Millionaire's Shortbread Bars

Popular in the UK and Canada, these awesome layered treats combine some of the most wonderful things: shortbread cookies, salted caramel, and chocolate. Like a Twix on steroids, Millionaire's Bars are not only delicious but pretty to boot.

Step 1: You'll Need. . .

Software
For the Shortbread

• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Splash of vanilla

For the Caramel

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
• Pinch of salt
• Splash of vanilla

For the Chocolate

• 4oz semisweet chocolate
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to sprinkle on top)

Hardware

• Medium mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Small sauce pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• 8" x 8" pan lined with foil
• Sharp knife

Step 2: Solid Foundation

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Farhenheit
2. Combine the butter and sugar and mix well
3. Add flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt and mix to combine
4. Press the dough into the bottom of the baking pan lined with foil
5. Bake 15 - 18 minutes or until lightly golden brown
6. Allow to cool fully

Step 3: Sticky Sweet

1. Combine butter, sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk in sauce pot over medium heat
2. Heat while stirring, until the butter is melted
3. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a boil
4. Continue heating and stirring until the mixture reaches an even almond color and thickens
5. Stir in vanilla and salt
6. Pour over the cooled shortbread and spread to evenly cover
7. Allow to cool for at least an hour in the fridge

Step 4: Chocolate Topping

1. Combine chocolate, corn syrup, and butter in a small mixing bowl
2. Microwave for 45 seconds and stir to combine fully
3. Pour over the caramel layer and spread to smooth
4. Allow to cool for several minutes, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt
5. Chill for several hours

Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. Lift foil to remove from the pan
2. Peel the foil away from the sides of the bars and use a sharp knife to slice into 25 squares
3. Enjoy these rich and decadent treats!