Millionaire Bars
These Millionaire Bars have three delicious layers: buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate! Sprinkle some sea salt on top for an extra tasty touch. It is a super rich treat that lives up to its fancy name. These millionaire bars are made with wholesome ingredients, but they are rich, gourmet, and indulgent!
For another nostalgic treat, make these Nutty Buddies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These millionaire bars are made with wholesome ingredients.
- They have three rich layers!
- The caramel layer is creamy and gooey.
- In addition, the dark chocolate coating is rich and decadent.
- These bars are great for birthdays, holidays, special events, and hosting family and friends.
- The peanut butter caramel complements the chocolate topping.
- This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity.
- This recipe is Paleo, grain free, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and egg free.
- Check out these Twix Bars for another fun dessert recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these gluten free millionaire bars. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
First, use almond flour for the shortbread crust. This adds a delicious nutty flavor. In addition, almond flour stays moist and does not become dry.
Melted coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness. If needed, replace with melted regular butter or melted vegan butter.
Pure maple syrup adds the sweetness. If you are not strictly vegan, feel free to use honey instead.
Vanilla extract adds a cozy homemade taste.
For the caramel layer, use all natural creamy peanut butter. It should contain only peanuts and salt.
Use more pure maple syrup in the caramel layer.
In addition, coconut oil and vanilla also contribute to the peanut butter caramel layer.
For the chocolate topping, use dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt until fully creamy. Do not burn.
Lastly, garnish with flaky sea salt on top!
Taste & Texture
The base of these millionaire bars is a crisp and buttery shortbread that melts in your mouth. The lusciously smooth caramel layer is rich but not overly sweet. It has a subtle peanut butter flavor.
Finally, a velvety smooth dark chocolate layer is the perfect cherry on top!
Each bite delivers crunch, chew, and melt-in-your-mouth smoothness for a truly gourmet experience.
How to Make
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the shortbread base ingredients. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Press this mixture into one even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, make the caramel sauce. Combine the caramel ingredients in a small saucepan over low medium heat. Stir constantly, for up to 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5
Remove the shortbread crust from the oven. Pour the caramel sauce on top.
Step 6
Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Step 7
After 30 minutes, remove from the freezer. Make the chocolate topping. Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30 second increments in the microwave until creamy.
Step 8
Pour the melted chocolate mixture on top. Place the pan back in the freezer for one hour, or until the chocolate topping has solidified.
Step 9
Lastly, when ready to serve, sprinkle with sea salt and slice.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best millionaire bars.
Since there are only a few key ingredients, using high-quality versions makes a world of difference.
Choose blacnhed almond flour, good quality chocolate, and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
The key to a perfect shortbread crust is a golden brown color, not a deep tan. Overbaking will result in a dry and crumbly crust.
The caramel layer needs to cool completely before adding the chocolate.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate adds a delightful touch of contrast that elevates the entire flavor profile.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Try some of these flavor variations for your millionaire bars!
- Chocolate Lover: Explore different types of chocolate for the topping. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate can add exciting twists. You can even drizzle different colored chocolates for a beautiful presentation.
- Fruity Twist: For a burst of freshness, add a layer of your favorite jam or fruit compote between the caramel and the chocolate. Imagine the possibilities – raspberry, cherry, or even apricot!
- Nutty Delights: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or peanuts on top of the caramel before adding the chocolate for an extra textural crunch. Almonds or chopped hazelnuts would also be delicious options.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of sea salt, cayenne pepper, or espresso powder to the caramel for a hint of unexpected flavor that will surprise and delight.
How to Serve & Store
Millionaire Bars are best enjoyed chilled. They are great by themselves or as part of a dessert board.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Or, freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This recipe uses gluten free ingredients!
While the refrigerator is best for even chilling, you can use the freezer to speed up the process. Just watch closely to avoid freezing.
Yes, while dark chocolate is traditional, milk or white chocolate also works beautifully for a sweeter taste.
They get their name from their rich and decadent flavor.
Yes! These bars do well frozen and thawed.
Equipment Needed
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Parchment paper is helpful to prevent sticking.
Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: I use these mixing bowls every time I make these vegan millionaire bars.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Enjoy
- Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
- Vitamix Peanut Butter
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
- Gluten Free Snickers Bars
If you make these healthy millionaire bars, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind-the-scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Vegan Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Millionaire Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 2 cups almond flour
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel
- ½ cup all natural creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut oil
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- sea salt, to garnish
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shortbread base ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Press this mixture into one even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the caramel sauce. Combine the caramel ingredients in a small saucepan over low medium heat. Stir constantly, for up to 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the shortbread crust from the oven. Pour the caramel sauce on top.
- Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove from the freezer. Make the chocolate topping. Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30 second increments in the microwave until creamy.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture on top. Place the pan back in the freezer for one hour, or until the chocolate topping has solidified.
- Finally, when ready to serve, sprinkle with sea salt and slice.
Notes
- I have not tried this recipe using another flour.
- Constantly stir the caramel sauce to prevent burning. It should become slightly thickened.
- Allow the caramel layer to solidify before pouring the melted chocolate on top.
- Allow the bars to solidify before slicing into squares.
- Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
- Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
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