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Decadent Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16-20 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Layered Caramel Shortbread Bars, also known as Millionaire’s Shortbread, feature a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate topping. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of crisp, chewy, and creamy textures—just like a homemade Twix bar but even better!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Shortbread Base:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup or golden syrup
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

 

  • 8 oz (225g) semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (for smooth texture)

Instructions

Make the Shortbread Base:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add flour, salt, and vanilla, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Press evenly into the prepared pan and prick with a fork.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Caramel Layer:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
  2. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce to low heat.
  3. Continue stirring for 6-8 minutes, until caramel thickens and turns golden brown.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Pour caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread. Let set for 1 hour or refrigerate for faster setting.

3. Make the Chocolate Topping:

  1. Melt chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
  2. Pour melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
  3. Let set at room temperature for 2 hours or in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.

4. Slice & Serve:

 

  1. Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars.
  2. Enjoy at room temperature for the best texture!

Notes

  • For Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel before adding chocolate.
  • Make-Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

 

  • Easier Slicing: Warm the knife slightly before cutting to avoid cracking the chocolate.