If you’re looking for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert, Millionaire Shortbread is the perfect treat! This indulgent dessert features a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, a smooth, gooey caramel layer, and a rich chocolate topping. It’s a classic combination of sweet and salty flavors that will leave you craving more. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your friends and family, this Millionaire Shortbread is sure to be a crowd favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Shortbread
- Layers of Decadence: The buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate topping create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Make-Ahead Delight: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them ideal for parties or gatherings.
- Rich & Indulgent: A little goes a long way—this treat is rich, so you can enjoy just a small piece to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Versatile Gift Idea: Packaged nicely, this Millionaire Shortbread makes a great homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or just because!
Ingredients for Millionaire Shortbread
To make these decadent shortbread bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or a mix of both)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Whisk
How to Make Millionaire Shortbread
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the bottom completely.
Step 2: Bake the Shortbread Base
Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan while you make the caramel layer.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, golden syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and becomes smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Once the caramel has set, melt the chocolate and butter together. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be gentle when spreading so you don’t disturb the caramel layer beneath.
Step 5: Chill the Bars
Place the pan back in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Once everything is set, lift the shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
Step 7: Enjoy
Serve your Millionaire Shortbread as an indulgent treat for yourself or to share with friends and family!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- For extra flair, drizzle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets to add a salty-sweet contrast.
Tips for the Best Millionaire Shortbread
- Chill the Layers: Be sure to chill the caramel and chocolate layers before cutting. This will make it easier to slice cleanly without the layers sliding apart.
- Don’t Overcook the Caramel: When making the caramel, be careful not to overcook it. If it gets too thick, it can become hard and difficult to cut later. It should be thick but pourable.
- Add Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel or the chocolate topping for a touch of saltiness that complements the sweetness.
Storage Instructions
- Store the Millionaire Shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a richer, slightly bitter flavor. Adjust the sweetness of the caramel if you prefer a more balanced taste.
Q2: Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the caramel up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up slightly before pouring it over the shortbread.
Q3: Can I make these in a different-sized pan?
A: If you use a larger or smaller pan, you may need to adjust the baking times for the shortbread base and the caramel layer. Keep an eye on it while baking to avoid overbaking or underbaking.
Conclusion: A Decadent Treat You’ll Love
Millionaire Shortbread is the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. With its buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this dessert will always be a hit!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cuisine: British
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every rich and delicious bite of this Millionaire Shortbread, and don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!
Print
Millionaire Shortbread
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
If you’re looking for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert, Millionaire Shortbread is the perfect treat! This indulgent dessert features a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, a smooth, gooey caramel layer, and a rich chocolate topping. It’s a classic combination of sweet and salty flavors that will leave you craving more. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your friends and family, this Millionaire Shortbread is sure to be a crowd favorite!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or a mix of both)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the bottom completely.
Step 2: Bake the Shortbread Base
Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan while you make the caramel layer.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, golden syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and becomes smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Once the caramel has set, melt the chocolate and butter together. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be gentle when spreading so you don’t disturb the caramel layer beneath.
Step 5: Chill the Bars
Place the pan back in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Once everything is set, lift the shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
Step 7: Enjoy
Serve your Millionaire Shortbread as an indulgent treat for yourself or to share with friends and family!
Notes
- Chill the Layers: Be sure to chill the caramel and chocolate layers before cutting. This will make it easier to slice cleanly without the layers sliding apart.
- Don’t Overcook the Caramel: When making the caramel, be careful not to overcook it. If it gets too thick, it can become hard and difficult to cut later. It should be thick but pourable.
- Add Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel or the chocolate topping for a touch of saltiness that complements the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cuisine: British
