Millionaire Bars are an indulgent layered dessert made with a buttery shortbread crust, a rich homemade caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping that slices cleanly after chilling. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat yourself. With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Bars

There are countless reasons to love these Millionaire Bars. First, they are incredibly delicious, featuring the perfect blend of sweetness from the caramel and richness from the chocolate. Second, they can be easily customized to suit your tastes, such as adding nuts or using dark chocolate for a bolder flavor. Third, you can make them ahead of time, making them a convenient option for gatherings. Fourth, they are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Fifth, they offer a delightful presentation with their layered look, making them perfect for sharing. Lastly, this classic dessert is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.

Ingredients for Millionaire Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (shortbread)
3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar (shortbread)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (shortbread)
1/2 tsp salt (shortbread)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (caramel)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (caramel)
1/2 tsp salt (caramel)
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream (ganache)

How to Make Millionaire Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in flour, vanilla, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Press dough evenly into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool the shortbread crust completely.
Step 6: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and cream.
Step 7: Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and deep golden.
Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
Step 9: Pour caramel over cooled crust and let set until firm.
Step 10: Heat chocolate chips and cream in short intervals until smooth.
Step 11: Spread ganache evenly over caramel layer.
Step 12: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully set.
Step 13: Lift out using parchment and slice into bars.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Millionaire Bars

Keep these in mind:

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate for the ganache.
Make sure to let the layers cool completely before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.
If you prefer a no-bake option, consider using a no-bake millionaire bars recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Millionaire Bars

These Millionaire Bars are best enjoyed chilled. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat or drizzle some caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful afternoon snack.

Millionaire Bars: 16 Layers of Decadent Delight - Millionaire Bars - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Millionaire Bars

To store your Millionaire Bars, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week. If you want to make these ahead of time, simply follow the instructions and refrigerate until ready to serve. No need to reheat; they’re best served cold!

Frequently Asked Questions About Millionaire Bars

What are millionaire bars made of?

Millionaire Bars are made of a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Each layer contributes to the overall decadence of the bars.

Can I make Millionaire Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Millionaire Bars ahead of time. They store well in the refrigerator and taste even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Millionaire Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure each layer is cooled before adding the next. Also, use quality ingredients, especially for the chocolate ganache, as it significantly affects the flavor.

Variations of Millionaire Bars You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations of Millionaire Bars: use nuts and caramel for added crunch, whip up a vegan millionaire bars option using coconut cream, or experiment with gluten-free millionaire bars by substituting the flour.

Millionaire Bars: 16 Layers of Decadent Delight - Millionaire Bars - additional detail

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category. You might also enjoy our easy cinnamon rolls or pistachio pavlova meringue cakes.

Additionally, learn more about the benefits of using quality ingredients in baking from this BBC Good Food article.

Millionaire Bars: 16 Layers of Decadent Delight

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Millionaire Bars are an indulgent layered dessert made with a buttery shortbread crust, a rich homemade caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping that slices cleanly after chilling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (shortbread)
3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar (shortbread)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (shortbread)
1/2 tsp salt (shortbread)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (caramel)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (caramel)
1/2 tsp salt (caramel)
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream (ganache)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
Cream butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in flour, vanilla, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press dough evenly into the pan and bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool the shortbread crust completely.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and cream.
Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and deep golden.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
Pour caramel over cooled crust and let set until firm.
Heat chocolate chips and cream in short intervals until smooth.
Spread ganache evenly over caramel layer.
Refrigerate 1–2 hours until fully set.
Lift out using parchment and slice into bars.