Millionaire Bars
Welcome to the ultimate guide to crafting Millionaire Bars, a dessert that embodies pure indulgence. Whether you’re planning a special occasion, treating yourself after a long day, or aiming to impress guests, these bars are your ticket to dessert paradise. With a delightful interplay of flavors and textures, they’re a harmonious symphony of buttery crust, sumptuous caramel, and decadent chocolate. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and uncover the secrets of creating this sensational treat.
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Ingredients
To embark on your Millionaire Bars adventure, gather the following high-quality ingredients:
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For the Crust
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter, softened | 1 & 1/3 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour, spooned and leveled | 2 & 1/2 cups |
| Fine Sea Salt | Pinch |
For the Caramel Filling
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter, cut into tablespoons | 1 cup |
| Light Brown Sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 cup |
| Light Corn Syrup | 1/4 cup |
For the Chocolate Topping
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Semi-Sweet Baking Bars, finely chopped | 12 ounces |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Flaky Sea Salt, for garnish (optional) | As needed |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Millionaire Bars:
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3.1 Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on all sides. Give it a light coating of cooking spray and set it aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, attach the paddle attachment. Place the softened butter and granulated sugar into the bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and there are no dry patches.
- Press the dough firmly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 23-28 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown and the center appears dry. You can perform a toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the crust is ready.
- Once baked, allow the crust to cool completely before proceeding.
3.2 Creating the Caramel Filling
- In a medium-sized sauce pot, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and light corn syrup.
- Place the pot over medium-low heat, stirring the mixture constantly to prevent burning.
- As the ingredients melt and combine, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer the caramel mixture for about 5 minutes, maintaining a constant stir to prevent sticking or burning.
- If the mixture starts to simmer more rapidly, briefly remove it from the heat, continuing to stir, then place it back on the heat.
- After 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and continue stirring for about 4 minutes. This helps cool the mixture slightly and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Carefully pour the caramel filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the freezer and allow the caramel layer to set for approximately 2 hours.
3.3 Crafting the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet baking bars and unsalted butter.
- Microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth.
- Once the chocolate is melted, spread it evenly over the caramel layer using a spatula.
- Return the baking dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for an additional 2 hours to set the chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Millionaire Bars? Millionaire Bars are a delectable dessert consisting of three heavenly layers: a buttery crust, a gooey caramel filling, and a luscious chocolate topping. These bars are the epitome of indulgence, delivering an explosion of flavors and textures in each bite.
Can I use salted butter for the crust? While unsalted butter is recommended for the crust, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the overall saltiness in the recipe, especially when pairing it with the caramel and chocolate layers.
How can I prevent the caramel from burning? Constant stirring is the key to preventing the caramel from burning. Keep the heat at medium-low, and if you notice the mixture simmering rapidly, briefly take it off the heat while stirring, then return it to the heat. This gentle approach ensures a smooth and perfectly caramelized result.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup? Yes, you can substitute light corn syrup with golden syrup or honey. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile, but it should work well as a replacement in this recipe.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully mastered the art of creating Millionaire Bars! These exquisite treats are a testament to your culinary prowess and dedication. As you bite into the layers of buttery crust, velvety caramel, and rich chocolate, savor the symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a solitary moment of indulgence, Millionaire Bars are sure to leave a lasting impression. Now, go ahead and treat yourself to this delightful masterpiece!
