Millionaire Bars
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Millionaire Bars are one of those indulgent treats that never fail to make a special occasion even sweeter, or turn an ordinary day into something a little more extraordinary. If you’re a fan of the irresistible combo of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and silky chocolate, then you’re in for a real treat. I absolutely love whipping these up when I’m craving a decadent dessert or need a show-stopping treat for a gathering. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the XO Baking Small Batch Shortbread Cookie Mix that simplifies the crust without skimping on flavor. It’s a great pantry staple to have on hand, especially when you want to bake something special without too much fuss. With just about an hour of chilling time, these bars come together beautifully, and the layers of caramel and chocolate make each bite a blissful experience. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, Millionaire Bars are sure to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love Millionaire Bars
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The mix of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate makes for an indulgent treat that’s hard to beat.
- Easy Prep: Thanks to the XO Baking Small Batch Shortbread Cookie Mix, making the crust is a breeze—perfect for when you want delicious results without a lot of hassle.
- Quick to Chill: With just about an hour of chilling time, these bars are ready to enjoy sooner than you’d think, making them great for last-minute dessert plans.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a potluck or a cozy gathering, these bars slice neatly into 16 pieces, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Pantry-Friendly: The recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without extra trips to the store.
Ingredients Needed To Make Millionaire Bars
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- XO Baking Small Batch Shortbread Cookie Mix
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter
- Corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
Substitutions + Alternatives
Can I use another type of cookie mix?
Yes! I use XO Baking Small Batch Shortbread Cookie Mix, but you can use your favorite shortbread cookie mix or make your own!
Can I use regular dairy?
Feel free to make this recipe your own. I use dairy-free products, but feel welcome to choose your preferred dairy option without any recipe adjustments. Unless specified otherwise, you have the flexibility to use the dairy products of your choice for the recipe.
Get all the best baking tips!
Wondering how in the world to get the BEST bake every time? We’ve laid it all out for you.
Note: While almond milk is an option, it is less preferred due to its liquid consistency. Consider opting for a milk alternative with a thicker texture.
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Millionaire Bars
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray an 8” x 8” dish with nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Make the Shortbread Crust: Follow the package instructions for the shortbread mix, then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Bake until golden brown and let it cool completely.
- Cook the Caramel Filling: In a pot, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 225°F. Pour over the cooled shortbread and chill until firm.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth. Pour over the set caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Chill and Slice: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is set. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
What are Millionaire Bars?
Millionaire Bars are a decadent dessert with layers of shortbread crust, creamy caramel filling, and rich chocolate topping. They combine buttery, crumbly shortbread with sweet caramel and a smooth chocolate layer, creating a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
How long do Millionaire Bars take to make?
From start to finish, Millionaire Bars take about 20 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and at least 1 hour to cool and set. This time allows each layer to firm up properly, ensuring a perfect texture and taste.
Can I use a different type of shortbread for the crust?
Yes, you can use other brands or types of shortbread for the crust. Just make sure it’s finely crumbled and evenly pressed into the pan to create a solid base. If using homemade shortbread, ensure it’s fully cooled before adding the caramel layer.
How should I store Millionaire Bars?
Store Millionaire Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze Millionaire Bars?
Yes, you can freeze Millionaire Bars. Place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
What can I do if the caramel is too runny?
If the caramel is too runny, it may need more cooking time. Make sure to use a candy thermometer and cook the caramel until it reaches the specified temperature. If it’s still too soft after cooling, try chilling it longer to firm up.
Can I add toppings to Millionaire Bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle some sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before it sets, or add crushed nuts or extra crumbled vanilla wafers for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to add these toppings before the chocolate layer fully sets.
Millionaire Bars
Equipment
- nonstick baking spray
- candy thermometer
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Mixing spoon
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
For the Caramel Filling
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare Baking Dish
- Spray an 8” x 8” square baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Line the bottom with parchment paper, letting it come up on two sides for easy removal later.
Make the Shortbread Crust
- Prepare the XO Baking Small Batch Shortbread Cookie Mix according to the package directions.
- Press the prepared shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake according to package directions or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Filling
- In a small pot, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continually.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, cooking until it reaches 225°F (about 10 minutes).
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread crust.
- Refrigerate until the caramel is firm, about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler.
- Once melted and smooth, stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the set caramel layer and spread evenly.
Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- To remove from the pan, gently pull up on the parchment paper (you may need to flip the pan and pat the back to release the bars).
- Slice into 16 bars and enjoy!
Nutrition
These Millionaire Bars are such a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or just treating yourself. With their buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate topping, they’re like a little slice of indulgence in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for every sweet tooth craving that comes your way!
