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Home By Meal Dessert

Healthier Millionaire Bars (Gluten-Free)

★★★★★ 10 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin5/30/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthy millionaire bars
healthy millionaire bars

Healthier Millionaire Bars are a gluten-free dessert made of shortbread, cashew butter, and chocolate. It’s a treat that provides a gourmet taste but doesn’t require any of the legwork!

healthy millionaire bars stacked

Three layer caramel chocolate bars

If you like Twix, Reece’s, or anything made of a chocolate, cashew butter, caramel combo, these millionaire bars are for you.

Made of three layers, they contain everything good in a dessert! There’s the shortbread crust, the cashew butter center, and the chocolatey top layer. What more could you ask for?!

I set out to make this recipe hoping that it wouldn’t be as complicated as it looks. My prayers were answered! Even as a layered dessert, this recipe requires nothing more than a bit of stirring and a few minutes of baking. Other than that, the refrigerator does all of the work!

These bars are the perfect snack to share with friends and family. They’ll be wildly impressed and will more than likely reach for a second (or a third)!

healthy millionaire bars

Ingredients in healthier millionaire bars

The ingredients list looks long, but in all actuality this recipe only calls for 8 different items. That includes the salt and the vanilla extract!

How is this possible? Well, a handful of ingredients (the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt) are used in all three parts of this recipe. Other than that, there are only four more items that you’ll need!

Crust:

  • Almond flour
  • Coconut flour
  • Maple syrup
  • Coconut oil
  • Vanilla
  • Salt

Middle layer:

  • Cashew butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla
  • Salt

Chocolate layer:

  • Coconut oil
  • Cocoa powder
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
healthy millionaire bars

Tools used to make millionaire shortbread

You’ll need a number of items to make each section of this recipe. In total, there are 6 kitchen tools you’ll need handy.

  • 8×8 baking dish
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowl
  • Stirring utensil
  • Fork
  • Saucepan

How to make this millionaire shortbread recipe

This recipe is broken down into three parts: The shortbread crust, middle cashew butter layer, and the top chocolate layer. Each layer is simple to make and stacks on to the one before it.

Begin by preheating the oven to 350F and line a 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or nonstick spray.

In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients listed under “crust.” Keep stirring until everything is well combined.

Once combined, press the crust mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and poke it with a fork several times. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and allow the crust to cool for at least 15 minutes before adding the next layer.

While the crust is cooling, add the cashew butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup to a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat for about two minutes, or until everything is melted together. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.

Once combined, pour this middle layer over the cooled crust, and then place the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes.

While freezing, make the chocolate layer. Add the coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup to a saucepan. Heat for about two minutes, or until everything is melted together. Then, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.

Once the dish has been in the freezer for about 30 minutes, pour this top layer over the frozen middle layer. Let the dish sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.

Cut into bars and flake with sea salt before serving. Enjoy!

healthy millionaire bars with hand

How millionaire bars are a healthier dessert option

I know what you’re thinking: It’s a chocolate-based dessert. How can it be healthy?! That’s a totally valid question! However, I’m here to shake your suspicion and show you why this is one of the best caramel shortbread recipes you can make.

To start, this recipe leaves out a long list of processed ingredients commonly found in other millionaire bar recipes. In this rendition, eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, and butter all get kicked to the curb. Instead, we use a number of ingredients that have been chosen as the superior alternatives that they are!

  • Coconut and almond flour: By skipping all-purpose flour and opting for coconut and almond alternatives, we’re avoiding loads of chemicals and preservatives. Instead, we’re using these all-natural options shown to be higher in nutrients.
  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil is one of my favorite oils to bake with! Just remember, if you don’t mind the coconut flavor, unrefined is best, but if you want NO coconut flavor, make sure you use refined.
  • Maple syrup: There’s no need for added sugar when using all-natural maple syrup. This ingredient acts as a natural sweetener and provides a ton of flavor.
  • Cashew butter: All-natural cashew butter is a great way to get an extra serving of protein while maintaining a wonderful flavor. This stuff is my go-to.
  • Cocoa powder: Finally, cocoa powder is used to achieve a chocolate flavor. We aren’t using chocolate chips or chopped candy bars, instead opting for a natural substitute.

