Description
These decadent chocolate caramel shortbread bars, also known as millionaire squares, are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich flavors. With a buttery almond flour shortbread crust, a creamy peanut butter caramel layer, and a silky dark chocolate topping, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fine almond flour, blanched
- 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 dark chocolate bar
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Making the Shortbread Crust: Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
- In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup together. Start with a spatula, then knead the dough with your hands. The dough will be soft and slightly wet at first, but it will become firmer as you knead.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
- Freeze the crust for 10 minutes while preparing the caramel layer.
- Making the Caramel Layer: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the shortbread crust, spreading it evenly.
- Freeze for 10-12 minutes or until the caramel layer is firm.
- Making the Chocolate Layer: Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together. You can either use a small saucepan over medium heat or melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each.
- Once melted, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
- Freeze the bars for 2-5 minutes to set the chocolate layer. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a salted caramel finish.
- Serving: Once the layers have set, remove the bars from the freezer.
- Cut into 8 squares and enjoy the delicious layers of chocolate, caramel, and shortbread!
Notes
- Nut-free option: Replace the peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter for a different nutty flavor.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup to make these bars fully vegan.
- Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews to the caramel layer for extra crunch and texture.
- Chocolate varieties: Try using milk chocolate or a blend of dark and milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
