Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

This Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe is a rich and indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With a buttery shortbread base, creamy caramel layer, and a luscious chocolate topping, these bars are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something decadent, this recipe will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate creates an irresistible taste sensation.
  • Easy to Make: Despite their fancy appearance, these bars are straightforward to prepare and require only basic baking skills.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these bars fit right in.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate for a personal twist on the classic recipe.
  • Great for Sharing: With 28 servings, these bars are ideal for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Millionaire Shortbread Bars successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can simplify the process and ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Baking pan (9×13 inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

  • Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect bar texture.
  • Electric mixer: This tool helps in whipping butter and sugar together quickly for a smooth mixture.
  • Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

This delicious Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe is every bit as decadent as the name suggests. A shortbread base topped with caramel followed by chocolate.

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)

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

For Finishing Touches

  • Sea salt, for finishing
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How to Make Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and mix well. Gradually incorporate flour and salt until fully combined.

Step 2: Bake the Shortbread

Spread the shortbread mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk with half a cup of unsalted butter. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly; allow it to bubble gently for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble Layers

Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread base evenly. Allow it to cool at room temperature while you prepare the chocolate topping.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Topping

In another saucepan over low heat, combine chopped dark chocolate with light corn syrup and remaining unsalted butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour this chocolate mixture over the caramel layer.

Step 6: Final Touches

Sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate layer while it’s still warm. Allow everything to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Millionaire Shortbread Bars!

How to Serve Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Serving your Millionaire Shortbread Bars is a delightful experience. These rich and indulgent bars can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

With Fresh Fruit

  • Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast to the sweet bars.
  • Sliced Bananas: Pairing with bananas adds a creamy texture that balances the crunch of the shortbread.

With Whipped Cream

  • Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the richness of the bars.
  • Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or chocolate flavoring for an extra layer of taste.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

  • Mini Desserts: Include your Millionaire Shortbread Bars with other small treats like cookies or brownies.
  • Cheese Board: Pair these bars with soft cheeses for an elegant dessert spread.

How to Perfect Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

To make your Millionaire Shortbread Bars truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use High-Quality Chocolate: Choosing a good dark chocolate will enhance the flavor significantly.
  • Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before cutting for clean edges.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar in the caramel if you prefer a less sweet treat.
  • Make It Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored, making them perfect for gatherings.
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Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Millionaire Shortbread Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

  1. Coffee: A cup of rich coffee complements the sweetness perfectly and enhances flavors.
  2. Tea: Choose a robust black tea that contrasts well with the buttery shortbread.
  3. Ice Cream: Vanilla or salted caramel ice cream provides a creamy balance to the bars’ richness.
  4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers refreshing flavors that cut through the sweetness.
  5. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars adds an extra touch of indulgence.
  6. Nuts: Roasted almonds or pecans can add crunch and flavor when served alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Millionaire Shortbread Bars, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

  • Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the shortbread layers helps them set properly. If you skip this, your bars may fall apart when cut.
  • Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements, especially for flour and butter, to ensure your bars have the right consistency.
  • Overcooking the caramel: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly while cooking to avoid this mistake.
  • Using warm chocolate for topping: Pouring warm chocolate over caramel can cause the layers to mix. Allow the caramel to cool completely before adding chocolate.
  • Cutting bars too soon: Letting the Millionaire Shortbread Bars cool completely before cutting is essential. This helps maintain clean edges and prevents them from crumbling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container: Keeping your bars in an airtight container will help maintain their freshness.
  • Shelf life: Millionaire Shortbread Bars can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
  • Layer with parchment paper: If stacking bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

  • Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to tightly wrap each bar before freezing.
  • Duration: These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Thawing tips: To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power in 10-second intervals until slightly warm.
  • Stovetop: Place a bar in a warm pan over low heat for a few minutes, just until warmed through.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of chocolate for my Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate as alternatives to dark chocolate. Each will give a unique flavor twist to your bars.

How do I make my caramel thicker in the Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe?

To achieve a thicker caramel layer, cook it for a little longer until it reaches a soft ball stage. This will create a denser texture once cooled.

What is the best way to cut Millionaire Shortbread Bars?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it dry between cuts for neat edges and minimal crumbling.

Can I customize my Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, sea salt flakes on top, or even flavored extracts like vanilla or almond for extra taste.

Final Thoughts

This Millionaire Shortbread Bars recipe offers a delightful combination of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate that’s hard to resist. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

Millionaire Shortbread Bars

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Millionaire Shortbread Bars, a delectable treat that combines a buttery shortbread base with a rich caramel layer and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for special occasions or just satisfying your sweet cravings, these bars are not only visually appealing but also easy to make. With minimal baking skills required, you can impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert that’s fully customizable. Add nuts or swap chocolate types for a personal touch, making it suitable for any gathering or simply as an everyday indulgence.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 28 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 (slightly beaten)
  • 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao, coarsely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • Sea salt (for finishing touches)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg yolk and mix well, then gradually incorporate flour and salt until combined.
  4. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk with half a cup of unsalted butter. Stir continuously until melted; simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  6. Pour the caramel over the slightly cooled shortbread base and allow to cool at room temperature.
  7. For the chocolate topping, melt dark chocolate with corn syrup and remaining butter over low heat until smooth; pour over caramel layer.
  8. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt while still warm, then cool completely before cutting into bars.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Chill bars in the refrigerator before cutting for clean edges. Feel free to customize toppings or flavors according to your preference.

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