Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars with Condensed Milk
Rich two-layer dessert bars featuring a buttery almond shortbread base topped with a gooey mixture of sweetened condensed milk, toffee bits, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds. The shortbread crust provides a tender foundation while the topping bakes into a golden, chewy layer reminiscent of magic bars. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need an impressive dessert that feeds a crowd. These bars combine classic shortbread technique with the beloved flavors of toffee and chocolate, creating an irresistible treat that's both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup Blue Diamond almonds, chopped, dividedpecans1:1flavor
toast lightly for best flavor
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup toffee bitsbutterscotch chips1:1flavoradds dairy
similar sweet crunch
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1
Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray
- 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- 3
Mix butter, flour, salt and powdered sugar in stand mixer bowl with paddle attachment until smooth
- 4
Stir in chopped almonds
- 5
Press shortbread mixture into prepared pan using cooking spray on hands
- 6
Bake shortbread layer for 15 minutes
- 7
Stir together sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla while crust bakes
- 8
Stir toffee bits, chocolate chips, and remaining almonds into milk mixture
- 9
Pour milk mixture over hot crust after 15 minutes
- 10
Continue baking for 18 minutes until sides look golden brown
- 11
Cool completely before cutting into bars
Tips
Spray your hands with cooking spray when pressing the shortbread mixture to prevent sticking and achieve an even layer.
Pour the condensed milk mixture over the hot crust immediately after the first baking time to ensure proper layering.
Cool completely before cutting to prevent the bars from falling apart and achieve clean slices.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature
Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered
Cut into bars and serve at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling completely to avoid messy, crumbly bars
Press shortbread firmly to avoid gaps in the base layer
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar sweet crunch
FAQ
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if I don't have toffee bits?
Substitute with butterscotch chips, chopped Heath bars, or caramel bits for similar flavor and texture.
How do I get clean cuts?
Cool completely, use a sharp knife, and wipe blade between cuts. Chilling for 30 minutes helps too.