Decadent Millionaire’s Bars: The Ultimate Three-Layer Shortbread, Caramel, and Chocolate Treat

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these incredible Millionaire’s Bars, a true masterpiece of texture and flavor. This beloved treat, also known as Millionaire’s Shortbread, brings together three distinct, luxurious layers: a rich, buttery shortbread crust, a luscious, chewy homemade caramel filling, and a smooth, decadent chocolate ganache topping. Each bite is a symphony of sweet, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that will undoubtedly make you feel like a million bucks!

Often compared to an indulgent, gourmet version of a classic Twix candy bar, our Millionaire’s Bars take this concept to a whole new level. The homemade approach ensures a freshness and depth of flavor that simply can’t be matched by store-bought alternatives. Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself, these bars are notoriously the first to disappear from any dessert table.

Why This Millionaire’s Bars Recipe is a Must-Try

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This particular Millionaire’s Bar recipe stands out for its thoughtful balance and foolproof steps, ensuring a show-stopping dessert every time. We’ve fine-tuned each layer to achieve optimal taste and texture:

• The Perfect Shortbread Base: Unlike some traditional shortbreads that can be overly crumbly, our recipe incorporates both granulated and brown sugar and creams the butter for a slightly chewier, yet still incredibly tender and buttery crust. This prevents the base from shattering when cut and provides a delightful contrast to the softer caramel layer. It’s substantial enough to hold the rich toppings but delicate enough to melt in your mouth.
• Irresistible Homemade Caramel: Making caramel from scratch might sound daunting, but our method is straightforward and yields an unbelievably smooth, rich, and perfectly chewy caramel. The combination of butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup creates a luscious, golden filling that is far superior to any store-bought alternative. It’s the heart of the Millionaire’s Bar, providing that signature sweet, sticky bliss.
• Silky Smooth Chocolate Ganache: The final touch is a glossy, rich chocolate ganache that adds an exquisite layer of dark chocolate flavor and a luxurious finish. We guide you through creating a ganache that sets beautifully, offering a satisfying snap without being brittle. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top not only enhances the chocolate and caramel but also cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

Each layer is designed to complement the others, creating a harmonious dessert experience. This recipe works because it focuses on achieving the ideal consistency for each component, ensuring your Millionaire’s Bars are not only delicious but also beautifully structured and easy to enjoy.

Essential Ingredients for Millionaire’s Bars

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To create these show-stopping Millionaire’s Bars, you’ll need a selection of common baking ingredients. While the full, precise measurements and detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s an overview of what you’ll gather for each of the three decadent layers:

Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips

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Understanding the role of each ingredient can greatly enhance your baking experience and help you achieve perfect Millionaire’s Bars every time.

• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Butter is key for flavor and texture in all three layers. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for the shortbread and caramel to ensure smooth incorporation and consistent results. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in both the shortbread and caramel by half.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: For the shortbread crust, a blend of these sugars creates a richer flavor and contributes to that slightly chewier, yet still flaky, texture we aim for. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and moisture. For the caramel, light brown sugar is essential for its deep flavor and color.
• Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of both the shortbread and the caramel, adding warmth and depth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Cake Flour: This is a secret weapon for a tender, delicate shortbread crust. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a softer crumb. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute: for every cup of cake flour, use ⅞ cup of all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, sifting them together well.
• Salt: A pinch of salt in each layer balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. For the ganache topping, flaky sea salt is not just a garnish; it provides a crucial contrast that makes the rich chocolate and caramel sing.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for the caramel. It provides the creamy base and sweetness needed for a classic, smooth caramel. Do not confuse it with evaporated milk, as they are not interchangeable.
• Light Corn Syrup: In the caramel, corn syrup is a crucial anti-crystallization agent. It helps prevent the sugar from forming crystals, ensuring your caramel stays smooth and glossy. While some recipes omit it, it makes the process much more forgiving, especially for homemade caramel.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For the ganache, semi-sweet chocolate chips are a versatile choice, offering a good balance of sweetness and bitter chocolate flavor. You can also use good quality chocolate bars, chopped, for a more intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) can be used for a less sweet, more sophisticated ganache.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The fat content in heavy cream is essential for a luxurious, stable ganache. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the ganache will not set properly.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Millionaire’s Bars

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These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For the printable version, complete with precise measurements and a condensed format, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on two sides. This “sling” makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire dessert out of the pan once it’s chilled and ready to cut. A properly lined pan is crucial for clean removal.

