Ever dreamt of a dessert that feels as luxurious as lounging in a millionaire’s mansion? Meet Millionaire Bars!
This isn’t just a treat; it’s an opulent journey of flavors. Dive into a foundation of buttery shortbread, wade through a sea of velvety caramel, and emerge into a realm of rich chocolate ganache.
It’s a trifecta of perfection.
Now, some might say it’s reminiscent of a gourmet Twix bar, but I’d argue it’s in a league of its own. Three distinct layers, each more tantalizing than the last, come together to create a dessert experience that’s nothing short of lavish.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply indulge in some solo decadence, these bars are your golden ticket.
But a word of caution: they’re known to vanish from dessert tables in the blink of an eye.
So, ready to taste luxury in every bite? Dive in and let Millionaire Bars work their magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-Purpose Flour. Think of this as the backbone of our shortbread. It’s what gives it that firm but oh-so-crumbly texture we all love.
Unsalted Butter. This right here? The heart of the shortbread and caramel show. It’s all about that rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Granulated Sugar. A little something to sweeten up the shortbread and play nice with the buttery notes.
Light Brown Sugar. Now, for that caramel layer, this is the MVP. It’s got that deep, molasses-y sweetness that screams classic caramel.
Sweetened Condensed Milk. The secret sauce for the perfect caramel layer. Creamy, sweet, and oh-so-velvety.
Light Corn Syrup. This gives our caramel that glossy magazine-cover finish.
Vanilla Extract. A hint of vanilla in the shortbread and caramel? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. The main event for the chocolate layer. Rich, chocolaty, and the perfect partner for the other layers.
Heavy Cream. Mix it up with those chocolate chips and bam! Silky, smooth ganache goodness.
Flaky Sea Salt. A little sprinkle on top? Optional, but trust me, it’s that crunch and sweet contrast you didn’t know you needed.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Backbone of the shortbread, providing a crumbly texture. |
| Unsalted Butter | Heart of the shortbread and caramel, offering a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetens the shortbread and complements the butter. |
| Light Brown Sugar | MVP for the caramel layer with its deep molasses flavor. |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | Secret to a velvety caramel layer. |
| Light Corn Syrup | Gives the caramel a glossy finish. |
| Vanilla Extract | Adds a warm, aromatic touch to both shortbread and caramel. |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | Main ingredient for the rich chocolate layer. |
| Heavy Cream | Combines with chocolate for a silky ganache. |
| Flaky Sea Salt | Optional topping for a contrasting crunch and flavor. |
Millionaire Bars – No Hassle Prep!
Shortbread Layer. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
Press this mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
Allow to cool.
Caramel Layer. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
Add sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup.
Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour over the cooled shortbread layer and let it set for about 30 minutes.
Chocolate Layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream.
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until a smooth ganache forms. Spread this over the caramel layer.
Finishing Touch. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for an added crunch and contrast.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Shortbread Layer | Mix flour, butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Press into 8×8-inch dish. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cool. |
| Caramel Layer | Melt butter and brown sugar. Add condensed milk and corn syrup. Pour over shortbread. Set for 30 minutes. |
| Chocolate Layer | Microwave chocolate chips and cream. Spread over caramel. |
| Finishing Touch | Optionally, sprinkle sea salt. Chill for 2 hours. Slice and serve. |
Millionaire Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Layer
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until a dough forms. Press this mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Add sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled shortbread layer and let it set for about 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until a smooth ganache forms. Spread this over the caramel layer.
- Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for an added crunch and contrast. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition
Hi there! I’m Audrey, a dessert enthusiast and a self-proclaimed chocoholic. I’ve been baking since I was a little girl, and I’ve turned that passion into a career as a freelance writer. I believe that there’s always room for dessert, especially if it’s chocolate! When I’m not writing or baking, you can find me at the local farmers market or planning my next culinary adventure.
