Billionaire Bars

There are certain desserts that feel a little extra, and then there are desserts that feel like they should come with a velvet rope and a security guard. These Billionaire Bars fall squarely into that second category. This is the kind of treat I make when I want to spoil my family just a little, when the weather is gloomy outside, or when someone casually says they want something sweet and I take that as a personal challenge.

I remember the first time I made a layered dessert like this. I had flour on my shirt, chocolate on my fingers, and a kitchen that looked like it had hosted a baking competition I did not win. But when I cut into those bars and saw the layers holding together just right, I felt that quiet dad pride that only comes from baking something indulgent from scratch. No fancy tools. No complicated techniques. Just patience, good ingredients, and a willingness to let dessert be unapologetically rich.

These Billionaire Bars are what I call a sit down dessert. You do not grab one of these on the way out the door. You make a cup of coffee, you cut a generous square, and you enjoy it slowly. They are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or those weekends when everyone ends up hovering around the kitchen waiting for something sweet to appear.

What Is Billionaire Bars

Billionaire Bars are a decadent layered dessert made with a fudgy brownie base, a smooth caramel center, a soft cookie dough layer, and a glossy chocolate topping.

Each layer brings its own texture and flavor, creating a rich dessert that feels bakery worthy but is completely doable at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layers of indulgence: Every bite gives you brownie, caramel, cookie dough, and chocolate all at once for a truly luxurious dessert experience.
• Made from scratch: No boxed mixes here, just simple pantry ingredients that come together beautifully.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe makes twelve generous bars, making it great for gatherings or family desserts.
• Beginner friendly: Even with multiple layers, each step is simple and forgiving.
• Crowd pleasing: These bars disappear fast and people always ask for the recipe.

When to Serve This Recipe

• Holiday dessert tables: These bars fit right in next to cookies and pies during celebrations.
• Potlucks and parties: They travel well and look impressive sliced into clean squares.
• Weekend baking projects: This is a fun recipe when you want to spend a little time in the kitchen.
• Sweet tooth emergencies: When the craving hits hard, these deliver.
• Make ahead treats: They taste even better once fully chilled and set.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar: This sweetens the brownie layer and balances the cocoa.
• 1 half cup unsalted butter melted: Melted butter creates a moist and rich brownie base.
• 1 quarter teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies a deep chocolate intensity.
• 2 eggs: Provides structure and richness to the brownie layer.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate.
• 1 half cup flour: Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps melt the caramel smoothly.
• 30 caramels unwrapped: Creates the gooey caramel layer.
• 1 half cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor to the cookie dough.
• 1 quarter cup sugar: Balances sweetness in the cookie dough layer.
• 1 half cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature: Ensures a creamy cookie dough texture.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the cookie dough extra soft and spreadable.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds classic cookie dough flavor.
• 1 quarter teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the dough.
• 3 quarter cup flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough layer.
• 1 half cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips: Evenly distributes chocolate throughout the dough.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps create a smooth chocolate topping.
• 8 ounces mini semi sweet chocolate chips: Melts into a glossy chocolate layer on top.

How to Make Billionaire Bars

Step 1: Prep the pan and oven

Line an eight by eight baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the sides are fully covered and extra paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

Step 2: Make the brownie base

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter and mix with a hand mixer until fully blended. Add the salt and cocoa powder and beat again until smooth and dark.

Step 3: Finish the brownie batter

Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add the flour and mix just until the batter comes together. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until set.

Step 4: Prepare the caramel layer

In a microwave safe bowl, add the heavy cream and caramels. Microwave for thirty seconds, stir, and repeat until melted and smooth. Pour the caramel over the warm brownies and spread evenly.

Step 5: Chill the caramel

Let the pan cool slightly for about ten to fifteen minutes, then place it in the freezer for twenty five minutes until the caramel is firm.

Step 6: Make the cookie dough layer

In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the heavy cream and vanilla and mix again.

Step 7: Finish the cookie dough

Add the salt and flour and mix until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips. Remove the pan from the freezer and gently spread the cookie dough evenly over the caramel layer.

Step 8: Add the chocolate topping

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in thirty second intervals, stirring each time. Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Substitutions

• Milk chocolate chips: Swap semi sweet chips for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping.
• Store bought caramel sauce: Use a thick caramel sauce if caramels are not available.
• Gluten free flour: Substitute a one to one gluten free flour blend for the brownie and cookie dough layers.

Variations

• Salted caramel: Sprinkle flaky salt over the caramel layer before chilling.
• Peanut butter drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter over the chocolate topping.
• Espresso brownies: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter for depth.
• White chocolate top: Swap the top layer for melted white chocolate for contrast.

Tips and Tricks

• Chill between layers: Cold layers make spreading easier and cleaner.
• Scrape the bowl: Always scrape the sides while mixing for even texture.
• Test the brownies: Use the toothpick test to avoid underbaking.
• Use parchment paper: This makes lifting and slicing the bars much easier.

FAQs

Can I eat the cookie dough layer raw?

Yes, this cookie dough contains no eggs and is safe to eat.

Do these need to stay refrigerated?

Yes, refrigeration helps keep the layers firm and cleanly sliced.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

Serving Ideas

• With coffee: These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
• Dessert platter: Slice into smaller squares for party trays.
• With ice cream: Serve slightly chilled with vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Holiday treats: Wrap individually for gifting.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.
• Make ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and sliced before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze fully set bars for up to two months and thaw in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

These Billionaire Bars are the kind of dessert that remind me why I love baking at home. They take a little time, a little patience, and a whole lot of love, but the payoff is worth every minute.

Whether you are making these for a celebration or just because your sweet tooth demanded attention, I hope they bring a little joy to your kitchen. Slice them thick, share them generously, and do not forget to save one for yourself.