Homemade Millionaire’s Bars

Indulge in the ultimate treat with Homemade Millionaire’s Bars—a luxurious, multi-layered dessert that combines buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. This heavenly bar is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with each layer offering a delightful bite. It’s the ultimate dessert for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something truly decadent.


💬 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Millionaire’s Bars are a showstopper, with their combination of crispy shortbread, gooey caramel, and luscious chocolate topping. It’s an indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to make and requires no baking for most of the process. Whether for a crowd or as a treat for yourself, these bars are sure to impress.

✅ Simple ingredients, no baking required
✅ The perfect balance of textures
✅ Great for gifting or serving at events
✅ Make-ahead dessert that stores well
✅ A must-try for caramel and chocolate lovers


🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12 bars)

For the Shortbread Base:

  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 50g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
  • A pinch of salt

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 200g sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
  • 100g unsalted butter
  • 100g brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp golden syrup or light corn syrup (30ml)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (2.5ml)
  • A pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 200g milk chocolate (or dark chocolate if preferred)
  • 50g white chocolate (for drizzling, optional)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a smooth base.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and firm. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the caramel.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, and salt.
  2. Stir over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring constantly, for 5–6 minutes, until the caramel thickens slightly.
  4. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool for 5 minutes before pouring it over the cooled shortbread base. Spread it into an even layer.
  5. Place the pan in the fridge and allow the caramel to set for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Topping

  1. While the caramel is setting, melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 20-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
  2. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
  3. Melt the white chocolate, if using, and drizzle it over the top in a decorative pattern.
  4. Place the bars back in the fridge and let them chill for 1–2 hours, or until the chocolate has hardened.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

  1. Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper.
  2. Slice into 12 equal squares (or larger bars if preferred).
  3. Serve and enjoy the indulgent layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate!

📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 1 Bar)

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 75mg

👨‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

  • Customize the chocolate: Feel free to use dark chocolate or a mix of milk and white chocolate for a richer taste.
  • Make it without golden syrup: If you don’t have golden syrup, light corn syrup is a good substitute.
  • Chill properly: Be sure to let the caramel layer set before adding the chocolate to avoid mixing the layers.
  • For a nutty twist: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for added crunch.
  • Storage: These bars store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

❤️ A Note From Me

Millionaire’s Bars are a dessert that always steals the show. The buttery shortbread gives the perfect crisp foundation, while the sweet caramel layer adds richness, and the smooth chocolate topping is pure bliss. It’s a treat that’s surprisingly easy to make and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether you’re planning a party or simply need a decadent dessert to indulge in, this recipe is your ticket to dessert heaven.