Valentine Millionaire Bars are the perfect sweet treat to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base, a luscious layer of caramel, and a beautiful swirl of melting chocolates that creates a stunning presentation. They are quick to make and incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal dessert for a romantic evening or a fun gathering with friends. Enjoy these delightful bars as a sweet ending to your special day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Valentine Millionaire Bars
These Valentine Millionaire Bars combine the richness of caramel with the crunch of shortbread and a creamy chocolate topping. Each bite offers a delightful experience, perfect for celebrating love! Plus, they come together easily and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients Overview
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 22 ounces caramel squares
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces white almond bark or white melting chocolate
- 1 cup red melting chocolate
- 1 cup pink melting chocolate
- Valentine’s sprinkles
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- Almond bark instead of melting chocolate
- Chocolate chips added to the shortbread
- Regular chocolate for a classic twist
How to Make Valentine Millionaire Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and flour until just combined and crumbly.
Step 3: Bake the Shortbread
Evenly press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and prick it with a fork. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow the shortbread to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a small pot over medium-low heat, melt the caramel squares with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted caramel over the cooled shortbread layer, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolates
Melt each color of chocolate in separate bowls using the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth. Be careful not to overheat them!
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Pour the melted white chocolate over the caramel and spread it evenly. Add dollops of red and pink chocolate on top, then gently swirl them together without dragging through the caramel layer.
Step 7: Chill and Cut the Bars
Immediately sprinkle with Valentine’s sprinkles and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until set. Once set, cut into 24 pieces and serve to your loved ones.
Variations on the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with your Valentine Millionaire Bars! You can substitute the melting chocolate with almond bark or add chocolate chips into the shortbread for an extra chocolatey kick. For a classic twist, use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate.
Storage Tips
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months, separated by parchment paper to maintain freshness.
Helpful Tips for Success
For the best consistency, use wrapped caramels. Remember, the shortbread dough will appear crumbly before baking – that’s perfectly normal! While swirling the chocolate, avoid dragging the knife through the caramel layer for a clean look.
FAQs
How do I pipe heart-shaped macarons evenly?
To pipe heart-shaped macarons evenly, use a template under your parchment paper to guide the shapes. Ensure your batter is not too runny to maintain structure.
Why do my macarons crack or not develop feet?
Macarons may crack due to overmixing the batter or not allowing them to rest before baking. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate to promote the development of feet.
Can macarons be made ahead for Valentine’s Day?
Yes, macarons can be made ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles
- Heart-Shaped Cupcakes
- Valentine’s Day Appetizers
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls
- Valentine’s Day Finger Foods
Conclusion
These Valentine Millionaire Bars are sure to impress your loved ones with their gorgeous layers and delicious flavors. For more inspiration and to see a variety of creative recipes, check out our Pinterest page for ideas and tips to elevate your Valentine’s Day celebrations!
Easy Valentine Millionaire Bars for a Sweet Celebration
Equipment
- 9×13-inch pan
- Mixing bowl
- Small pot
- microwave
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 22 ounces caramel squares Use wrapped caramels for the best consistency.
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces white almond bark or white melting chocolate
- 1 cup red melting chocolate
- 1 cup pink melting chocolate
- Valentines sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, and coat it with cooking spray.
- Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the flour and vanilla until crumbly.
- Press the shortbread mixture into the pan and prick it with a fork before baking.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden, then allow to cool.
- Melt the caramels with cream over medium-low heat until smooth, then pour over the cooled shortbread.
- Melt each color of chocolate separately in the microwave until smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate over the caramel, swirl in red and pink chocolate, and sprinkle with Valentines sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until set, then cut into pieces and serve.