Tips for making millionaire bars

When making your caramel bars, feel free to use these guidelines. If you have further questions, leave a comment below!

Using a different sized dish
I use an 8×8 dish for this recipe because I like my bars to be nice and thick! If you would like to use a different sized dish, feel free. They’ll turn out thinner or thicker depending on the dish used, and may require a bit of extra chilling time to completely harden.

Using the microwave
I do not recommend using the microwave to melt the ingredients for the second and third layers. It’s best that the ingredients melt and mix together gradually on the stove.

Cutting the bars
When cutting the bars, be sure to use a sharp knife. Anything weak or dull could result in a cracked crust layer. Note: Expect a few crumbles; this is normal!

Storing leftover caramel shortbread bars
Keep extra millionaire bars stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, feel free to save extra bars for the future by freezing in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw before eating, and consume within 3 months.

healthy millionaire bars

Try these layered recipes too!

It’s true: Layered desserts just feel fancier! No matter how they’re prepared, treats with multiple layers give the idea that they were complex to make and required a lot of effort. For that reason, I love to serve ’em up for my friends and fam!

If you feel the same way, here are some more ideas that you may be interested in trying. Enjoy!

  • Healthy Cookie Dough Bars
  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
  • Pumpkin Oat Bars
  • Healthy Lemon Bars (Gluten-Free)

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

healthy millionaire bars with bite
★★★★★ 4.9 from 10 reviews

Healthier Millionaire Bars (Gluten-Free)

Healthier Millionaire Bars are a gluten-free dessert made of shortbread, cashew butter, and chocolate. It’s a treat that provides a gourmet taste but doesn’t require any of the legwork!

Prep: 10Cook: 30Total: 40 minutes
Yield 12 bars 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1.5 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Middle layer:

  • 3/4 cup cashew butter
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Chocolate layer:

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix together all of your crust ingredients until well combined.
  3. Press into the bottom of the 8×8 baking dish, prick with fork several times, and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before adding next layer.
  4. While crust is cooling, add cashew butter, coconut oil, maple syrup to small saucepan over medium heat. Heat for about two minutes or until all melted together. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
  5. Pour over cooled crust and place in freezer for 30 minutes.
  6. While in freezer, make chocolate layer by adding coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup to a saucepan. Repeat the same process as middle layer by heating for about two minutes, then turn off heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
  7. Pour over top of frozen middle layer. Let set in refrigerator for at least 1 hour but overnight preferred.
  8. Cut into bars and flake with sea salt before serving. Store in fridge.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dessertMethod: ovenCuisine: americanDiet: Gluten Free
healthy millionaire bars with bite

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Nina says

    Posted on 2/1 at 3:30 am

    Hi I had a go at making this recipe, for the top layer instead using cacao powder can I use vegan chocolate instead. Secondly when is the best time to layer the top when the middle layer has been cooled for 30 minutes or straight away. When I cut the bars in pieces some of it ended up breaking could you pls advice what to do for that.
    After how long should I cut the pieces.

    Reply
  2. Nina says

    Posted on 2/1 at 3:27 am

    Hi I had a go at making this recipe, for the top layer instead using cacao powder can I use vegan chocolate instead. Secondly when is the best time to layer the top when the middle layer has been cooled for 30 minutes or straight away. When I cut the bars in pieces some of it ended up breaking could you pls advice what to do for that.
    After how long should I cut the pieces.

    Reply
  3. Megan says

    Posted on 11/30 at 4:26 pm

    Amazing!! My family loves these every time I make them. Such a quick and easy dessert to bring to any event.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/1 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Megan, so glad they are a hit!!

      Reply
  4. Gabrielle says

    Posted on 4/11 at 7:45 pm

    Whole family loved these. So rich and a small bite curbs sweet tooth.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 8:20 pm

      Hi Gabrielle, so glad they bars were a hit!

      Reply
  5. Haley says

    Posted on 4/11 at 3:55 am

    do yourself a favor and make these!!!!! SOOOOOO good 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/11 at 3:47 pm

      Hi Haley, so glad you love the bars!!

      Reply
  6. Hilde says

    Posted on 2/18 at 5:29 pm

    Thank you for your delicious recipe!! I didn’t have cashew butter but used almond butter instead which tasted great. I cut down on the maple syrup for the base to 1/3 cup which was still quite sweet. Thanks again!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/19 at 10:41 am

      Hi Hilde, I am so glad you enjoyed them and made them your own!!

