If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that tastes like luxury but takes minimal effort, let me introduce you to Millionaire’s Bars — the ultimate treat that lives up to its name. Imagine this: a buttery shortbread crust, a silky layer of caramel, and a glossy chocolate topping that snaps just right when you bite in. These bars are everything you love about candy bars — but homemade, easy, and way more impressive.
The first time I made them, it was for a Christmas cookie swap. I wanted something that looked fancy but didn’t take hours in the kitchen (because let’s be real, December is chaos). One bite later, everyone was asking for the recipe. Now they’ve become a holiday staple — right up there with my Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters and Pistachio Pudding Cookies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press into pan and bake for 20–22 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Add condensed milk and corn syrup. Stir constantly for 10–12 minutes until thick and golden. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and pour over crust. Let set 30+ minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips with butter or coconut oil. Pour over caramel, spread evenly, and sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Chill for 1–2 hours.
- Lift bars from the pan using parchment overhang. Cut into squares using a warm knife. Serve at room temp or chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
• Use real butter for best results.
• To slice cleanly, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe dry, then cut.
• Add sea salt or nuts to the top layer for extra flair.
• Store in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why Millionaire’s Bars Are So Popular
These bars are rich, gooey, and completely irresistible. The combination of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate makes every bite taste like a dream. They’re perfect for gifting, holiday platters, or even sneaky midnight snacks.
And here’s the best part — you can make them ahead of time and store them for days. They only get better as the caramel settles and the flavors blend.
If you love layered desserts that look fancy but are secretly easy, check out my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies next.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (optional, for smoother texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for shine)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Millionaire’s Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press firmly into the pan and bake for 20–22 minutes until golden. Let cool completely before adding caramel.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Add the condensed milk and corn syrup, whisking constantly. Continue stirring for 10–12 minutes until thick and golden. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and pour over cooled shortbread. Spread evenly and let set for at least 30 minutes.
If you’ve made my Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls, you’ll recognize this step — slow stirring and patience pay off for that perfect creamy texture.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Layer
Melt chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 20-second bursts. Pour over the caramel and smooth out with a spatula. Sprinkle sea salt on top if desired. Chill for 1–2 hours until firm.
Step 4: Slice & Serve
Lift the bars out of the pan using parchment paper. Cut into squares with a sharp knife (wipe between cuts for clean edges). Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Millionaire’s Bars
Don’t Rush the Layers: Let each layer set before adding the next — patience makes perfect.
Use Real Butter: Margarine won’t give the same rich flavor or texture.
Warm Your Knife: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water, wipe, and slice.
Add a Twist: Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor or add a sprinkle of crushed pecans for crunch.
For more simple baking tips, check out my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes — full of clever tricks for better flavor and texture.
How to Store and Gif
Storage:
Keep Millionaire’s Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Gifting:
These bars make perfect edible gifts. Cut them into neat squares, wrap them in parchment, and tie them with twine. Pop a few into a small tin along with some Christmas Bread or Candy Cane Cookies for the ultimate homemade treat box.
Fun Variations
- Peanut Butter Millionaire’s Bars: Add a layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Version: Use dark chocolate and finish with flaky sea salt.
- Nutty Millionaire’s Bars: Stir chopped pecans or almonds into the caramel for crunch.
- White Chocolate Version: Swap the topping for melted white chocolate and add a drizzle of caramel on top.
If you love dessert mashups, try my Christmas Fruit Cake next — it’s rich, timeless, and just as decadent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these without corn syrup?
Yes! The caramel will still work beautifully — just keep stirring and watch the consistency.
2. How do I know the caramel is ready?
It should coat the back of a spoon and pull away from the sides of the pan when stirred.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel?
You can, but homemade gives a deeper, richer flavor.
4. Why did my chocolate crack?
If you cut while it’s too cold, the chocolate may crack. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
The Final Bite: A Taste of Pure Indulgence
Millionaire’s Bars are proof that the simplest ingredients can create something unforgettable. With buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, every bite feels like a celebration. Whether you make them for the holidays, a party, or just a cozy weekend treat, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “save me one!”
Pair them with my Grinch Dip for a fun sweet-and-salty dessert table, and watch your guests go back for seconds (and thirds).