If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate, you simply have to try this Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe. These petite indulgences pack all the luxurious layers you love into a perfectly bite-sized bar, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth any time you wish. The combination of a crisp base, gooey caramel, and a silky chocolate topping creates a divine harmony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is quick and straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in crafting these delicious bars. From the buttery shortbread base to the creamy caramel and luscious chocolate topping, every element adds a unique layer of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread base, giving it that tender crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create the perfect shortbread crust.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Makes the caramel irresistibly smooth and creamy.
- Brown sugar: Gives the caramel a deep, molasses-like flavor and beautiful color.
- Golden syrup or light corn syrup: Helps achieve that perfect chewy caramel texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: The crowning glory for a luscious, slightly bittersweet topping.
- Butter or heavy cream (optional): Adds extra silkiness to the melted chocolate for an indulgent finish.
How to Make Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a mini muffin pan with paper liners or giving it a light grease. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press a generous tablespoon of this mixture firmly into each muffin cup and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Let your shortbread cool completely before moving on. This buttery base will provide the perfect crisp support for the caramel and chocolate layers that follow.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly to prevent burning and watch as the mixture thickens and takes on a warm golden hue over 8 to 10 minutes. Once ready, spoon about a tablespoon of the caramel onto each shortbread base, spreading gently if needed. Allow the caramel to set for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. This luscious, chewy layer is the true heart of the Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe, delivering rich sweetness and that signature caramel pull.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping
To finish, gently melt the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with the butter or heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Spoon or spread this rich chocolate over the set caramel layer. Transfer your mini bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour until the chocolate is firm. This final step adds the silky texture and a beautiful sheen that make Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe truly special.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are absolutely delicious on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few edible gold flakes, or a dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts can elevate their appearance and add interesting bursts of flavor and texture. These simple garnishes make them look gorgeous for parties and special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serving these alongside a cup of strong coffee, a glass of creamy milk, or even a smooth cup of hot tea creates the perfect pairing. The rich flavors of the bars contrast beautifully with the bitterness of coffee or the refreshing qualities of tea, making each bite more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe on a decorative platter lined with parchment or a rustic wooden board for an inviting display. You can also stack them in a small gift box tied with a pretty ribbon, making an irresistible homemade present. For fun gatherings, skewering them with decorative picks creates cute individual servings that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These mini bars keep beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Chilling helps maintain the firmness of the chocolate and caramel layers, ensuring every bite stays perfectly textured.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, they freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer experience, leave them out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as it may cause the chocolate to seize or caramel to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly bitter contrast, while milk chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier finish. White chocolate can be used too, but it changes the classic flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use golden syrup in the caramel?
Golden syrup helps achieve the right chewy texture and flavor depth, but if unavailable, light corn syrup works as a great substitute without compromising the quality of the caramel.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture might vary slightly but the bars will still be delicious.
How long does it take for the caramel layer to set?
The caramel typically needs about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to firm up enough to support the chocolate topping without mixing together.
What’s the best way to cut larger bars if I want a bigger size?
If making a larger pan, cool the bars completely before cutting with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between slices to achieve neat edges.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way a Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe brings together buttery shortbread, melting caramel, and rich chocolate into one heavenly bite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a thoughtful gift, or just because you deserve a lovely homemade treat, these mini bars will not disappoint. Give this recipe a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes a much-loved favorite in your collection!
Print
Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire’s Mini Bars are delightful bite-sized desserts featuring a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an everyday treat, these bars combine classic British-inspired flavors into an irresistible mini dessert.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Pinch of salt
Caramel Layer
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon butter or heavy cream (optional, for smoother topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about a heaping tablespoon of this dough into each mini muffin cup, flattening it evenly. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, golden syrup (or light corn syrup), and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly to prevent burning and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes golden in color, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Caramel Layer: Spoon about a tablespoon of the warm caramel over each cooled shortbread base, spreading gently if needed. Allow this to set at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding.
- Make the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with butter or heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Top and Chill: Spoon or spread the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layers in each muffin cup. Once topped, place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to fully set and firm up before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate.
- Store the bars in the fridge for a firmer texture or at room temperature if you prefer a softer bite.
- These mini bars are excellent as make-ahead desserts for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
- If golden syrup is unavailable, light corn syrup serves as a perfect substitute.
