Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (Millionaire Squares)

Indulge in layers of decadence with our Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars. A buttery shortbread base, chewy caramel center, and rich chocolate topping create an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

In the world of delectable desserts, there are creations that stand out as heavenly combinations of flavors and textures. Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars, also known as Millionaire’s Shortbread, undoubtedly fall into this category. 

With layers of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and a luxurious chocolate glaze topping, these bars offer a symphony of indulgence. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the magic behind Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars, share a mouthwatering recipe, and explore why they have earned their place as a timeless favorite.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a treat that brings together the crispness of buttery shortbread, the decadence of velvety caramel, and the richness of smooth chocolate. Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are a three-layered marvel that captures the essence of luxury in every bite. 

Not only are these the easiest dessert, but they are also the perfect bars to bring to holiday parties or any special occasion around the holiday season. They have a similar vibe to my Gluten Free Vegan Twix Bar Recipe, but are a little more upscale.

WHAT ARE TRADITIONAL BUTTERY SHORTBREAD BARS?

The original recipe, also known as Millionaire’s Shortbread, are a classic dessert consisting of three delicious layers that come together to create a luxurious and indulgent treat. Here’s a breakdown of each layer:

1. Shortbread Layer:The base of Millionaire Bars is a buttery and crumbly shortbread layer. This layer is typically made from a simple combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. It provides a sturdy foundation for the rest of the layers.

2. Caramel Layer:The caramel layer is the star of Millionaire Bars. It’s a rich and gooey caramel filling that’s made by combining butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. The mixture is heated until it thickens and develops a deep caramel flavor. This layer adds a luxurious sweetness and chewiness to the bars.

3. Chocolate Layer:The top layer of Traditional Millionaire Bars is a smooth and glossy chocolate topping. It’s often made with semi-sweet or dark chocolate that’s melted with a bit of butter or heavy cream. Once the caramel layer has set, the chocolate is poured over it and spread evenly. As the chocolate cools and solidifies, it creates a satisfying snap when bitten into.

The name “Millionaire’s Shortbread” reflects the opulent and rich nature of this dessert. It’s believed that the name originated from the idea that the combination of buttery shortbread, the caramel mixture, and luscious chocolate makes this treat so decadent that only millionaires could afford it.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SHORTBREAD BARS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make caramel squares (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Blanched almond flour – this is used for the layer of shortbread. I do not recommend swapping out this flour.
• Coconut oil – can use butter if desired or vegan butter.
• Pure maple syrup
• Creamy peanut butter
• Vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate chips or chocolate bar – can also use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate.
• Optional – flaky sea salt, brown sugar, soft caramels, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add the almond flour, coconut oil and maple syrup. Combine with a spatula at first, then knead the dough with your hands. The dough is soft and wet at first, and will absorb moisture as you knead.
3. Press the ball with your fingers to evenly cover the bottom of the dish. You can smooth the top of the shortbread crust using a spatula or back of a spoon to make an even layer.
4. Freeze for 10 minutes while you are making the soft caramel layer.
5. In a small bowl, add peanut butter, melted coconut, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour homemade caramel sauce over the shortbread layer and return back to the freezer for 10-12 minutes or until firm.
6. Meanwhile, make the chocolate layer by melting the chocolate and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. You can also simply melt the chocolate layer in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
7. Pour the melted chocolate on top of the caramel layer and put back in freezer for 2-5 minutes for chocolate to set. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt to the top if desired.
8. Cut into 8 squares and enjoy.

STORAGE

Storing your homemade Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars properly will help maintain their freshness and deliciousness. Here’s how to do it:

1. Short-Term Storage:If you plan to consume the bars within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent air and moisture from affecting the texture of the bars.

2. Refrigeration:For longer storage, especially in warmer climates, it’s recommended to store the bars in the refrigerator. Follow these steps:

• Place the bars in a single layer in an airtight container or on a plate.
• Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or seal it with the lid.
• Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

3. Freezing:If you want to store the bars for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Here’s how to freeze Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars:

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped bars in an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of the storage time.
• Store the bars in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

4. Thawing and Serving:When you’re ready to enjoy the bars:

• If the bars were stored in the refrigerator, you can simply take them out and let them come to room temperature before serving.
• If the bars were frozen, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Thawing slowly in the refrigerator helps maintain their texture.

WHY THESE ARE THE BEST MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD BARS

• Decadent and Luxurious: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars encapsulate the indulgence of multiple layers, making them a dessert that feels truly luxurious.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and dessert tables, as they’re easy to cut into bite-sized portions.
• Variations: Experiment with different chocolate types, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or your favorite candy bars for the topping to personalize the flavor profile.
• Texture Play: The contrast of the buttery shortbread with the gooey caramel and smooth chocolate creates a delightful textural experience.

CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT CARAMEL INSTEAD OF MAKING MY OWN?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. Simply warm the caramel sauce slightly before spreading it over the shortbread base.

CAN I ADD NUTS TO THESE BARS?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, can be added to the caramel layer or sprinkled on top for extra texture and flavor.

CAN I MAKE THESE CARAMEL CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD BARS IN ADVANCE?

Yes, these bars are great for making ahead. Prepare and refrigerate them a day or two before your event to ensure they’re ready to be served.

WHAT OCCASIONS ARE THESE BARS SUITABLE FOR?

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and any occasion where you want to impress with a decadent dessert.

Other Gluten-Free Holiday Desserts You May Want To Try!

• Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
• Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies

IF YOU TRIED THESE CLASSIC SHORTBREAD BARS PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails