Billionaire Bars Recipe

If there ever was a dessert that felt like an indulgent, all-in-one celebration of buttery, chewy, chocolaty goodness, Billionaire Bars take the cake. Imagine starting with a crumbly shortbread base, layering on rich, fudgy brownie, then draping gooey caramel and silky chocolate on top, finished off with a luscious peanut butter frosting and a sprinkle of chocolate—each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making these for a party, a gift, or simply a treat-yourself moment, Billionaire Bars never disappoint in delivering a seriously decadent experience.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. Each component is simple yet essential, and together they create the layers of bliss that make Billionaire Bars so irresistible. From the buttery shortbread to the rich brownie and the creamy peanut butter frosting, every ingredient plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and sheer deliciousness!

• Unsalted butter (1½ cups, softened): The base for your shortbread layer, providing richness and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetness and a little crunch in the shortbread.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The structure for the shortbread to hold it all together.
• Cornstarch (½ cup): Adds extra tenderness and a delicate crumb to the shortbread.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Fudge brownie mix (1 box): The simplest way to get rich, chocolatey brownie goodness without fussing over complicated recipes.
• Eggs, oil, water: Required per the brownie box directions to make the perfect fudgy texture.
• Chewy caramels (10 ounces): For that luscious, gooey caramel layer that defines these bars.
• Heavy cream (3 tablespoons): Helps melt the caramels smoothly and adds a velvety finish.
• 60% bittersweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Gives a deep chocolate flavor with just the right bittersweet bite.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Makes the melted chocolate glossy and smooth.
• Peanut butter frosting (½ batch): Your favorite recipe adds a creamy, nutty topping that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully.
• Chocolate sprinkles: For that final playful touch, adding texture and a hint of extra chocolate.

How to Make Billionaire Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later on. This simple prep step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, which means more time to enjoy your creation.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Layer

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a beautifully tender shortbread. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch provides a tender texture that contrasts nicely with the dense brownie layer. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan and bake it until it’s just set and lightly golden, about 15 minutes. The buttery aroma at this stage is already tempting!

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Layer

While the shortbread is baking, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions. Once your shortbread layer comes out of the oven, gently spread the brownie batter over it, making sure to cover every inch without disturbing the baked shortbread base. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the brownie layer is cooked through and fudgy. This is where the rich chocolate magic happens!

Step 4: Add the Caramel Layer

Once your brownies have cooled slightly, it’s time to melt those chewy caramels with heavy cream over low heat. Stir until silky smooth and pour this luscious caramel layer evenly over the brownie. This gooey layer is the heart of the Billionaire Bars, delivering that iconic melt-in-your-mouth sweetness everyone will rave about.

Step 5: Top with Chocolate

Melt the bittersweet chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until shiny and smooth. Drizzle or spread this chocolate over the caramel layer, creating a glossy cap that balances the sweetness below with a gentle bittersweet bite. Let this set completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Finish with Peanut Butter Frosting and Sprinkles

Spread a generous layer of your favorite peanut butter frosting over the set chocolate. This final layer adds a creamy, nutty note that rounds out the complex flavors in every bite. Finally, sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on top for a fun texture boost and a finishing look that’s as delightful visually as it is delicious.

How to Serve Billionaire Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of flaky sea salt or chopped peanuts can enhance the flavors and add a little extra crunch, elevating the bars even further. For a festive touch, fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream pair beautifully with the richness of the bars.

Side Dishes

These bars are so indulgent that they shine best on their own, but if you’re looking to balance the richness, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of robust coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes an ideal companion to this treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Billionaire Bars into small bite-size pieces for a party platter or layer them in a glass jar for a delightful gift. You could also serve them warm slightly softened with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra luxurious dessert experience. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Billionaire Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, which helps the layers stay firm and makes slicing neater.

Freezing

Want to stock up? Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm gooey bite, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or until soft but not melted all over. This way, the caramel will just start to ooze and the chocolate will soften perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel layer from scratch?

Absolutely! While using chewy caramels is convenient, homemade caramel sauce can elevate the bar even more. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold on the brownie layer but still pourable.

What if I don’t have a peanut butter frosting recipe?

No worries! You can use store-bought peanut butter frosting or easily make one by mixing powdered sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and a splash of milk until creamy and spreadable.

Can I substitute the fudge brownie mix for a homemade brownie?

Yes! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it instead. Just make sure the brownie layer is thick enough to hold the caramel without sinking through.

Are Billionaire Bars gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour and boxed brownie mix, so they are not gluten-free. However, with gluten-free flour blends and a gluten-free brownie mix, you can adapt them to suit your dietary needs.

How long does it take to make Billionaire Bars?

From start to finish, including baking and cooling times, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours. While it might seem like a treat reserved for special occasions, it’s well worth every minute of effort!

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, once you try these Billionaire Bars, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite decadent desserts to share with friends and family. The layers of flavor and texture bring a little slice of heaven to every bite. So go ahead, bake them up, savor each mouthful, and watch these bars disappear fast—they are pure bliss!