      Reply
  7. Maggie says

    Posted on 2/7 at 6:15 pm

    This might be an obvious question but are the nutritional facts for one serving or for all 12 servings together?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/7 at 8:06 pm

      Hi Maggie, the nutritional facts are for one serving.

      Reply
  8. Lisa says

    Posted on 1/26 at 10:24 am

    Made these with almond butter
    – Amazing! Like a healthy candy bar!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/26 at 3:20 pm

      Hi Lisa, so glad you love them!

      Reply
  9. Julie says

    Posted on 12/2 at 10:44 pm

    Once again, you’ve created a delicious sweet treat that doesn’t taste like it’s “healthy.” Twix bars are one of my favorite candies so I was really excited to finally try this recipe!
    My chocolate layer came out with white stripes throughout. Looks like fat that has been cooled down. Any idea why that happened? My caramel layer came out perfectly and I followed the directions.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Julie says

      Posted on 12/3 at 12:41 am

      I think I know what I did wrong. I accidentally used only 1/4 cup of cocoa. Should I try and add the other 1/4 cup after the entire thing is cooled? It still tastes delicious so I don’t mind eating the way it is. But if you have any idea for how I can salvage it aesthetically, let me know!

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 12/7 at 5:12 pm

        Hi Julie, ah I would just leave it as is and now you have an excuse to make them again!!

  10. Carmen says

    Posted on 6/25 at 2:15 pm

    YUMMY. Cut mine into small squares and they are perfect little bites.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/3 at 9:32 pm

      Hi Carmen, great idea!!

      Reply
  11. Nasonya Rowell says

    Posted on 6/18 at 11:29 pm

    Delicious. Wow

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/3 at 10:32 pm

      Hi Nasonya, I am so glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  12. Cat says

    Posted on 6/10 at 8:10 am

    These look great! Just wondering why you have to thaw before eating? Might be a pedantic question but is there a health reason as to why you should thaw instead of just eating from the freezer?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 8:15 pm

      Hi Cat, thanks for the kind words! You don’t have to thaw them, but to get the back to the original quality, they need to be thawed. Not a healthy/safety reason.

      Reply
  13. Sierra says

    Posted on 6/9 at 11:13 am

    These look so good! I agree with you that coconut oil has a place in a healthy diet. Just wanted to mention though that coconut oil is over 80% saturated fat, so it’s not quite accurate to imply that this doesn’t have saturated fat. Looks super yummy though 😄

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/3 at 11:31 pm

      Hi Sierra, thank you so much! Let me know how your bars come out!

      Reply
  14. Kaya says

    Posted on 6/9 at 10:29 am

    They look really good but what keeps me from making this is the nutrition facts. 560 cal per piece and 44 grams of fat? Thats absolutely insane considering as a woman its ‘healthy’ to eat 80 grams of fat per day. Did I read it wrong and is it 560 for the whole plate?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      Posted on 6/10 at 8:57 am

      It’s mostly just healthier because it’s using all whole ingredients to make it instead of processed ingredients! I don’t think it’s supposed to be low calorie 🙂 maybe cut the bars smaller so each serving is less! Looks great definitely gonna try this out!

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 8/3 at 11:29 pm

        Hi Katie! Thanks for the kind words. Let me know how your bars come out!

    • JESSICA says

      Posted on 8/26 at 6:04 pm

      Where does it say that?

      Reply
  15. Christy says

    Posted on 6/1 at 5:54 pm

    Wow, these are awesome! I was skeptical as I was making it but man, they’re delicious. I just can’t believe there’s nothing bad in these. I added 3 tablespoons coconut sugar to the chocolate layer. Thanks for another incredible recipe!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 12:23 am

      Hi Christy! Thank you so much for your kind words and so happy your enjoyed them!!

      Reply
    • louise says

      Posted on 10/20 at 3:31 am

      Hi please help me, ive been doing the shortbread base for so many times now but i cant seem to get it crispy/crunchy. It’s always soft.

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 10/20 at 1:48 pm

        Good it me the quality of your almond flour? Let it bake a little longer and make sure you spread thin enough.

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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