New England Squares
Indulge in the decadence of New England Squares, a classic layered dessert that combines buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and velvety chocolate in every bite. These easy-to-make treats begin with a golden, flaky crust that provides the perfect base for a luscious homemade caramel made with sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Topped with a glossy layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate, these squares strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, soft and crisp. With just 20 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, New England Squares are an indulgent dessert for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy afternoons at home. Serve them chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature for an irresistibly gooey delight. Perfect for gifting or as a bite-sized dessert centerpiece, these squares will surely become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup light corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually stir in the flour and 0.25 teaspoon salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and prick the surface lightly with a fork to prevent puffing.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
While the crust cools, prepare the caramel layer. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 0.5 cup light brown sugar, 0.25 cup light corn syrup, and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns a golden caramel color (about 8–10 minutes).
Pour the hot caramel over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to set at room temperature while preparing the chocolate topping.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Allow the assembled squares to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Once set, lift the squares out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 squares (or desired size) using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5590 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 257.0 g | 329% | |
| Saturated Fat | 155.8 g | 779% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 537 mg | 179% | |
| Sodium | 1161 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 813.6 g | 296% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 596.9 g | ||
| Protein | 74.5 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1259 mg | 97% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 1891 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
