Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars are an indulgent treat that brings together a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. This layered dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something sweet. With a delightful balance of textures and flavors, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars
You will adore these Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars for many reasons. First, they combine multiple layers of flavor, creating a rich, indulgent experience. Second, they are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Third, the recipe is an easy millionaire shortbread bars recipe that anyone can follow. Additionally, they can be made in advance, making them a convenient dessert option. You’ll also find that they are a homemade decadent shortbread bars that are far superior to store-bought options. Lastly, these bars can be customized to fit your taste, making them a versatile choice.
Ingredients for Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars
Gather these items:
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 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
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped or high-quality chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
How to Make Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Step 2: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and sea salt and mix until just combined, yielding a coarse crumb texture. Press this dough firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Step 3: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while preparing the caramel layer. You can turn the oven off at this point.
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter pieces, light corn syrup (or golden syrup), and light brown sugar. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 5 minutes until the caramel thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Step 5: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread crust and spread to cover the surface smoothly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes to set the caramel layer before adding chocolate.
- Step 6: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave uncovered at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Step 7: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Chill the assembled shortbread in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. Once set, cut into small squares to serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a unique twist, try adding nuts to the caramel layer for a crunchy texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in your rich millionaire shortbread dessert.
Best Ways to Serve Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars
These bars are delightful on their own, but here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
- Serve with fresh berries to balance the richness of the bars.
- Drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.
How to Store and Reheat Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars
To store, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time for meal prep, they freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars
What is the Recipe for Millionaire Shortbread?
The recipe for Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars includes a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. It’s an easy millionaire shortbread bars recipe that anyone can make at home.
Can I make Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time! They are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later. Just ensure they are well covered.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that the shortbread crust is fully cooled before adding the caramel. Also, be careful not to overcook the caramel, as it can become too hard. Follow the classic millionaire shortbread bars instructions closely for the best results.
Variations of Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars You Can Try
Get creative with these delicious variations:
- Make vegan millionaire shortbread bars by using coconut cream instead of condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate.
- Try adding nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch in your bars.
- Create a no-bake millionaire shortbread bars version by chilling the layers instead of baking them.
- Experiment with different chocolate types, such as dark or white chocolate, for a unique flavor profile.
For more dessert ideas, check out last recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. If you’re interested in more variations, consider double chocolate peppermint cookies as a festive treat!
Print
Decadent Millionaire Shortbread Bars: 5 Layers of Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire Shortbread is a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and creamy caramel middle, and a smooth chocolate topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a sweet indulgence with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 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
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped or high-quality chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and sea salt and mix until just combined, yielding a coarse crumb texture. Press this dough firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely while preparing the caramel layer. You can turn the oven off at this point.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter pieces, light corn syrup (or golden syrup), and light brown sugar. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 5 minutes until the caramel thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread crust and spread to cover the surface smoothly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes to set the caramel layer before adding chocolate.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave uncovered at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Chill the assembled shortbread in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. Once set, cut into small squares to serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Millionaire Shortbread, dessert, caramel, chocolate









