Millionaire Bars Recipe: A Decadent Delight
Millionaire Bars, a decadent treat that combines the richness of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate, are a culinary delight that can transform any ordinary day into a special occasion. These bars are named appropriately, as they are as rich and satisfying as they sound. With layers that offer different textures and flavors, Millionaire Bars are perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. This recipe, while intermediate in difficulty, is worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
The Allure of Millionaire Bars
Millionaire Bars are a perfect blend of three distinct layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures – the crumbly shortbread, the chewy caramel, and the crisp chocolate. They are not just bars; they are an experience, one that evokes the joy of biting into a high-end candy bar.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before diving into the preparation, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these bars truly exceptional:
Shortbread Crust:
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking pan
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Caramel Layer:
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Chocolate Layer:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Directions
Preparing the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper hangs over the edges of the pan by about 2 inches to facilitate easy removal later.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the mixer and add the flour and salt. Start mixing on low speed and gradually increase the speed until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Transfer the shortbread mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using clean hands, press the mixture firmly into an even layer. Once pressed, the mixture will hold together.
- Bake: Bake the crust until the edges are golden, which should take about 30 to 35 minutes. Once done, place the baking pan on a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding with the caramel layer.
Creating the Caramel Layer
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula until the butter melts and the mixture turns into a rich caramel color, slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan. This process should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt. Immediately pour the caramel onto the cooled shortbread crust. Use an offset spatula to spread the caramel evenly over the crust.
- Set the Caramel: Let the caramel layer cool in the refrigerator until set, which should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preparing the Chocolate Layer
- Melt the Chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula until completely melted, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Layer the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer. Use an offset spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Refrigerate the bars for exactly 30 minutes to set the chocolate without cracking.
Final Touches
- Cut the Bars: Remove the bars from the fridge and use an offset spatula to loosen the non-parchment sides of the pan. Carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 20 bars.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for Perfection
- Timing is Key: To avoid cracking the chocolate layer, do not let the bars cool for more than 30 minutes before cutting. The chocolate should be just set and easy to slice through after this time.
- Even Layers: Ensure each layer is evenly spread. This not only helps in achieving the perfect bite but also enhances the visual appeal of the bars.
- Room Temperature Butter: Using room temperature butter for the shortbread crust and caramel layer ensures that the ingredients blend smoothly and create the desired textures.
Why You’ll Love Millionaire Bars
Millionaire Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are also visually appealing. The contrasting layers of golden shortbread, rich caramel, and glossy chocolate make these bars look as good as they taste. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a more formal celebration. The best part is, despite their gourmet appearance and taste, they can be made in advance and stored, making them a convenient option for busy schedules.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Crumbly Shortbread: If your shortbread crust turns out too crumbly, it might be due to overmixing or not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan. Ensure that you mix the ingredients until they just come together and press the crust firmly.
- Runny Caramel: If the caramel layer is too runny, it may not have cooked long enough. Make sure the caramel turns a rich color and slightly pulls away from the edges of the pan before removing it from the heat.
- Cracking Chocolate: To prevent the chocolate layer from cracking, adhere to the recommended cooling time of exactly 30 minutes before cutting.
Variations and Additions
While the classic Millionaire Bars are a delight on their own, you can experiment with variations to suit your taste:
- Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before it sets to create salted caramel Millionaire Bars.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.