Billionaire Bars: Indulgence With Every Bite

Stunning layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate combine to make these Billionaire Bars a truly rewarding treat. Perfect for gatherings or as a go-to dessert for decadent enjoyment, this straightforward recipe simplifies indulgence for any home baker.

Why This Recipe Works

• Classic ingredients create rich, layered flavors.
• Accessible steps make it achievable for home bakers.
• Refrigeration ensures perfect texture without hassle.
• Chocolate topping offers customizable flair.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Blend until fluffy using a hand mixer. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Use a spatula to level out any uneven portions. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown, setting a solid foundation for your bar. Allow cooling while preparing the caramel.

Step 2: Craft the Caramel Layer

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and cubed butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar completely dissolves. Raise the temperature slightly, bringing it to a gentle boil. Allow boiling for 5 minutes without stirring for the caramel to thicken. After removing from heat, mix in vanilla extract. Carefully pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread. Spread evenly with a spatula and refrigerate to firm up for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Topping

While the caramel sets, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil over a double-boiler setup or microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir consistently to prevent separation. Once melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly to prevent melting the caramel upon contact. Pour or spread over the firm caramel layer ensuring even coverage, creating a uniform, enticing appearance.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the assembled bars back into the refrigerator. Allow the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours. This duration ensures all layers solidify and meld their flavors. It is crucial not to rush this step as the chocolate should be completely firm before slicing. Proper setting makes slicing into clean squares a straightforward task.

Step 5: Serve or Store

After chilling, lift the bars out of the dish if you’ve lined it with parchment paper, or slice directly if preferred. Use a sharp knife for precise cuts, optionally warming the blade to make neat slices through the firm layers. Serve at room temperature to appreciate their rich texture, or refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips and Tricks

Shortbread dough can be chilled for 30 minutes before baking for a crisper texture. To avoid air bubbles in the caramel, stir minimally once it begins to boil. Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easier removal and cleaner slicing.

Recipe Variations

• Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the chocolate layer for a salted caramel twist.
• Incorporate chopped nuts into the shortbread for additional texture.
• Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Add a layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate for a nutty flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
  Yes, but reduce the added salt in the shortbread to avoid over-seasoning. This won’t affect the overall taste significantly and still allows for a delicious balance.
• What type of chocolate is best to use?
  Semi-sweet chocolate pairs well with the sweetness of caramel. Dark chocolate can be used if preferred, offering a more intense chocolate flavor without overpowering the caramel.
• How can I make these bars vegan?
  Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Ensure the chocolate used is dairy-free for a consistent vegan approach.
• How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
  Ensure the chocolate cools slightly before pouring and let the bars come slightly to room temperature before serving to lessen the likelihood of cracking.

Summary

Billionaire Bars provide an easy-to-make, multi-layered indulgence perfect for any occasion. Their combination of textures and flavors, finished with a smooth chocolate top, make them irresistible. Adjust the base recipe with personal twists to suit your preferences.