Billionaire Bars Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and love a dessert that combines buttery, chewy, gooey, and chocolatey goodness all in one, then get ready to fall head over heels for these Billionaire Bars. This indulgent treat stacks a crisp, buttery shortbread base beneath a luscious homemade caramel layer, all topped with a silky chocolate ganache that sets to perfection. Billionaire Bars are like the more extravagant sibling of millionaire bars, boasting rich flavors and irresistible textures that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re after a show-stopping dessert or a decadent snack to satisfy those sugar cravings, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Billionaire Bars happens with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a perfect role. From the creamy butter that delivers richness to the sweetened condensed milk which turns into luscious caramel, every item is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This provides the rich, buttery base needed to create the perfect shortbread crust.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: To lightly sweeten the crust while keeping it crisp and tender.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread layer, adding structure and balance.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and depth.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The star ingredient of the caramel layer, yielding smooth, creamy caramel with minimal fuss.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses note to the caramel for deeper flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (for caramel): Makes the caramel luxuriously smooth and velvety.
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a luscious, melty topping that contrasts perfectly with the caramel layer.
• 2 tbsp butter (for ganache): Helps achieve that silky chocolate ganache finish that seals the deal.

How to Make Billionaire Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential as it ensures your shortbread base turns out tender yet crisp. Next, gently mix in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt until just combined. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are beautifully golden. The warm, buttery fragrance coming from the oven here will get you even more excited for what’s to come.

Step 2: Whip Up the Caramel Layer

While the crust is baking, it’s time to make the caramel topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup unsalted butter. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and watch the mixture thicken and turn a gorgeous golden caramel color, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This part requires patience, but the luscious, silky caramel is well worth your attention. As soon as the caramel reaches that thick, spreadable consistency, pour it evenly over the warm shortbread crust. Pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill and firm up this layer for at least an hour.

Step 3: Top with Silky Chocolate Ganache

Once your caramel is set, melt 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips together with 2 tablespoons of butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir frequently until smooth and glossy. Then, gently pour this luscious chocolate ganache on top of the caramel layer, spreading it evenly to fully cover the surface. Chill the entire pan until the chocolate sets firmly. Once chilled, slice into 24 perfect squares and get ready to enjoy the magic that is Billionaire Bars!

How to Serve Billionaire Bars

Garnishes

While these bars are incredibly tempting on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache just before it sets can elevate the flavor by balancing sweetness with a delicate salty crunch. For a festive touch, try a dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds. Adding a few edible gold leaf flakes could also make them extra glamorous for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Billionaire Bars are quite rich and satisfying, so pairing them with something light and fresh can be a lovely contrast. Think fresh berries or a simple bowl of tangy Greek yogurt. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside the bar adds a creamy, cooling partner that makes every bite feel luxurious. For drinks, a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte complements the sweet layers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re planning to serve Billionaire Bars at a party or gathering, consider presenting each bar on a small decorative plate with a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate on the side. You can stack them in a gorgeous dessert tower or wrap individual bars in wax paper tied with rustic twine for an adorable homemade gift. These little touches turn an already spectacular treat into a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Billionaire Bars keep wonderfully well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator. The chocolate and caramel layers benefit from a little chill to stay firm but still soft enough to enjoy. Stored properly, they stay fresh for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead dessert to satisfy cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars even longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. Freezing can even help intensify the flavors slightly, so it’s a double win!

Reheating

For a warm twist, you can gently reheat a Billionaire Bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate and caramel without melting it completely. This gives you a gooey, decadent bite that almost tastes like freshly made. Alternatively, serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can, but just be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the crust to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that you trust, keeping the same measurements. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How thick should I spread the caramel layer?

Spread it evenly but not too thin; about a half-inch thickness is ideal to give you that perfect chewy caramel bite that contrasts with the crisp shortbread.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

You can, but semi-sweet chocolate balances the intense sweetness of the caramel best. Milk chocolate might make it a bit sweeter but still tasty if that’s your preference.

How long do Billionaire Bars need to chill before slicing?

At least one hour in the fridge after adding the caramel, and after the chocolate ganache is spread, chill until the chocolate is firm—usually another hour. This ensures clean, neat slices.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you try making these Billionaire Bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re a perfect blend of textures and flavors, impressively simple to make yet incredibly decadent. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars promise smiles and satisfied sweet cravings every single time. Go ahead, dive into the deliciousness of Billionaire Bars—you won’t regret it!