Looking for a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Millionaire Shortbread Bars! With a buttery crust, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of buttery crust, sweet caramel, and chocolate is simply irresistible.
- Quick prep time: These bars come together easily with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these bars and enjoy them throughout the week for a sweet treat.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Crust:
- Unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and flavor to the crust.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps it hold together.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crust.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the Caramel:
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy and sweet caramel layer.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the caramel.
- Light corn syrup or golden syrup: Helps prevent crystallization in the caramel.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel flavor and sweetness.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel.
For the Chocolate:
- Semisweet chocolate: Melts into a smooth and rich chocolate layer.
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: Helps the chocolate layer set up.
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping): Adds a pop of flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for the crust until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more indulgent treat, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
- Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Swap out the semisweet chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Be sure to use room temperature butter for the crust to ensure a tender texture.
- Stir the caramel constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
Serving Suggestions:
These Millionaire Shortbread Bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store these bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. - Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
While homemade caramel is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought caramel sauce in a pinch. - Can I omit the salt from the recipe?
The salt helps balance the sweetness of the bars, but you can reduce or omit it if desired.
Conclusion:
These Millionaire Shortbread Bars are a decadent treat that’s sure to please any crowd. With a buttery crust, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
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Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars with a buttery crust, rich caramel filling, and a layer of chocolate on top. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Caramel:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- ¼ cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Chocolate:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped or chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven, cream the butter and sugar, mix in the flour and salt, press into a pan, and bake.
- Make the Caramel: Cook the condensed milk, butter, syrup, sugar, vanilla, and salt until thickened, then pour over the crust.
- Add the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate with oil, spread over the caramel, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Chill and Serve: Let the bars set in the fridge, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the thickness of each layer to suit your preference.
- For a twist, try adding nuts or a sprinkle of fleur de sel on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
