Millionaire Bars

I saved this recipe onto Pinterest, I don't even know how long ago.  I have wanted to make it for a long time (probably years).  Well...now that I am retired, I have a bit of time to bake now. Bake, without rushing, that is.  It is nice just to spend a quiet, relaxing Monday baking and trying a new (to me) recipe.

I don't exactly know why these are called Millionaire Bars, but my guess is because they are so RICH!! Boy, are they rich...but so, so good.  This is a keeper. 

There are a few steps involved, but all and all, it is a pretty easy recipe. I give it 10 out of 10 stars.  I hope you enjoy them.

Millionaire’s Bars

Makes about 3 dozen bars, adapted from Eats Well With Others

Ingredients
For the shortbread:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar

For the caramel:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tbsp light corn syrup
• 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk

For the chocolate:

• 8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tsp light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• fleur de sel or sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. To make the shortbread, preheat the oven to 325.  Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.  In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  With the mixer on low speed, blend in the flour mix until just incorporated.  Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press into an even layer.  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden.  Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
   
   
2. For the caramel, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted.  Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring constantly.  Continue simmering and stirring until the mix turns an amber color and thickens a bit.  Pour over the shortbread layer as evenly as possible and allow to cool completely and set by chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
   
   
3. For the chocolate layer, in a double boiler, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter over simmering water.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted, and the mixture is smooth, pour evenly over the caramel layer and use an offset spatula to smooth it out.  Allow to cool for a minute or two and then sprinkle on the fleur de sel.  Chill, covered, until ready to slice or serve.