Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Published: August 13, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Layers: The combination of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate creates an indulgent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars without any fuss.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or just because! These bars fit perfectly into any dessert spread.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them for later enjoyment, making entertaining easier.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The balance of sweet caramel and dark chocolate offers a rich flavor without being overwhelming.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking pan (9×13 inches)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and helps shape your Millionaire Shortbread Bars perfectly.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a smooth consistency.
Saucepan: Essential for melting ingredients together evenly, particularly when preparing the caramel layer.

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: Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg yolk and mix until well combined.
Gradually fold in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough into an even layer in the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and corn syrup.
Stir continuously until melted and well blended; continue cooking for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread layer evenly.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Topping

Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth.
Pour melted chocolate over the caramel layer spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for added flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before placing them in the fridge to set completely (about an hour). Once set, cut into squares or bars to serve!

How to Serve Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Serving Millionaire Shortbread Bars can elevate your dessert experience. These rich treats pair wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance their decadent flavor.

Pair with Coffee

A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the bars, creating a perfect balance.

Add Ice Cream

Serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Top with Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light touch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the bars.

Enjoy with Fresh Berries

Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Perfecting your Millionaire Shortbread Bars is key to achieving that ideal texture and taste. Follow these tips to ensure success.

Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Cold butter creates a firmer shortbread base.
Chill between layers: Refrigerate each layer before adding the next. This helps maintain distinct layers and prevents them from blending.
Avoid overbaking: Bake the shortbread until it’s lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
Add sea salt generously: A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor, balancing sweetness and richness beautifully.
Let it cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. This helps achieve clean slices for presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Millionaire Shortbread Bars can round out your dessert spread. Here are some delicious options:

Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light counterpart to the rich bars.
Chocolate Mousse
This airy dessert complements the bar’s dense texture, offering a delightful contrast.
Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses balances the sweetness and adds an interesting savory note.
Nut Mix
A bowl of spiced or candied nuts offers crunch and texture, enhancing the snacking experience.
Yogurt Parfait
Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a healthy contrast to the bars’ indulgence.
Tea Selection
Offering different types of tea can provide guests with a variety of flavors to enjoy alongside their dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Millionaire Shortbread Bars can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls can affect your results.

Using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugar. Always use softened unsalted butter for a perfectly smooth shortbread base.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender and crumbly.
Not chilling the bars: Skipping the chilling step can cause your bars to be too soft. Allow them to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after assembly.
Skipping sea salt: Not adding sea salt on top can miss out on the flavor contrast. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate layers.
Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect your shortbread’s texture. Always preheat your oven and check it with an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Millionaire Shortbread Bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.

Reheating Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until warmed through; be careful not to melt chocolate.
Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat; cover with a lid and warm slowly, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars ahead of time. They store well in both the refrigerator and freezer.

What type of chocolate should I use for Millionaire Shortbread Bars?

For a rich flavor, it’s best to use dark chocolate (60% cacao) as specified in the recipe, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

How do I cut Millionaire Shortbread Bars without making a mess?

To cut your bars neatly, chill them thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts.

Can I customize this Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, switch up the chocolate type, or layer in different flavors like peppermint or orange zest for unique variations.

Final Thoughts

This Millionaire Shortbread Bars recipe is not only indulgent but also offers endless customization possibilities. Whether you enjoy them as is or add your own twist, these bars are sure to impress. Try making them today for a delightful treat that everyone will love!

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