Millionaire Bars

Homemade Millionaire Bars combine layers of buttery shortbread crust, rich caramel, and velvety chocolate. With their irresistible layers of sweetness, they are the epitome of luxury and decadence. But don’t worry; you don’t need to be rich to enjoy these millionaire bars!

So get ready to impress your friends, family, and even yourself with these homemade millionaire bars that are guaranteed to make you feel like a baking maestro!

Welcome to 2023’s 12 Days of Cookies!
These Millionaire Bars are Day 4 of our 12 Days of Cookies!
Be sure to check out all of the other days for more goodies!

Day 1 – Cherry Biscotti
Day 2 – Sour Cream Cookies
Day 3 – Chai Spritz Cookies
Day 4 – You’re on it!
Day 5 – Chocolate Chip Potato Chip Cookies
Day 6 – Nana’s Oatmeal Cookies
Day 7 – No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Day 8 – Coffee Cake Cookies
Day 9 – Meringue Christmas Trees
Day 10 – Cookie Sticks
Day 11 – Christmas Buckeyes
Day 12 – Melted Snowman Cookies

What are Millionaire Bars?

Millionaire bars, also known as caramel shortbread, are a heavenly dessert consisting of three distinct layers: a buttery shortbread base, a rich and creamy caramel filling, and a smooth layer of chocolate on top. The combination of these flavors and textures creates a truly delicious treat!

The shortbread layer provides a crumbly and buttery foundation, while the caramel adds a sweet and sticky richness. Finally, the chocolate topping adds a velvety smoothness that ties all the layers together. These bars are often cut into small, bite-sized pieces, making them the perfect treat for sharing or enjoying on your own.

The flavors are very reminiscent of Twix bars, but of course, this homemade version is even better than the popular candy bar!

Ingredients for Homemade Millionaire Bars

To create your own homemade millionaire bars, you will need a few key ingredients that can easily be found in most grocery stores. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Shortbread Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Caramel Layer

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Chocolate Layer

• 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter

How to make this Classic Millionaire Bar Recipe

Plan ahead when making this recipe, as there is some cooling time involved. It may take a while, but I promise this easy recipe comes together with very little effort!

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper so it’s easy to remove the homemade Twix bars when finished.

Shortbread Base: In a medium bowl, mix together flour, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Press the shortbread mixture into an even layer in a 9-inch square pan, then bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Caramel Filling: While the crust cools, bring butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes.

Pour caramel over the cooled crust and let it set for 2-3 hours until firm. Don’t worry if the crust isn’t completely cool- just make sure it’s not hot right out of the oven.

Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter for 1 minute. Stir and microwave again in 10-second increments until smooth and completely melted, stirring in between.

Pour the chocolate over the caramel and smooth into an even layer. Try to resist licking the spoon :). Place the millionaire bars into the fridge for about 30 minutes until completely set.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your own homemade millionaire bars. Now it’s time to enjoy them!

Serving Millionaire Shortbread

Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper out. Transfer them to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into the desired size and shape. I cut the whole thing in half and then slice bars about ½-inch thick.

For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth in between cuts.

Now you have a gorgeous treat for your holiday baking tray or cookie exchange! Or just munch on them when the kids are asleep—I won’t judge!

Variations and Customizations for Millionaire Bars

While the classic millionaire bars recipe is a delight on its own, you can also get creative and customize the flavors. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream: Swirl a layer of creamy peanut butter into the caramel filling for an indulgent twist.
• Mint Chocolate Madness: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate topping for a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Salted Caramel Sensation: Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel filling before adding the chocolate glaze for a sweet and salty combination.
• Nutty Delight: Mix chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, into the shortbread base for added crunch.

How do I store Millionaire Bars?

Millionaire bars are best stored at room temperature, as this allows the layers to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator.

To store millionaire bars, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep well for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze Millionaire Shortbread?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight, but be sure they’re thawed before serving as you don’t want anyone to damage their dental work! 😉

More Shortbread Recipes

Shortbread is so delicious because it just melts in your mouth! That’s even more true with these Whipped Shortbread Cookies, a light, buttery treat you’ll devour in no time! Or try these warmly spiced Cinnamon Pecan Shortbread treats that only use five simple ingredients!

Do you love Caramel? Try these delicious treats next time!

If you enjoy treats that feature smooth, buttery caramel, you’ll want to make these recipes:

• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Caramel Apple Pie Crust Cookies
• Salted Caramel Cashew Brownies
• Salted Caramel Thumbprints
• Baked Caramel Apple French Toast