The Easter Millionaire’s Squares Recipe is a heavenly treat that brings together a buttery shortbread base, a luxuriously rich caramel layer, and a silky chocolate topping all crowned with festive pastel candies and mini chocolate eggs. This dessert is not just visually enchanting but also a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for any Easter celebration. Whether you’re looking to impress family or simply want to indulge in a sweet, nostalgic bite, this recipe has all you need to make your holiday extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the unforgettable layers of the Easter Millionaire’s Squares Recipe, each playing a vital role in taste, texture, and those irresistible colors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the buttery shortbread crust that gives the squares structure and a tender crumb.
- Butter: Softened and divided thoughtfully to create both the shortbread and gooey caramel layers.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and lightness to the shortbread.
- Brown Sugar: Packed with molasses flavor, it enriches the caramel with deeper, caramelized notes.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret to the caramel’s creamy, luscious texture.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate melts into a rich topping, striking a perfect balance of bittersweet flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Added to the chocolate for silkiness and smooth spreading.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the chocolate’s flavor and ties the layers together.
- Salt: Just a pinch to amplify the sweetness and bring out depth in all layers.
- Mini Chocolate Eggs: Festive decoration that adds color and crunch, perfect for Easter.
- Pastel Sugar Candies: Bright pastel accents that make every bite joyful and visually festive.
How to Make Easter Millionaire’s Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the baked shortbread base later. This step sets the stage for a perfectly baked crust that won’t stick.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until the mixture becomes crumbly but starts to hold shape. This process is crucial because the right texture ensures a buttery, tender shortbread bottom that will support the caramel and chocolate layers gracefully.
Step 3: Bake the Shortbread
Press the shortbread mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake it for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust turns lightly golden at the edges. Allow it to cool completely before adding the caramel topping to avoid melting it prematurely.
Step 4: Create the Caramel Layer
On the stovetop, combine the brown sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and caramel forms, turning a rich golden-brown color. Immediately pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread, then spread it evenly using a spatula to cover every inch.
Step 5: Let the Caramel Set
Allow the caramel layer to rest at room temperature for a while until it firms up slightly but remains soft and chewy – this step is key to the classic millionaire’s texture contrast.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate gently with heavy cream and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl set over hot water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. Once smooth, pour this luscious chocolate ganache over the caramel and spread it into an even layer. Before it sets completely, decorate the top with mini chocolate eggs and pastel sugar candies to bring that magical Easter vibe.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Transfer your squares to the fridge to chill fully until the chocolate is firm. Once set, lift the whole slab out using the parchment paper and cut into neat squares. These little rich bites are now ready to delight yourself and your loved ones!
How to Serve Easter Millionaire’s Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Decorating with mini chocolate eggs and pastel sugar candies not only adds festive cheer but introduces delightful textures and pops of color. For an extra touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can mimic the look of freshly fallen Easter morning snow.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, which helps balance the indulgent sweetness. For brunch, consider serving alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, arrange squares on a tiered cake stand surrounded by spring flowers. Alternatively, package individual squares in pastel-colored boxes tied with ribbons for personalized Easter gifts that will wow recipients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easter Millionaire’s Squares in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the ganache firm and the caramel chewy. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to extend their life, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Easter Millionaire’s Squares can last up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These decadent squares are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer chocolate layer, leave them out for about 15 minutes before eating rather than reheating, which can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for the shortbread crust?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in the recipe since the caramel and chocolate layers have their own flavor profile. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
Is there a way to make the caramel layer less sticky?
Allowing the caramel to cool and set slightly at room temperature before adding the chocolate topping ensures it firms up just enough to avoid excessive stickiness while still remaining chewy.
Can I substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer, more intense flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel beautifully. Just pick a chocolate you enjoy eating on its own.
Are these squares suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, Easter Millionaire’s Squares are an ideal make-ahead dessert. Preparing them a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly.
How do I cut neat squares without cracking the chocolate?
Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This technique helps slice cleanly through the layers without causing cracks or crumbly edges.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Easter Millionaire’s Squares Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a bit of joy and indulgence to their Easter celebrations. The combination of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible, especially when decked out with colorful candies. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved holiday tradition you’ll want to bake year after year!
Print
Easter Millionaire’s Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easter Millionaire’s Squares are a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with rich caramel, a smooth chocolate ganache, and decorated with festive mini chocolate eggs and pastel sugar candies. Perfect for celebrating Easter with a decadent treat that combines crispy, gooey, and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Butter, softened
- ¼ cup Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Caramel Layer
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Decoration
- Mini Chocolate Eggs
- Pastel Sugar Candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the squares.
- Prepare Shortbread Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Bake Shortbread Base: Press the shortbread mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely to set the base.
- Make Caramel Layer: In a saucepan, heat the brown sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth caramel. Pour this hot caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base and spread it out with a spatula.
- Set Caramel: Let the caramel layer set slightly at room temperature, allowing it to firm up to provide a stable layer for the chocolate topping.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Top with Ganache and Decorate: Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the caramel layer. Immediately decorate the top with mini chocolate eggs and pastel sugar candies to create a festive Easter look.
- Chill and Serve: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill fully until the layers are firm and set, about 2 hours. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- To easily remove the squares from the pan, leave an overhang of parchment paper on the sides when lining the pan.
- Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate for a richer ganache flavor.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before adding the chocolate layer to prevent melting the ganache.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a quicker set, chill the squares in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cutting.
