Million Dollar Bars

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:

• 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

1. Layer Cooling: Ensure each layer cools properly before adding the next to maintain distinct layers and prevent mixing.
2. Cutting: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing through the bars.
3. Caramel Consistency: Stir the caramel continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, thick consistency.
4. 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!