Millionaire Bars with Shortbread Crust, Caramel Filling and Salted Chocolate Topping

Millionaire Bars are a decadent dessert that have long been celebrated for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, these bars are named for their rich, indulgent layers, which give a luxurious “millionaire” feel to every bite. Traditionally made with shortbread, caramel, and chocolate, the recipe has become a favorite for home bakers and dessert lovers looking for a treat that balances sweetness, crunch, and creaminess in one elegant bar.

This version features a crisp, buttery shortbread crust that provides a sturdy yet tender base. A layer of golden caramel adds sweetness and gooey richness, perfectly complemented by a thick, smooth topping of high-quality chocolate. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast that keeps each bite exciting and satisfying.

Millionaire Bars with Shortbread Crust, Caramel Filling, and Salted Chocolate Topping are perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Their layered presentation makes them visually stunning, while the combination of textures—from crunchy shortbread to gooey caramel and silky chocolate—ensures every bite is memorable. This dessert proves that simple ingredients, carefully layered, can create an over-the-top treat worthy of its “millionaire” name.

Millionaire Bars with Shortbread Crust, Caramel Filling and Salted Chocolate Topping

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Millionaire Bars are a decadent dessert that have long been celebrated for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, these bars are named for their rich, indulgent layers, which give a luxurious “millionaire” feel to every bite. Traditionally made with shortbread, caramel, and chocolate, the recipe has become a favorite for home bakers and dessert lovers looking for a treat that balances sweetness, crunch, and creaminess in one elegant bar.

This version features a crisp, buttery shortbread crust that provides a sturdy yet tender base. A layer of golden caramel adds sweetness and gooey richness, perfectly complemented by a thick, smooth topping of high-quality chocolate. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast that keeps each bite exciting and satisfying.

Millionaire Bars with Shortbread Crust, Caramel Filling, and Salted Chocolate Topping are perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Their layered presentation makes them visually stunning, while the combination of textures—from crunchy shortbread to gooey caramel and silky chocolate—ensures every bite is memorable. This dessert proves that simple ingredients, carefully layered, can create an over-the-top treat worthy of its “millionaire” name.

• Total Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
• Yield: 40 Cookie Bars 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Caramel Filling

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup packed (7 ounces) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate (6 ounces chopped fine, 2 ounces grated)
• 1 teaspoons butter, unsalted
• 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel or flake salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Using parchment paper, line a 13×9-inch baking pan so it folds over the sides slightly.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in medium bowl. Add melted butter and stir with rubber spatula until flour is evenly moistened.
3. Crumble dough evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Using your fingertips and palm of your hand, press and smooth dough into even thickness. Using fork, pierce dough at 1-inch intervals. Bake until light golden brown and firm to touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack.
4. Using a metal spatula, press on entire surface of warm crust to compress slightly. Let crust cool until it is just warm, at least 20 minutes.
5. For the caramel, stir all ingredients together in large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture registers between 236 and 239 degrees, 16 to 20 minutes. Pour over crust and spread to even thickness. Be careful as the caramel is extremely hot. Let cool completely, about 1½ hours.
6. For the topping, microwave chopped chocolate and butter in bowl at 50 percent power, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted but not much warmer than body temperature, 1 to 2 minutes. Add grated chocolate to the bowl and stir until smooth. Spread chocolate evenly over surface of filling and lightly sprinkle with fleur de sel.
7. Refrigerate until chocolate is just set, about 10 minutes.
8. Using parchment paper overhang, lift shortbread out of pan and transfer to cutting board and slide off the parchment paper. Using serrated knife and gentle sawing motion, cut shortbread in half crosswise to create two 6 1/2 by 9-inch rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half to make four 3 1/2 by 9-inch strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 10 equal pieces.
9. These Millionaire bars can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for about 1 week, if they last that long.

• Author: Recipe Maker
• Prep Time: 30 Minutes
• Cook Time: 50 Minutes
• Category: Cookies Dessert
• Cuisine: American Recipes