   EXPERT TIP – Using an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan will yield thick, substantial bars, which is characteristic of Millionaire’s Shortbread. For a slightly thinner bar, you can use a 9×13 inch pan, but be aware that the shortbread bake time will be reduced, so keep a close eye on it. The thinner bars will still be equally delicious!

2. Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this. This step incorporates air, making the shortbread tender.
3. Add Sugars and Vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the creamed butter, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
   
   
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the cake flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour is fully incorporated and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the shortbread tough.
   
   
5. Press into Pan: Transfer the shortbread mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a greased spatula or your fingertips to firmly and evenly press the dough into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it’s smooth and extends to all the edges for an even crust.
   
6. Bake the Shortbread: Bake the shortbread crust for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set and slightly firm. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and pan size. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan while you prepare the caramel.
   
7. Start the Caramel: While the shortbread cools, begin the caramel layer. In a medium to large saucepan, combine all the caramel ingredients: softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
   
8. Cook the Caramel to Boil: Whisk the caramel mixture constantly as it heats. It’s crucial to whisk continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even melting of the sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture is fully melted, smooth, and comes to a gentle boil. Do not increase the heat above medium; patience is key for perfectly cooked caramel.

   EXPERT TIP – Caramel can be tricky. Keep the heat steady and moderate. If you increase the temperature too quickly, the sugar can crystallize or burn, leading to grainy or bitter caramel. Constant stirring helps distribute the heat and prevents sticking.

9. Reach Soft Ball Stage: Once boiling, attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom. Continue whisking and cooking the caramel until it reaches the “soft ball stage,” which is 235-240°F (118-120°C). Our target for these bars is 225°F (107°C) for a slightly softer, chewier caramel. This process can take a significant amount of time, usually 20-30 minutes, so don’t rush it.
   
10. Pour and Chill Caramel: Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, immediately remove it from the heat. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it gently with a rubber spatula to the edges. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to firm up the caramel, preventing it from mixing with the ganache when poured on top.
    
11. Prepare the Ganache: While the caramel chills, make the chocolate ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring or whisking thoroughly between each interval. Continue heating and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture transforms into a thick, smooth, and glossy ganache.
    
    
12. Top with Ganache and Chill: Pour the smooth ganache over the chilled caramel layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the still-wet ganache for a beautiful finish and an added layer of flavor. Place the pan back into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the ganache is completely set. This firming-up period is essential for clean cuts.
    
    
13. Cut into Bars: Once the ganache is firm, lift the entire dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board. Heat a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and then use it to cut the dessert into even bars or squares. Reheat and wipe the knife after each cut for the cleanest edges. Serve and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Millionaire’s Bars

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Creative Serving Ideas for Millionaire’s Bars

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Millionaire’s Bars are incredibly rich and satisfying on their own, but a few simple touches can elevate your presentation and enhance the experience.

• Garnish Simply: A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt is highly recommended. It beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, awakening your palate. You can also dust them with a tiny bit of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
• Temperature Preference: Serve them chilled for a firmer bite and a satisfying snap from the chocolate, or at room temperature for a softer, chewier caramel and a meltier ganache. Both ways are delicious, so experiment to find your personal preference!
• Portion Control: Due to their decadent nature, Millionaire’s Bars are quite rich. Consider cutting them into smaller squares (e.g., 1.5-inch by 1.5-inch) rather than large bars. This makes them perfect for a dessert platter, offering just the right amount of indulgence without being overwhelming.
• Pairing Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a rich espresso, or a glass of cold milk. For a more adult treat, consider serving them alongside a glass of dessert wine, a rich stout, or even a shot of Irish cream.
• Special Occasion Treat: Arrange them artfully on a serving tray for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Their layered appearance and luxurious taste make them a standout dessert that always impresses.

Explore More Decadent Dessert Bar Recipes

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If you loved making these Millionaire’s Bars, you’re in for a treat! Dessert bars are incredibly versatile, easy to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. Dive into some of our other fantastic bar recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving:

• Zesty Lemon Bars with Sweet Sour Cream Topping
• Classic Nanaimo Bars
• Irresistible S’mores Bars
• Creamy Oreo Cheesecake Bars
• Easy Cake Mix Cookie Bars
• Effortless No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

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