MILLION DOLLAR BARS
If you’re on the lookout for an indulgent treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than Million Dollar Bars. This delightful dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s not hard to see why. With a buttery cookie crust, a rich caramel layer, and a topping of smooth milk chocolate, these bars are a million-dollar experience without the price tag.
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Unveiling the Ingredients
Before we dive into the delightful details of creating Million Dollar Bars, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this treat truly special:
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| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crushed Cookies | 2 1⁄2 cups |
| Unsalted Melted Butter | 7 tbsp |
| White Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Caramel Filling | 1 cup |
| Milk or Almond Milk | 2 teaspoons |
| Milk Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
| Shortening | 2 teaspoons |
| Sea Salt | A pinch |
The Step-By-Step Preparation
Now that we’ve got our ingredients in place, let’s embark on the journey of crafting these irresistible Million Dollar Bars.
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1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In an 8×8 square baking pan, combine the crushed cookies and white sugar.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are coated.
- Firmly press this mixture into the pan using a spoon, your hand, or the bottom of a cup.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown.
- Let the crust cool in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, ensuring it becomes solid. Avoid putting a warm or hot Pyrex dish in the freezer.
2. Caramel Magic
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel filling and milk (or almond milk) in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each interval. Stop when the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Immediately spread this caramel mixture evenly over the cooled crust, being careful not to tear the crust.
- Allow the caramel layer to cool in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes, or until solid.
3. Chocolate Perfection
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips and shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread this delightful chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
- Let the chocolate set for a few minutes, then sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
- Place the pan in the fridge and allow it to cool completely.
4. The Final Touch
- To create perfect Million Dollar Bars, take the pan out of the fridge and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow the chocolate to slightly smooth, preventing cracks when cutting.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, resembling Twix bars.
- Store your Million Dollar Bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Why Million Dollar Bars Are a Must-Try
These delectable Million Dollar Bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crunch and a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth caramel layer. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, they are guaranteed to impress. The best part? They are easy to make and don’t require any fancy kitchen equipment. A simple microwave, oven, and a few pantry staples are all you need.
A Versatile Treat
Million Dollar Bars are incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, coconut, or even a drizzle of peanut butter to the caramel layer. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create your own signature variation of this classic treat.
A Crowd-Pleaser
These bars are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and bake sales. They will have your friends and family asking for the recipe, and they’ll be coming back for seconds.
Perfect for Gifting
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, Million Dollar Bars packaged in a pretty box or tin make a delightful present for any occasion.
Kid-Friendly
Get the little ones involved in the kitchen. They’ll have a blast helping you assemble these bars, and the reward is sweet indeed.
Store and Enjoy
Million Dollar Bars have an impressive shelf life. Keep them in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert.
MILLION DOLLAR BARS are a delightful treat that combines the simplicity of preparation with the indulgence of flavors. These bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire, loved by friends and family alike. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet indulgence or share them with loved ones, Million Dollar Bars are guaranteed to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey to create these sweet delights.
