you well so far. And just in case it is not as smooth as you would like it to be, I am here to help! I mean, not me directly – these wonderful Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars. Trust me, they would make even a troublesome day a nice one.
Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars
I do not bake too often. But if I do, it’s likely shortbread. We just love it. Besides, unlike many other sweet bakes, shortbread allows to significantly reduce the amount of sugar, without affecting the texture. And in fact, shortbread needs just a little amount of sugar, to accentuate its rich buttery flavour.
Hence, it is really great for those recipes that require some additional level of sweetness, whether it is a filling or glaze.
Now, imaging crumbly shortbread with a thick layer of decadent dulce de leche. Plus an extra crunch and richness coming from pecans, as well as a hint of vanilla or/and cinnamon? I told you, it is irresistible!
And the best part is that it is easy and quick to make. Just mix, spread, and bake; no chilling is required!
More Recipes
Looking for more dulce de leche ideas? Be sure to check some, then:
Crêpes with Dulce de Leche Sauce
I hope you like these Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars, and you will give it a try soon. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!
Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars
Course: Dessert12-16
servings10
minutes45
minutesThese Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars combine rich and buttery shortbread layer, luscious dulce de leche, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks or 226 gr.) unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1/4 cup (50 gr.) light-brown or golden sugar
2 cups (~240 gr.) all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1 cup (115 gr.) pecans, roughly chopped
1 jar (~350 ml) thick dulce de leche
butter or cooking spray, for greasing
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking pan and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, blend the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer (low speed) until combined and creamy, 1-2 minutes or so.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until incorporated, 30-40 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Sift the flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until a ball of dough forms.
- Using your fingers or spatula / wooden spoon, press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the baking pan. Place the remaining dough in the refrigerator.
- Bake in the preheated oven until starting to set and getting light brown, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Spread the dulce de leche and sprinkle with the pecans.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the dulce de leche and pecans, pressing it lightly over the top.
- Bake until pleasantly browned, about 20 minutes. Let it cool completely before removing from the pan and cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
I am making these as soon as we get back from vacation! I will need to share them with our neighbors, as I cannot stop myself from eating something this good when it’s in the house. Thanks for the recipe, Ben! You must be getting excited about your trip!
Thank you David!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
Pecans and cinnamon are two of my favorites. These look really delicious. I don’t bake because I end up eating most of whatever I bake.
Thank you Judee!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
Oh yes! Such an addictive spread with buttery dough….. heaven!
Davorka recently posted…Dulce de Leche Banana Bread
Thank you!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
Dulce de leche is a winner but I think you need to add some chocolate here Ben :=)
Agreed Sherry! :)
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
Love the addition of the pecans in this shortbread! They look heavenly!
Thanks Michelle!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
I love that you have combined two amazing things into one here – shortbread AND dulce de leche! I just looked though. It’s been almost a year since you shared a recipe with dulce de leche. A year! I’m glad to see you are returning to the throne as the Dulce de Leche King!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Bacon Cheddar Rolls
Haha thanks David!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
These Dulce de Leche Shortbread Bars sound like the perfect remedy for a challenging day! I appreciate how you’ve highlighted the simplicity and versatility of shortbread, making it an ideal canvas for indulgent flavors like dulce de leche and pecans. Plus, your mention of the easy preparation process has me eager to give these a try. Thanks for sharing such a delightful recipe!
Thank you Raymund!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
Yes please! These look delicious.
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted…Raspberry Jam
Thanks Tandy!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
These are so decadent and tempting with dulce de leche! Bet they won’t last long :-)
angiesrecipes recently posted…Carrot and Chickpea Salad with Honey Coriander Dressing
Thanks Angie!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives
Don’t really bake, but these sound wonderful!
Thanks Mimi!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Potato Salad with Chives