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    Home » Recipes » Desserts (No Bake) » Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe: Gooey No Bake Gluten-Free Bars

    LAST UPDATED: July 1, 2018 • FIRST PUBLISHED: April 13, 2016 By Toni Dash 19 Comments

    Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe: Gooey No Bake Gluten-Free Bars

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    stack of three gluten-free millionaire bars on a white dessert plate
    This completely irresistible Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe is a layered no bake, gluten-free dessert bar you’ll love. Shortbread cookie crumbs, gooey caramel, rich chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt! Gluten option included.
    Millionaire bars collage

    stack of three gluten-free millionaire bars on a white dessert plate

    This gorgeous Millionare’s Shortbread recipe was conceived from an activity I don’t love: doing taxes. Last weekend our dining room table was full of folders, statements, laptops and piles of paper (mine mostly) as we wound our way section by section through this year’s tax return.

    I have a habit of cleaning my car out on the spur of the moment by grabbing a shopping bag, throwing everything floating around the car in it, with great intent to clean it out later (never happens).

    I pulled out one of these mystery bags when trying to find a receipt. As I pawed through it, taking the time to trash, recycle or really put away the contents I ran into this…..
    fake Million dollar bill

    My heart stopped. I did not count the zeros but the fact that there were multiple zeros filled me with great joy; like finding money in a jacket pocket the next winter.

    Until I remembered it was a fake bill from a local toy store that had landed in the clean out bag.

    Nonetheless it gave me the idea to make a Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe! Certainly a distraction from doing the taxes.

    No Bake Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread recipe bars

    What is Millionaire’s Shortbread?

    Layered bars with each layer adding more irresistble flavors than the last! Shortbread cookie crumbs form the bottom layer. Gooey caramel is layer number two. Rich chocolate forms the top layer sprinkled with Fleur de Sel Fleur de Sel, the fine sea salt from France.

    This recipe is a no bake dessert recipe AND is gluten-free. The caramel layer is made from melted caramel candies, making it easy with no candy thermometer required!

    3 No Bake Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread recipe bars stacked on a dessert plate. A tray of the no bake chocolate bars is in the background

    No Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe Notes:

    This no bake gluten-free dessert definitely could be made with a gluten cookie layer instead. The main thing I’ve learned in my years of converting gluten recipes to gluten-free though, is that the absorbency of ground gluten-free cookies is very different than gluten cookie crumbs.

    How to make this Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe with GLUTEN cookie crumbs instead:

    Gluten-free cookies tend not to be able to absorb as much butter. So if you want to make this easy no bake chocolate bars recipe using gluten cookies, use the same amount of the crumbs but add additional melted butter as needed to reach a damp sand consistency of the crumb and butter mixture.

    Getting the Caramel Layer Just Right!

    I experimented with different thicknesses of each layer and settled on liking a thicker, gooey caramel layer the best. Due to that thicker caramel layer, the Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe does best removed from the refrigerator for about 5 minutes before cutting it into bars.

    Storage TIP: After serving, store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the caramel layer firm.

    a stack of white dessert plates holding no bake chocolate millionaire shortbread bars

    More No Bake Dessert Recipe Ideas You’ll Love:

    • {No Bake} Vanilla Bean Pots de Creme with Fresh Cherry Sauce
    • Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry ‘Cheesecake’ Dessert Lasagna
    • Search no bake Pecan Rum Balls (a No Bake recipe)

    If you’ve tried this Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe or any other recipe on BoulderLocavore.com, please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    Also please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTERST to see more delicious food, travel and what I’m up to!

    How to Make No Bake Gluten-Free Millionaire’s Shortbread Bars – Step by Step:

    stack of three gluten-free millionaire bars on a white dessert plate

    No Bake Gluten-Free Millionaire's Shortbread recipe

    Gooey Millionaire Bars are full of caramel, chocolate and a sweet crust. Simple tricks make them easy to make!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
    Servings: 32 1-inch by 2-inch bars
    Calories: 169kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Shortbread layer:

    • 2 cups gluten-free Shortbread Cookie crumbs (approximately 8 1/2 ounces of shortbread cookies processed through a food processor)
    • 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter , melted

    Caramel layer:

    • 15 ounces gluten-free Soft Caramels , unwrapped
    • 3 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream

    Chocolate layer:

    • 2 cups (approximately 12 ounces) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
    • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
    • Fleur de Sel (Sea Salt)

    Instructions

    • Prepare an 8 by 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with foil, allowing the foil to extend over the pan sides for easy removal. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Combine the cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl; stir together until all the crumbs are moistened and the butter has absorbed into the crumbs (they should have the consistency of wet sand). Spoon them into the prepared pan and press down to form a firm, flat bottom layer. Tip: I used a heavy, flat meat tenderizer to evenly compress the crumb layer.
    • Place in the refrigerator to cool fully; approximately 20 minutes.
    • Place the unwrapped caramels and the cream in a small, heavy saucepan over medium low heat. Stir constantly to allow the caramels to fully melt.
    • Using a heatproof silicon spatula, scrape the melted caramel onto the cookie crumb layer in the pan and smooth to an even thickness. Cover and place back into the refrigerator to fully cool; about 30 minutes. Note: this cooling cycle is important to ensure the caramel and chocolate layers do not mix together.
    • Once the caramel layer has cooled, place the chocolate chips and tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Follow the instructions on the chocolate chip package to melt the chocolate either in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stovetop. Stir briskly to fully mix the chocolate chips and butter to a smooth consistency. 
    • Spread onto the caramel layer and smooth the top. Tap the pan multiple times on a firm surface to allow the chocolate to form a uniformly thick layer. Sprinkle lightly with Fleur de Sel and allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before covering and placing in the refrigerator to fully cool and harden.
    • Remove the pan from the refrigerator and using the overhanging foil, remove the bars from the pan. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to warm slightly. Cut into bars and store in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    Nutrition Facts
    No Bake Gluten-Free Millionaire's Shortbread recipe
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 169 Calories from Fat 81
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 9g14%
    Saturated Fat 5g25%
    Cholesterol 13mg4%
    Sodium 53mg2%
    Potassium 92mg3%
    Carbohydrates 20g7%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 14g16%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 95IU2%
    Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
    Calcium 27mg3%
    Iron 0.7mg4%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Comments

    1. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

      April 23, 2016 at 5:59 pm

      that gooey caramel is reeeeally speaking to me! I can’t believe these millionaire bars are no bake and gluten free!

      Reply
    2. Shilpa Shetty says

      April 21, 2016 at 3:19 am

      Waaw,.. This looks awesome,… Yummy,.. Thank you,…

      Reply
    3. Christie says

      April 17, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      Yeah I’ll take a dozen of those! I could use a millionaire feeling every now and then. Looks delicious

      Reply
    4. Katherine G says

      April 15, 2016 at 6:27 am

      These bars look so delicious! I might have to make these. I am always looking for a great snack.

      Reply
    5. Rosey says

      April 15, 2016 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      Those look so creamy and rich. That is my kind of treat right there!

      Reply
    6. Raijean says

      April 14, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never had a millionaire bar but this amazing. I’m going to have to give it a try

      Reply
    7. Ryan Escat says

      April 14, 2016 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Wow! This is so amazing. I want try that! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    8. Monica says

      April 14, 2016 at 9:04 am

      So amazing and tasty! I’ve been gluten free since January which has been recommended to me for years to help my migraines and autoimmune issues. It has helped tremendously. I’m pinning these. Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Nicole Escat says

      April 14, 2016 at 7:18 am

      I love this recipe but sad because i’m starting to crave right now. I want to try and taste it.

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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