Get ready for pure indulgence with these Decadent Caramel Millionaire Bars! This classic treat features three irresistible layers: a buttery shortbread cookie base, a rich and chewy homemade caramel filling, and a smooth, luscious chocolate ganache topping. I absolutely adore making these bars because, while they look impressive, they’re surprisingly straightforward to assemble. They’re called “Millionaire Bars” for a reason – they taste incredibly rich and luxurious! These Caramel Millionaire Bars are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you need a truly special dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Millionaire Bars
- Three Layers of Heaven: The combination of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate is a classic and unbeatable trio.
- Rich and Decadent: These bars are incredibly rich, chewy, and satisfying.
- Impressive Presentation: They look like they came from a fancy bakery, but you made them yourself!
- Perfect for Gifting: These bars package beautifully and make wonderful homemade gifts.
- Surprisingly Simple: Despite the layers, the process is quite manageable.
Ingredients for Caramel Millionaire Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these luxurious bars. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Cookie Layer
- Unbleached all-purpose flour (Dry Ingredient)
- Salted butter, room temperature (Fat)
- Pure vanilla extract (Flavoring)
- Granulated sugar (Sweetener)
Caramel Layer
- Sweetened condensed milk (Dairy)
- Salted butter (Fat)
- Brown sugar (Sweetener)
- Light corn syrup (Sweetener/Texture)
- Pure vanilla extract (Flavoring)
- Quality salt (Seasoning)
Chocolate Layer
- Milk chocolate chips (Chocolate)
- Heavy cream (Dairy)
- Pure vanilla extract (Flavoring)
- Quality finishing salt (to sprinkle on top) (Seasoning)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these classic Caramel Millionaire Bars, but here are a few fun variations:
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
- Salted Caramel: Use a flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top for a pronounced sweet-and-salty flavor.
- Different Crust: Try a shortbread crust made with almond flour for a gluten-free option, or use crushed chocolate cookies.
- Add Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the chocolate layer before it sets.
How to Make Caramel Millionaire Bars
Let me walk you through the steps to create these incredible Caramel Millionaire Bars:
Make the Cookie Layer
- First, I preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit (175°C).
- I grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Then, I line it with parchment paper, making sure the parchment paper goes up the sides of the pan so I can easily remove the bars later. I spray the parchment paper again lightly.
- I cream together the room temperature butter, vanilla, and granulated sugar in the bowl of my stand mixer (or using a hand mixer) for about 3 minutes, until it’s ultra light and fluffy.
- Then, I slowly mix in the flour until combined. It will be a little crumbly, but that’s ok.
- I press the dough evenly into my parchment paper-lined baking dish.
- Using a fork, I poke holes all over the surface of the dough. This prevents the dough from puffing up too much while it bakes, helping ensure a flat base.
- I bake for about 25 minutes or just until it starts to show a hint of being golden brown.
- When done, I lift the parchment paper & cookie layer out of the baking dish and let everything cool completely on wire racks while I make the caramel layer.
Make the Caramel Layer
- I heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and start whisking together everything but the vanilla extract (sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt).
- I keep whisking patiently while the caramel mixture starts to come to a slow boil.
- I turn down the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, whisking the entire time. I stirred this for about 20 minutes until it was visibly thickened and had darkened to a perfect caramel color. The temperature should be between 220-225 degrees Fahrenheit (104-107°C) on a candy thermometer.
- I remove the pan from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- I place the cooled shortbread crust back into the baking dish, making sure the parchment paper is positioned correctly.
- Carefully, I pour the hot caramel over the cookie layer in one smooth motion.
- I allow this to cool on the counter for about 10 minutes, then place it in the fridge to cool for about an hour.
Make the Chocolate Layer
- I place the milk chocolate chips in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl.
- I heat the heavy cream in the microwave until it is very hot, but not necessarily boiling.
- I pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, then cover the bowl with a plate. I allow this to sit for 5 minutes so the chocolate can melt.
- Then, I whisk until the chocolate is completely smooth. If it isn’t 100% smooth, I microwave in 15-second intervals until it is smooth.
- Then I stir in the vanilla extract.
- I allow the chocolate ganache to cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the chilled caramel layer.
- I smooth it out with an offset spatula if needed.
Chill, Cut, and Serve
- I allow the chocolate layer to cool on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes before sprinkling with the finishing salt. If you put the salt on too soon, it will dissolve.
- I let everything cool on the counter for about 1 hour.
- Then cover tightly and refrigerate, ideally for a minimum of 5 hours but for best results overnight.
