Indulge in the luxurious taste of Millionaire’s Bars with this irresistible recipe. These decadent bars are the epitome of indulgence, featuring layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these Millionaire’s Bars are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and elegant presentation.
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone with a love for rich and indulgent desserts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new challenge or a novice in the kitchen eager to try your hand at homemade treats, these Millionaire’s Bars are a delicious option. If you enjoy the combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and decadent chocolate, then this recipe is for you.
Why Millionaire’s Bars?
Millionaire’s Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, making them a truly irresistible treat. With their layers of buttery shortbread, sticky caramel, and smooth chocolate, these bars offer a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a special indulgence, Millionaire’s Bars are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Directions:
For the Shortbread Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.
For the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel thickens and turns a deep golden brown color.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture over the baked shortbread base, spreading it out into an even layer. Let it cool completely before adding the chocolate topping.
For the Chocolate Topping:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and butter together until smooth, stirring frequently.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer, spreading it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Let the chocolate topping set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking pan. Cut them into squares or bars, and serve.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier shortbread base, bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Be sure to watch the caramel closely as it cooks, as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt if left unattended.
- Feel free to customize the toppings by sprinkling chopped nuts, sea salt, or shredded coconut over the melted chocolate before it sets.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Spatula
How to Store Leftovers:
Store any leftover Millionaire’s Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Millionaire’s Bars on their own as a decadent dessert or snack, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. They’re perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, but they’re also great for enjoying as a simple pleasure any time of day.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own? A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut if desired. Simply warm it slightly before pouring it over the baked shortbread base.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for the topping? A: While semisweet chocolate is traditional for Millionaire’s Bars, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just be aware that the bars may be slightly sweeter overall.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Millionaire’s Bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Conclusion:
Millionaire’s Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a moment of luxury, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the decadent goodness of Millionaire’s Bars!