This Millionaire Shortbread Bars recipe is a true delight for dessert lovers. With its rich layers of buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. These bars combine the best of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: The combination of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate creates a heavenly experience in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 28 servings, these bars are ideal for parties or potlucks where you want to impress guests.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate to personalize your creation.
- Store Easily: These bars store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient dessert option.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Millionaire Shortbread Bars successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are the must-have items for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish ensures even cooking and provides enough space for all layers.
- Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, ensuring a perfect shortbread base.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cup (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter softened
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk, slightly beaten
For the Caramel Layer
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (two 14-ounce cans)
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao), coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
For Garnish
- Sea salt, for finishing
How to Make Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your shortbread cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Base
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the flour and salt until combined. Lastly, mix in the beaten egg yolk. Press this mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Shortbread
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk with butter. Stir continuously until it thickens into caramel—about 5-7 minutes. Pour this caramel over your cooled shortbread base and spread evenly.
Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Topping
Melt dark chocolate along with light corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Stir until smooth. Pour this melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Step 6: Finish with Sea Salt
Sprinkle sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for that perfect contrast in flavors.
Step 7: Chill and Cut
Allow your Millionaire Shortbread Bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
How to Serve Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
Serving Millionaire Shortbread Bars can elevate any dessert occasion. These bars are rich and indulgent, making them perfect for special gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Here are some delightful ways to serve them.
Pair with Coffee
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly. The bitterness of coffee balances the rich chocolate and caramel layers.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy contrast to the texture of the Millionaire Shortbread Bars, enhancing the dessert experience.
Add Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tartness that cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing touch to each bite.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top makes these bars even more decadent. It enhances their flavor and gives an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Perfect Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
Perfecting your Millionaire Shortbread Bars is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.
Use room temperature butter: Softened butter creates a smoother batter and helps achieve that perfect shortbread texture.
Chill between layers: After adding each layer, chill the bars in the fridge. This sets each layer firmly and prevents them from mixing together.
Opt for high-quality chocolate: Using good-quality dark chocolate enhances the flavor profile significantly and results in a richer taste.
Don’t skip the sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
While Millionaire Shortbread Bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options to consider:
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness to your dessert spread. Use seasonal fruits for added color and flavor.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast. Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie for variety.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add a fun, interactive element to serving desserts while still sticking with a rich theme.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with these rich bars.
Nut Medley: Roasted nuts bring crunch and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the Millionaire Shortbread Bars.
Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea adds an herbal note that refreshes your palate after enjoying these decadent treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Millionaire Shortbread Bars can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your experience. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream properly with sugar. Always use softened butter for a smooth and even texture.
- Overbaking the shortbread layer: Keep an eye on the shortbread while baking. It should be lightly golden; overbaking can lead to a dry base.
- Skipping the sea salt: Adding sea salt enhances the flavor of the caramel and chocolate layers. Don’t skip it for a balanced taste.
- Not chilling between layers: Allow each layer to cool before adding the next. This prevents them from mixing and helps maintain distinct layers.
- Cutting too soon: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps achieve clean edges and maintains the structure.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting.
- Stovetop: Use a double boiler, placing bars in a heatproof dish over simmering water until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key ingredient in Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe?
The key ingredient is sweetened condensed milk, which creates a rich and creamy caramel layer that is essential for this dessert.
Can I customize my Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or use different types of chocolate, such as milk or white chocolate for variety.
How do I store leftover Millionaire Shortbread Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are great for making ahead of time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Millionaire Shortbread Bars recipe is a delightful treat that combines buttery shortbread with rich caramel and chocolate. Perfect for parties or just a sweet snack at home, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite nuts or chocolates. Give this versatile recipe a try!
Millionaire Shortbread Bars
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Millionaire Shortbread Bars. This decadent treat features layers of buttery shortbread, velvety caramel, and rich chocolate, creating an irresistible combination that dessert lovers will adore. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, these bars are not only easy to make but also customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or enjoying them at home, they promise to impress and delight. With a total of 28 servings, you can easily satisfy a crowd or indulge yourself over several days.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 28 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate flour and salt, then mix in the beaten egg yolk. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden; allow to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and butter over medium heat, stirring until caramelized (about 5-7 minutes). Pour over cooled shortbread.
- Melt dark chocolate with corn syrup; pour over caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top and refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg