If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect blend of crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey, then you must try this Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe. These delightful bite-sized treats combine a buttery shortbread base, luscious caramel, and a rich chocolate topping into one irresistible bar. Perfectly portioned and easy to make, they bring the indulgence of a classic millionaire’s shortbread into an adorable mini version that’s ideal for gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself whenever the mood strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the simple shortbread base to the deeply sweet caramel and silky chocolate topping, you’ll find that these essentials are easy to source and work beautifully together.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the shortbread its tender, crumbly texture and acts as the sturdy base for the bars.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the shortbread without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and helps bind the shortbread dough for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: The key to that creamy, decadent caramel layer with natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Infuses the caramel with a deep, molasses flavor and lovely color.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and helps achieve the perfect caramel consistency.
- 2 tbsp golden syrup or corn syrup: Prevents crystallization and adds that classic golden caramel shine.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the luscious top coat that balances the sweetness with a hint of cocoa.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (optional): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives it a glossy finish.
How to Make Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. Combining ease with precision here sets the stage for perfectly shaped mini bars.
Step 2: Mix and Press Dough
In a bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter until a soft dough forms. Then, press about a teaspoon of this dough into each mini muffin cup, flattening it evenly to create the shortbread base. This step is your ticket to that buttery, crunchy layer everyone loves.
Step 3: Bake the Shortbread
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the shortbread turns a light golden color. Allow the bases to cool completely in the pan so they firm up nicely and are ready for the luscious layers on top.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer
While the shortbread cools, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and golden. This rich, creamy caramel is where the magic begins.
Step 5: Add Caramel to Shortbread
Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the warm caramel atop each cooled shortbread base. Then pop the pan into the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the caramel to set firmly—this ensures no sticky situations when you dig in.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil or butter in a microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until perfectly smooth. This glossy layer will seal the deal for your millionaire’s mini bars.
Step 7: Top and Chill
Carefully spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel layer, smoothing gently. Chill the pan again until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, remove the mini bars from the pan and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate just before it sets. This touch heightens the caramel’s sweetness and adds a sophisticated flavor contrast that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These mini bars pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a fresh herbal tea, which cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate between bites. They also complement a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these bars on a rustic wooden tray garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves adds a charming visual appeal. Wrap a few in decorative parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts that anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Millionaire’s Mini Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the firm texture of the chocolate and caramel layers.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these bars are best eaten cold or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer a softer texture, allow them to warm slightly by sitting out for 10 to 15 minutes rather than applying direct heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate work wonderfully and can be substituted depending on your personal preference. Just ensure you melt it gently to avoid burning.
Is it necessary to use golden syrup in the caramel?
Golden syrup helps prevent crystallization and gives a glossy finish, but if you don’t have any, corn syrup is a perfect substitute. You could also try honey, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly but taste will remain delicious.
How long do Millionaire’s Mini Bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container and refrigerated, these bars stay fresh for up to one week—although they rarely last that long thanks to their irresistible taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to use a larger pan or multiple mini muffin tins and adjust chilling times slightly as needed.
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to give the Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe a try—it’s such a delightful way to enjoy the classic trio of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate in perfectly manageable bites. These bars bring comfort, sweetness, and a touch of elegance all at once. Whether for a party, a gift, or a cozy night in, they will quickly become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Millionaire’s Mini Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Millionaire’s Mini Bars are decadent bite-sized treats featuring a rich shortbread base, a luscious caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every mini bar.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup or corn syrup
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (optional for smoother texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking.
- Make the Shortbread Dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then press about a teaspoon of this dough into each mini muffin cup, flattening it evenly to form the base.
- Bake Shortbread Bases: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the shortbread is lightly golden. Once baked, allow the bases to cool completely in the pan.
- Cook the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and golden syrup (or corn syrup). Stir constantly and cook until the mixture thickens and turns golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Assemble Caramel Layer: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the caramel mixture onto each cooled shortbread base. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the optional coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until smooth and glossy.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer in each cup. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill again until the chocolate is firm.
- Serve and Store: Once firm, carefully remove the mini bars from the pan and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use golden syrup or corn syrup to achieve a smooth caramel texture; honey is not recommended as a substitute.
- Ensure the shortbread bases are completely cool before adding the caramel to prevent melting and mixing.
- For a richer chocolate topping, add the optional coconut oil or butter when melting.
- Store the mini bars in a cool place or refrigerate to keep the chocolate from melting.
- These mini bars are perfect for parties or gifting, as they are easy to portion and transport.
