Dulce de Leche Lemon Bars
Prep
20 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
Dulce de Leche Lemon Bars are a tangy and sweet baked treat that combines zesty lemon with smooth dulce de leche. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a custard filling infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Ready in just 55 minutes total, including 20 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of baking, they suit anyone craving a simple yet indulgent dessert with bright citrus notes and caramel sweetness.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 200 gall-purpose flour
- 150 gconfectioner's sugar
- 100 gunsalted butter
- 400 ggranulated sugar
- 200 gdulce de leche
- 2large eggs
- 50 mlfreshly squeezed lemon juice
- zest of 2 lemons
- 1 gsalt
- 1 gbaking powder
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350ºfF). Line an 20x20 cm baking dish with parchment paper.
Tip: Optional: grease the dish with butter or cooking spray for an extra layer of non-stick goodness.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioner's sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Tip: Don't overwork the dough!
- 3
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Tip: Make sure to get it into the corners!
- 4
Bake the crust for 15 minutes. While the crust is baking, prepare the dulce de leche and lemon filling.
Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent overbrowning.
- 5
In a small saucepan, combine the dulce de leche and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep amber color.
Tip: This will take about 10-15 minutes, so be patient!
- 6
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest until well combined.
Tip: Make sure to get all the sugar into the bowl!
- 7
Pour the dulce de leche and lemon mixture over the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
Tip: Don't worry if it looks a bit lumpy!
- 8
Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and smooth the top.
Tip: Use a spatula to spread it evenly!
- 9
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent overbrowning.
- 10
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tip: Let it cool completely to ensure the filling sets properly!
- 11
Cut into 8 bars and serve.
Tip: Optional: dust with confectioner's sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
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