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Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 70 reviews

These Millionaire Shortbread Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base, a rich homemade caramel layer, and a luscious bittersweet chocolate topping, finished with optional flaked sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate Topping

  • 1-1/2 cups 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Flaked sea salt, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and egg yolk, mixing until combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  2. Make the Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cubed butter, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and turns a golden amber color. Remove from heat and pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading evenly. Allow to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
  3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream just until it begins to simmer; do not boil. Remove from heat and pour over the bittersweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Assemble and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate ganache evenly over the set caramel layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top for a salty contrast to the sweetness. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate topping is firm.
  5. Slice and Serve: Remove from refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy your rich, indulgent Millionaire Shortbread Bars.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg yolk for better dough consistency.
  • Be careful when cooking caramel to avoid burning; continuous stirring is essential.
  • Allow the bars to chill thoroughly for clean, neat slices.
  • Store bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
  • For a firmer chocolate layer, refrigerate overnight.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/millionaire-shortbread-bars-recipe/