If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate all in one bite, then the Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These little gems bring together the classic flavors of a millionaire’s bar, but in cute, bite-sized form that’s perfect for parties, gifting, or just indulging whenever the mood strikes. The layers work harmoniously to create a deliciously balanced dessert that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy, making them an irresistible addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a vital role in crafting perfect texture and flavor. From the flaky shortbread base to the creamy caramel and silky chocolate topping, every ingredient adds a special touch to these mini indulgences.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch to the shortbread base.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the shortbread crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the shortbread and balances sweetness in the entire bar.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: The hero ingredient in the caramel layer, giving richness and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Deepens the caramel’s flavor with its molasses notes.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Smooths out the caramel, adding creaminess and richness.
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup): Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the caramel silky.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the caramel and ties the flavors together.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: For a luscious, glossy chocolate topping that perfectly crowns the bars.
- 1 tablespoon butter or cream (optional): Makes the melted chocolate smoother and silkier for spreading.
- Sea salt flakes (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a pop of flavor and enhances the chocolate-caramel combo.
How to Make Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a mini muffin tin with paper liners or giving it a light grease. Mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a coarse, crumbly texture. Divide this mixture evenly into 24 muffin cups and press it down firmly and evenly to create a solid base. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden. Allow the shortbread to cool completely so it firms up nicely for the next layer.
Step 2: Make the Decadent Caramel Layer
While your shortbread is cooling, it’s time for the luscious caramel. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, golden syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir relentlessly until everything melts and blends into a smooth mixture. Keep stirring for about 8 to 10 minutes until the caramel thickens and develops a rich golden hue. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully spoon the caramel over each cooled shortbread base, distributing evenly. Let the caramel settle and cool for about 10 minutes before moving on.
Step 3: Top with Silky Chocolate
Next, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with the optional butter or cream, either in short bursts in the microwave or gently over a double boiler. Stir until it becomes a smooth and glossy chocolate coating. Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer in your mini tins, smoothing the tops beautifully. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Chill your bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour until the chocolate hardens and everything sets perfectly before you pop them out and serve.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To bring out the best in your Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a fantastic garnish that contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers. You could also add some finely chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate for a gourmet touch. These simple touches elevate the flavor and presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
These mini bars shine as a dessert on their own, but if you want to create a fuller experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Adding fresh berries gives a vibrant pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs perfectly with these treats to round out your indulgent moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe can be as fun as making them. Arrange the mini bars on a pretty platter with doilies beneath for a charming presentation. For parties, you can individually wrap each bar in cellophane tied with twine or ribbon, turning them into delightful grab-and-go favors. You could also stack them in small gift boxes to share with loved ones – nothing says care like a homemade treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, these mini bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Their layers hold their texture well, and chilling keeps the chocolate topping firm and the caramel luscious without getting sticky.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When sealed properly, they can last up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled and firm, reheating isn’t necessary, but if your bars have softened, letting them sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes will restore their ideal texture. Avoid microwaving as the caramel may become too soft and lose its shape.
FAQs
Can I make these Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that bakes well for shortbread. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture firm.
Is it necessary to use golden syrup in the caramel? What if I don’t have it?
Golden syrup helps keep the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization, but if you don’t have it, light corn syrup works just as well and is an excellent substitute in this recipe.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate?
You can, though using milk chocolate will make the topping sweeter and less intense in cocoa flavor. It’s delicious either way, so feel free to tailor the chocolate to your preference.
How do I avoid the caramel from burning or sticking?
Stir the caramel continuously over medium-low heat. Low and slow is key here, so resist turning up the heat. Also, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution.
Can I add a layer of nuts or toffee in the bars?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or toffee bits over the caramel before spreading the chocolate layer adds a wonderful crunch and extra depth of flavor, making each bite even more delightful.
Final Thoughts
Making the Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe at home is not only fun but incredibly rewarding, packing all the classic flavors of a millionaire’s bar into a perfectly portioned, bite-sized dessert. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating yourself, these bars promise delicious moments filled with buttery, caramel, and chocolatey goodness. Give them a try and watch these mini delights become your absolute favorite treat to make and savor!
Print
Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire’s Mini Bars are delightful bite-sized treats featuring a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel middle layer, and a rich chocolate topping. These British-inspired dessert bars combine sweet, salty, and creamy flavors perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter or cream (optional, for smoother texture)
Garnish
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Evenly divide this mixture among 24 mini muffin cups and press firmly into the bottoms to form the base. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the tin.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: While the shortbread base cools, place the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until everything melts and combines into a smooth mixture. Continue stirring and cooking the caramel for 8–10 minutes until it thickens and turns a golden color. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Caramel Layer: Spoon the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread bases in the mini muffin tin. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes to set slightly.
- Melt the Chocolate Topping: Melt the chocolate chips with the butter or cream if using, either in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir continuously until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
- Top with Chocolate and Garnish: Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer in each mini cup, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a subtle salty contrast.
- Chill and Set: Place the tin in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely set. Once firm, carefully remove the mini bars from the tin and serve.
Notes
- Make these bars ahead and refrigerate for up to 5 days to enjoy fresh.
- For added texture and flavor, add a layer of chopped nuts or toffee bits over the caramel before spreading the chocolate topping.
- If you don’t have golden syrup, light corn syrup is an excellent substitute.
- Ensure the shortbread bases are fully cooled before adding caramel to avoid melting.
