If you’ve ever longed for a bite-sized treat that is equal parts buttery, gooey, and chocolatey, look no further than Millionaire’s Mini Bars. This recipe combines layers of tender shortbread, luscious homemade caramel, and glossy chocolate, all cut into palm-sized squares that absolutely melt in your mouth. They’re indulgent without being overwhelming, making them the perfect sweet for sharing, gifting, or celebrating any occasion—especially if you’re ready to wow your friends with a treat that tastes like a million bucks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Millionaire’s Mini Bars is how simple but perfectly essential each ingredient is. Every component—shortbread, caramel, and chocolate—relies on the right balance of flavors and textures to deliver that signature decadence. Here’s what you’ll need, including special notes to help get each layer just right:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the tender, crumbly shortbread base—be sure to measure it carefully for the perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the shortbread, creating just the right amount of crunch.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Cold butter is essential for flaky, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread—work quickly to keep it cold!
- Unsalted butter (for caramel layer): Adds richness and depth to the homemade caramel; don’t skimp on quality here.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings that irresistible, molasses-y caramel note to the middle layer.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Ensures your caramel is creamy, thick, and never gritty.
- Light corn syrup: Helps keep the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors of the caramel with a hint of warmth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic topping that perfectly balances the sweet caramel—a quality brand makes all the difference!
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil: Blends into the melted chocolate for a silky, shiny finish that’s easy to slice and bite.
How to Make Millionaire’s Mini Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later on. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar, then cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips. Stop when the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs—this is what gives the shortbread its signature tender texture. Gently press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your lined pan, making sure the layer is as even as possible. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn just golden and the surface looks set. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the caramel.
Step 2: Make the Silky Caramel Layer
Time to create that decadent middle layer! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the packed brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and light corn syrup. Stir the mixture constantly as it comes to a bubbly simmer—don’t walk away! Keep stirring for 5-7 minutes; the caramel should thicken noticeably and develop a rich amber color. Once it pulls away from the sides of the pan and smells like pure heaven, remove from the heat and stir in your vanilla extract. Immediately pour the caramel over the still-warm shortbread, smoothing it into an even layer. Let it cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so it’s set enough for the next layer.
Step 3: Top With Glossy Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut or vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is luxuriously smooth and pourable. (Usually this takes about 1–1½ minutes all together.) Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and gently tilt or use an offset spatula to spread it all the way to the edges. If you like a hint of salt, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets—absolute perfection!
Step 4: Chill and Slice Into Millionaire’s Mini Bars
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm and the caramel holds its shape nicely when cut. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab from the pan, then use a sharp knife (warmed under hot water for the cleanest slices!) to cut into small squares or rectangles. Now, step back and marvel at those gorgeous layers.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Mini Bars
Garnishes
A little sprinkle goes a long way! Flaky sea salt is a classic on Millionaire’s Mini Bars, giving that upscale touch and a pop of contrasting flavor. You could also add a light dusting of edible gold, festive sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Though Millionaire’s Mini Bars totally steal the show on their own, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a playful contrast. If you’re in the mood for drinks, serve with a shot of espresso or a chilled glass of milk for a nostalgic, satisfying dessert break.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Millionaire’s Mini Bars on a tiered dessert stand at your next party or pack them into pretty gift boxes for adorable homemade gifts. For a cozy touch, serve wrapped in parchment with a little twine tie—perfect for lunchboxes, teacher gifts, or a sweet pick-me-up for friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Millionaire’s Mini Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Layer the bars with parchment paper between each row to keep the chocolate and caramel neat and the shortbread crisp. They’re perfect for making ahead for parties or potlucks.
Freezing
Want to prep even further in advance? Slice the cooled bars and store them in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment. They’ll keep for up to a month—just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge or share.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars just slightly warm, microwave a piece for about 10 seconds to soften the caramel and bring out the chocolatey aroma. Don’t overheat—or you risk melting the layers! This quick touch makes them even more decadent when served with ice cream.
FAQs
Can I double the Millionaire’s Mini Bars recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking times for the shortbread base may increase by a minute or two, so keep an eye on the color. You’ll have plenty to share!
How do I get perfectly clean slices?
The secret is patience and a sharp knife. Chill the bars thoroughly, use the parchment to lift them out of the pan, and warm your knife under hot water between cuts. Clean the blade often for the tidiest squares.
Can I swap the chocolate chips for another type Dessert
Of course! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate all work for the topping. Just keep in mind that sweeter chocolates may make the bars richer, so choose your favorite based on taste preferences.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The result is just as delicious—crispy, buttery, and entirely gluten-free.
Can I make Millionaire’s Mini Bars without corn syrup?
If corn syrup isn’t available, you can use golden syrup instead, which is often used in British baking. This will give the caramel the same smooth texture and a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that brings maximum flavor and fun to any gathering, Millionaire’s Mini Bars are truly unbeatable. I hope you’ll find them as irresistible as my family and friends do—don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect! Give them a try, and enjoy every rich, buttery, chocolate-caramel bite.
Print
Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 mini bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Millionaire’s Mini Bars, featuring layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread base: Combine flour and granulated sugar, then cut in the cold butter. Press into the pan and bake until golden.
- Prepare the caramel: Melt butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Stir in vanilla and spread over the baked crust.
- Add the chocolate topping: Melt chocolate chips and oil, then pour over the caramel layer.
- Chill and serve: Chill the bars until set, then slice into mini bars to enjoy.
Notes
- For a salted version, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
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