When it comes to decadent, crowd-pleasing desserts, few treats compare to Millionaire Bars. These three-layer delights are a perfect balance of buttery shortbread, smooth caramel, and velvety chocolate, creating a dessert that feels both luxurious and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just to treat yourself, these bars offer a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that never fails to impress.
With their flaky salt garnish and silky-smooth layers, Millionaire Bars have an elegant appeal while still being simple enough for home bakers to make. The best part? They store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
What Makes Millionaire Bars So Special?
1. The Perfect Combination of Textures
One of the things that makes Millionaire Bars so irresistible is their textural contrast:
- The shortbread base is crumbly, buttery, and slightly crisp.
- The caramel layer is smooth, chewy, and rich, adding a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.
- The chocolate topping is silky and slightly firm, creating the perfect bite when paired with the soft caramel and delicate shortbread.
2. A Balanced Flavor Profile
Each layer in Millionaire Bars plays a role in creating depth and contrast in flavor:
- The shortbread is subtly sweet, providing a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base.
- The caramel filling brings deep, toasty notes with just the right amount of chew.
- The chocolate layer adds a slight bitterness, especially if using dark or bittersweet chocolate, preventing the bars from being overly sweet.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the richness of the chocolate and cutting through the sweetness of the caramel.
3. A Show-Stopping Dessert That’s Easier Than It Looks
Millionaire Bars may look like something you’d find in a high-end bakery, but they’re actually incredibly easy to make. Each layer is simple to prepare, and once you master the technique, you’ll want to make them again and again.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These bars are versatile enough to be served for:
- Holiday dessert platters
- Afternoon coffee breaks
- Casual family gatherings
- Elegant dinner parties
- Gift boxes and bake sales
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 cup (114g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
Directions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Make the Shortbread Base:
- Pulse flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the dough firmly into the baking dish and bake for 20–30 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Make the Caramel Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and reaches 220–225°F.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt bittersweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top.
- Chill and Slice:
- Refrigerate until fully set (about 30 minutes).
- Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Secrets to Making the Best Millionaire Bars
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few pro tips can help you achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation every time.
1. Use Chilled Butter for the Shortbread
- Chilled butter helps create a flaky, tender shortbread base.
- If using a food processor, pulse the butter and dry ingredients just until they resemble wet sand—overmixing will make the base too dense.
2. Don’t Overcook the Caramel
- Caramel can turn grainy or too stiff if overcooked.
- Using a thermometer ensures that it reaches the ideal 220–225°F—this is the perfect consistency for a smooth and chewy caramel layer.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning.
3. Use High-Quality Chocolate
- Since chocolate is one of the main flavors, using high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
- If you prefer sweeter bars, you can use milk chocolate, but the contrast between the caramel and chocolate might be lost.
4. Let Each Layer Set Properly
- Allow the shortbread to cool completely before adding the caramel layer—this helps prevent the caramel from melting into the base.
- Chill the caramel layer before adding the chocolate so that the layers stay separate.
5. Slice with a Warm Knife for Perfect Edges
- Millionaire Bars can crack or break apart when cut cold.
- Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and then slice—this allows for clean, precise cuts.
How to Customize Millionaire Bars
1. Experiment with Different Chocolates
- Bittersweet chocolate creates a balanced, slightly bitter contrast.
- Milk chocolate results in a sweeter, creamier bite.
- White chocolate offers a unique twist with a smoother, richer sweetness.
2. Add a Layer of Nuts or Coconut
- Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts over the caramel before adding the chocolate layer for added crunch and flavor.
- A thin layer of toasted coconut adds a tropical twist.
3. Spice Up the Caramel
- Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- A dash of bourbon or rum extract can give the caramel a richer, deeper profile.
4. Drizzle with Extra Chocolate or Caramel
- After the bars set, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch.
- A light caramel drizzle enhances the flavor even further.
Serving and Storing Millionaire Bars
Best Ways to Serve
- These bars taste best at room temperature, as the caramel layer softens slightly, creating a chewy, smooth bite.
- Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for an indulgent treat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 6 months by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pan?
Yes! An 8×8-inch pan creates thicker bars, while a 9×13-inch pan results in thinner layers. Just adjust baking and cooling times accordingly.
2. How Do I Prevent the Chocolate Layer from Cracking?
Let the chocolate cool slightly before spreading it over the caramel. Cutting the bars at room temperature rather than straight from the fridge also helps minimize cracks.
3. Can I Make Millionaire Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe works perfectly.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Corn Syrup in the Caramel?
If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute golden syrup or honey. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and taste.
5. Can I Make a Vegan Version?
Yes! Replace:
- Butter with plant-based butter
- Sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk
- Chocolate with dairy-free chocolate
6. How Do I Fix Grainy Caramel?
If your caramel crystallizes or turns grainy, try:
- Adding a teaspoon of water and stirring over low heat until smooth again.
- Straining it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove grainy bits.
Conclusion: Why You Need to Make These Millionaire Bars
Millionaire Bars are the perfect blend of buttery, chewy, and chocolatey goodness, making them a must-try for any dessert lover. Their elegant appearance, rich taste, and customizable options make them a fantastic choice for celebrations, gifts, or everyday indulgence.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own creative twist, these bars will always be a hit. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying homemade treats you’ll ever make!
Print
Decadent Millionaire Bars to Make
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of Millionaire Bars, a dessert that lives up to its name. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel filling, and a smooth, bittersweet chocolate topping, all sprinkled with flaky salt for a luxurious finish. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this easy-to-make recipe is a showstopper!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread:
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
- 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 cup (114g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. - Make the Shortbread Base:
- In a food processor, pulse the flour, chilled butter, powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Alternatively, combine the ingredients with a pastry blender.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Bake the Shortbread:
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden and glossy.
- Let the shortbread cool completely on the countertop or in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter.
- Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches a temperature of 220–225°F on an instant-read thermometer (about 15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Caramel Layer:
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the caramel sets.
- Add the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring frequently.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top.
- Chill and Slice:
- Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.
- Slice into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat edges.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Notes
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Chocolate Substitution: Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter topping, but bittersweet chocolate offers a balanced flavor.
- Customization: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or sprinkle chopped nuts over the top for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
