Million Dollar Bars Recipe
Million Dollar Bars, also known as Millionaire’s Bars, are a decadent layered dessert with a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel center, and a smooth chocolate topping. These bars are truly indulgent and perfect for special occasions. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
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- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Shortbread Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together. It will be crumbly but should hold when pressed together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the shortbread base.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
3. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel thickens and reaches a deep golden color. Be careful not to burn it.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set.
4. Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish.
- Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Bars
- Layer Cooling: Ensure each layer cools properly before adding the next to maintain distinct layers and prevent mixing.
- Cutting: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing through the bars.
- Caramel Consistency: Stir the caramel continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, thick consistency.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy these rich and decadent Million Dollar Bars as a treat that truly feels like a million dollars!
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