Description
Chocolate Billionaires are a gourmet candy that combines four delicious elements: a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel layer, crunchy pecans, and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating. The layers come together in perfect harmony, with the rich, buttery shortbread providing a solid foundation for the gooey caramel and the toasted pecans offering a satisfying crunch. Finally, the chocolate coating envelops the entire treat, adding that perfect finish of sweetness and richness. These homemade candies resemble high-end candy bars but offer even more flavor and texture thanks to their well-balanced layers.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
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1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (toasted)
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12 oz high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (semi-sweet or dark)
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2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (for smooth coating)
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
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8x8 inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Heavy-bottomed saucepan
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Candy thermometer (optional but helpful for perfect caramel)
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Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
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Add the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
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Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake the base for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
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Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then set them aside.
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In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the brown sugar and honey/corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble.
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Cook the caramel mixture for 3-4 minutes, continuing to stir, until it reaches 240°F (soft ball stage) or becomes thick and golden.
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Carefully add the heavy cream to the caramel (it will bubble up). Stir constantly until smooth.
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Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
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Immediately stir the toasted pecans into the hot caramel.
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Pour the caramel-pecan mixture over the cooled shortbread, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
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Let the caramel cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it firms up.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
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Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
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Let the chocolate cool slightly for about 5 minutes (it should be warm but not hot).
Step 5: Cut and Coat
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Use the parchment overhang to lift the candy out of the pan.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the candy into 1-inch squares or rectangles. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.
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Using a fork or candy dipping tool, dip each piece in the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
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Place the coated candies on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
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Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate has completely set.
Notes
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. They also make great homemade gifts—just wrap them in cellophane or pop them into festive tins!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: American
- Cuisine: No-Bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Chocolate Billionaires