Dulce De Leche Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan thoroughly.

2. Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until combined and creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until incorporated. Scrape down sides of the bowl; beat again. Combine flour and salt; stir into butter mixture until a ball of dough forms.

3. Press 2/3 dough into bottom of the prepared baking pan.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until set and light brown, about 20 minutes; keep oven on.

5. Pour dulce de leche over crust, trying to keep edges mostly bare.

6. Add coconut and pecans to remaining 1/3 dough; stir until incorporated. Crumble mixture over dulce de leche, pressing lightly over top.

7. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Cook's Note:

Dough can also be made in a food processor.