Peanut Butter Millionaire Shortbread Bars

by Kayla Berman on Feb 2, 2022 (updated Aug 26, 2022) 0 comments

Peanut Butter Millionaire Shortbread Bars are the ultimate dessert! These triple layered treats have a shortbread crust, peanut butter caramel filling, and chocolate fudge-like topping. They’re gooey, smooth, creamy, buttery, and delicious! A salty sweet dessert everyone will love.

What are Millionaire Bars?

Millionaire Bars are a triple layered rich and decadent dessert! They get the name from just that … they’re delicious richness. The three layers typically include a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth caramel filling, and a chocolate ganache topping.

This version puts a little spin on the classic treat and turns the caramel layer into an even more delicious (in my opinion) peanut butter caramel. It’s gooey, sticky, creamy, and full of peanut butter flavor … all the things one could ever need!

Ingredients needed for Peanut Butter Millionaire Shortbread Bars…

As the name would suggest, Peanut Butter Millionaire Bars call for indulgently delicious dessert ingredients! They come together to create a salty sweet masterpiece.

Butter: These bars call for unsalted butter in multiple parts. It’s the base of the shortbread crust and in the peanut butter caramel too! You’ll need 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp.
Sugars: Peanut Butter Millionaire Bars call for both white sugar and light brown sugar. The result is a deliciously sweet treat! Add 1/2 cup white sugar to the shortbread and 1/2 cup light brown sugar to the caramel layer.
Egg: 1 egg is used here for moisture and binding in the shortbread.
Vanilla Extract: The first layer also needs some vanilla extract. 1 tsp adds the perfect flavor!
Flour: All purpose flour is used in the base of these millionaire bars. All you need is 1 cup.
Peanut Butter: Peanut butter adds to the perfect salty & sweet flavor going on in these triple layered bars. You will need 1/2 cup of the classic good stuff.
Heavy Cream: Both the peanut butter caramel and chocolate layers in this recipe use heavy cream! 1/2 cup in total adds a perfect richness.
Chocolate Chips: 10 oz of semi sweet chocolate chips make up the final layer of these shortbread bars.
Salt: Lastly, salt is a super important ingredient here! The shortbread calls for 1/4 tsp, but I also recommend adding a generous sprinkle on top for the ultimate flavor.

How to make Millionaire Shortbread Bars…

These bars are actually quite simple to make, despite being made up of multiple parts! Only the shortbread crust needs baking … the rest of the work is simply done in the fridge, where the peanut butter caramel and chocolate layers are cooled.

Shortbread Crust

Set the oven to 350 degrees.
Next in a large mixing bowl add the butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract and beat until just combined
In a separate bowl combine the flour and salt. Add to the butter & sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly combined and a dough forms.
Next line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and add the shortbread dough to the pan. Spread and flatten evenly. I recommend using slightly wet fingers to avoid the dough sticking!
Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are browned.

Peanut Butter Caramel

Let the shortbread crust cool completely once removed from the oven. Then make the peanut butter caramel. Add the peanut butter, butter, heavy cream, and light brown sugar to a small saucepan on the stove. Melt the ingredients together and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Remove from the heat to thicken further and add a pinch of salt.
Pour the peanut butter caramel over the completely cooled shortbread crust. Spread evenly and then place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the caramel has hardened to the touch.

Chocolate Layer

Next begin the chocolate top layer. Simply melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together. Melt in the microwave in 15 second intervals, stirring in between each one, or in a double boiler. The result may be a little thick, but do not worry that is how it’s supposed to be.
Add the chocolate layer on top of the caramel. I again recommend using slightly wet fingers to do this. Then place in the fridge for another 1-2 hours to completely set.
Add a generous sprinkle of salt, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Millionaire Bars tips…

Follow the tips below for the perfect Peanut Butter Millionaire Bars each and every time!

Press with wet fingers: I recommend pressing both the shortbread dough and chocolate layer down with your fingers. Especially the shortbread layer! It is a pretty sticky dough and using slightly wet fingers to spread it is what I have found to be most successful.
Let caramel & chocolate set: It is important to let the peanut butter caramel layer and chocolate layer set completely in the fridge. I know you’ll want to enjoy these bars right away, but the wait will be so worth it!
Use parchment paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment makes for an easy and clean removal of the bars.
Salt generously: The salty sweet flavor combination in these bars is truly key! So do not be afraid to salt generously throughout the entire process.

Peanut Butter Caramel Shortbread Bar additions…

I honestly don’t think much should be added to these bars – they’re just so scrumptious as is! But I do have some simple ideas that would definitely take things up to an even more delicious notch.

Peanuts: Peanuts would add a perfect crunch and texture! I would recommend trying them in between the caramel and chocolate layers.
Flakey Salt: These bars already have salt added on top, but I think flakey salt would be even more delicious. And would give a great look too!
Dark Chocolate: This is not an addition, but more of a swap. Semi sweet chocolate chips are used for the chocolate layer here, but if you are a dark chocolate lover then use that! It would add a whole new level of richness.

How to best store this delicious dessert recipe…

Peanut Butter Millionaire Shortbread Bars can be stored in airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5 days – 1 week! Move to the fridge if you have any leftover after that amount of time.

Alternatively, you can store in the refrigerator the whole time if you want a harder textured bar!

Love Peanut Butter Shortbread Bars? Check out more deliciously decadent desserts below…

Connect with me!

If you make Peanut Butter Millionaire Shortbread Bars or any of my other recipes I would absolutely love to know! Tag me @wellnessbykay on instagram, so I can see and share your recreations!!

Love this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating! I love to see and it helps me continue to develop delicious recipes for this blog.