There’s something irresistibly comforting about Millionaire Shortbread Bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of buttery shortbread, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate, all together in one blissful bite. The contrast of the crisp edges, velvety filling, and sweet chocolate creates a symphony for your taste buds. This treat is a delightful find, perfect for cozy gatherings or when you just want to indulge in a little something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Millionaire Shortbread Bars are not just gorgeous to look at; they’re a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The buttery crust gives way to a gooey caramel layer, topped off with a luscious chocolate ganache. This recipe is simple enough for any home baker to tackle, but the end result is impressively delightful, making it perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Ingredients Needed For Millionaire Shortbread Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our shortbread. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy incorporation.
• 1/3 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the rich buttery flavor; it helps create a light texture in the crust.
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla lends a warm flavor, enhancing all the sweet notes in the bars.
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature: It helps bind the crust together; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides structure; sift it before measuring for the best results.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors throughout the bars.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the caramel layer.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed: This is for the caramel, and using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup: It helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: We add it again to the caramel to infuse a sweet aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the caramel layer.
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: This is the heart of the caramel, creating its creamy richness.
• 1-1/2 cups 60 percent cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips: Choose high-quality chocolate for a rich ganache; the bittersweet flavor complements the sweetness.
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream: Used to make the ganache silky; don’t skimp on the cream.
• Flaked sea salt, optional: A little sprinkle on top adds a gourmet touch and balances sweetness.

How to Make Millionaire Shortbread Bars

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing the ends to extend up the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Then, beat in the egg yolk.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually beat this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until combined. The dough will be a bit sticky.
4. Chill the Dough: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shortbread until the edges are lightly browned and the center is dry, about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cubed butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the sweetened condensed milk, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil. Cook and stir for 20-25 minutes or until the mixture reaches an amber color and 225°F (107°C).
7. Pour the Caramel: Remove from heat and quickly pour the caramel over the cooled crust. Allow the caramel to cool for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled, around 1 hour.
8. Make the Ganache Topping: Place the chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream just to a boil and pour it over the chocolate. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then stir with a whisk until smooth. Pour the ganache over the caramel layer. If you like, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top.
9. Set and Serve: Refrigerate until fully set, at least 2 hours. Once set, lift the shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Millionaire Shortbread Bars

Enjoy these indulgent bars chilled, letting them soften slightly at room temperature for the ultimate experience. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making for a satisfying afternoon treat, or serve them at your next gathering for a beautiful dessert display.

How to Store Millionaire Shortbread Bars

Keep your Millionaire Shortbread Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They can last up to a week if you can resist the temptation to eat them all at once!

Tips to Make Millionaire Shortbread Bars

• Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly into the mixture.
• Chill Between Steps: Don’t skip the chilling steps! This helps the layers set properly and makes them easier to cut.
• Use a Candy Thermometer: For the caramel layer, a candy thermometer can help you achieve the perfect consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nutty Additions: Mix in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the caramel layer for a crunchy twist.
• Chocolate Variations: Swap out the bittersweet chocolate for milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor Infusions: Try adding a splash of rum or espresso powder in the caramel for an extra flavor hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can! If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering flavors.

What can I substitute for corn syrup in the caramel?

You might use honey or maple syrup as an alternative, but the texture may differ slightly. Be aware that the flavor will also change a bit.

How can I ensure my caramel doesn’t crystallize?

Stirring constantly between boiling and cooking will help, along with making sure the sugar is fully melted before adding other ingredients. A little corn syrup also aids in maintaining a smooth texture.

Can I freeze Millionaire Shortbread Bars?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container.

How do I cut the bars without making a mess?

Use a sharp chef’s knife and warm it slightly under hot water before cutting. This will help create cleaner cuts through the layers!

Millionaire Shortbread Bars

Indulge in layers of buttery shortbread, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate with these irresistible Millionaire Shortbread Bars, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baking

Servings 12 bars

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
• 1/3 cup sugar Adds sweetness and light texture.
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances sweet notes.
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature Helps bind the crust.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure; sifted before measuring.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.

For the Caramel Layer

• 1 cup packed brown sugar Adds depth and molasses flavor.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed Use unsalted to control saltiness.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup Prevents crystallizing.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses sweet aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk Creates creamy richness.

For the Ganache Topping

• 1.5 cups 60 percent cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips Choose high-quality for rich flavor.
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream Makes the ganache silky.
• flaked sea salt, optional Adds balance and a gourmet touch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing the ends to extend up the sides for easy removal.
• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Beat in the egg yolk.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually combine with the creamed mixture until sticky dough forms.
• Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Baking the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the shortbread until the edges are lightly browned and the center is dry, about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Making the Caramel Filling

• In a large heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, cubed butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts.
• Add sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to maintain a low boil and cook, stirring for 20-25 minutes, until mixture is amber and reaches 225°F (107°C).
• Remove from heat and pour caramel over cooled crust. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled, around 1 hour.

Making the Ganache

• Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil and pour it over the chocolate. Let stand for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
• Pour ganache over the caramel layer and sprinkle flaked sea salt if desired.

Setting and Serving

• Refrigerate until fully set, at least 2 hours. Lift the shortbread out of the pan using parchment and cut into bars.

Notes

For best results, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature. Don’t skip the chilling steps! Use a candy thermometer for the caramel layer.

Keyword Caramel Treat, Chocolate Dessert, Easy Baking, Millionaire Shortbread, Shortbread Bars