- When I am ready to serve, I remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhangs and gently pull away the parchment paper from the sides.
- I use a very sharp long knife to slice into squares or bars. I clean the knife off after each slice for perfectly clean cuts.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Millionaire Bars
Here are my secrets for making these bars truly taste like a million bucks:
- Patience with Caramel: Don’t rush the caramel making! Cooking it slowly and whisking constantly prevents scorching and develops the best flavor and texture. Using a candy thermometer helps ensure accuracy.
- Quality Ingredients: Use good quality butter, chocolate, and vanilla for the best flavor.
- Parchment Paper Sling: Let the parchment paper hang over the sides of the pan to easily lift the bars out for cutting.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling each layer (especially the caramel and the final bars) is crucial for clean cuts and the right texture.
- Sharp Knife for Cutting: A long, sharp knife, wiped clean between cuts, is key for neat squares. Warming the knife slightly under hot water can also help.
How to Serve
These Caramel Millionaire Bars are perfect:
- As a Dessert: A rich and decadent treat after dinner.
- With Coffee or Tea: An indulgent afternoon pick-me-up.
- For Parties and Potlucks: Cut into small squares, they are great for sharing.
- Holiday Treat Trays: A beautiful and delicious addition to cookie platters.
- Gifts: Package them in a nice box for a homemade gift.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are excellent for making ahead! They need several hours (preferably overnight) to chill and set properly. Store leftover Caramel Millionaire Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQs about Caramel Millionaire Bars
- Can I use a different type of chocolate?
- Absolutely! Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate work wonderfully for the topping if you prefer less sweetness.
- Why did my caramel layer not set properly?
- The caramel likely wasn’t cooked long enough or didn’t reach the correct temperature (220-225°F / 104-107°C). Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well. Store them in an airtight container, separated by layers of wax paper, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Enjoy these rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible Caramel Millionaire Bars! They’re a truly special treat.
Print
Caramel Millionaire Bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 7 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16–24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Cuisine: American / British
Description
These decadent Caramel Millionaire Bars feature three irresistible layers: a buttery shortbread cookie base, a rich and chewy homemade caramel filling, and a smooth, luscious chocolate topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shortbread Cookie Layer:
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer:
- 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) salted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon quality salt (like sea salt or kosher salt)
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups (340g) milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (adjust to taste)
- Quality finishing salt (like flaky sea salt), for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Make the Shortbread Cookie Layer:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment), cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be crumbly.
- Press into Pan: Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Dock the Dough: Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the dough. This prevents it from puffing up unevenly while baking.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool Crust: Carefully lift the parchment paper and the baked crust out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely while you make the caramel layer.
2. Make the Caramel Layer:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, salted butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt.
- Cook Caramel: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a slow boil.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, for about 20 minutes, or until the caramel has visibly thickened, darkened to a rich caramel color, and coats the back of a spoon. If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should reach 220-225°F (104-107°C). Patience is key here; continuous whisking prevents scorching.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble Crust and Caramel:
- Place the cooled shortbread crust (still on the parchment paper) back into the baking pan.
- Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Let the caramel cool on the counter for about 10 minutes, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the caramel is firm.
4. Make the Chocolate Layer:
- Heat Cream: Place the chocolate chips in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it is very hot and steaming, but not boiling.
- Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl with a plate and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Whisk Smooth: Whisk the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth. If unmelted chocolate remains, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool Slightly: Let the chocolate ganache cool for a few minutes.
5. Finish the Bars:
- Pour Chocolate: Pour the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the chilled, firm caramel layer. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer if needed.
- Add Salt: Let the chocolate layer cool on the counter for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle evenly with the finishing salt. Waiting prevents the salt from dissolving.
- Final Chill: Let the bars cool completely on the counter for about 1 hour. Then, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to set firmly.
6. Slice and Serve:
- When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Gently peel away the parchment paper from the sides.
- Use a long, sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles. For perfectly clean cuts, run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean after each slice.
Notes
- Butter Temperature: Use room temperature butter for the crust and filling for easier creaming and mixing.
- Caramel Cooking: Cooking the caramel requires constant whisking and patience. Watch carefully to prevent scorching. Using a candy thermometer is helpful but not essential if you watch the color and consistency.
- Chocolate: Use good quality milk chocolate chips for the classic flavor, or substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate if preferred.
- Cooling/Chilling: Allowing each layer to cool/chill properly is crucial for the bars to set correctly and slice cleanly. The final long chill is important.
- Cutting: A hot, clean knife makes slicing through the layers much easier.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container, separated by layers of wax paper, in the refrigerator for up to a week.