Rich, buttery shortbread topped with a smooth layer of caramel and a thick, luxurious coating of chocolate—Millionaire Shortbread is a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a piece with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Shortbread
- Three Layers of Goodness: Buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and rich chocolate in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars make a fantastic gift or party dessert.
- Simple, Yet Indulgent: Easy to make, but it tastes like a bakery masterpiece!
Ingredients for Millionaire Shortbread
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or honey)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1½ cups (300g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for a glossy finish)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
How to Make Millionaire Shortbread
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, golden syrup (or honey), and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color, about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Let the caramel set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
- Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Once the chocolate is fully set, use the parchment paper to lift the shortbread out of the pan.
- Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. To prevent cracking, let the bars come to room temperature before cutting, and run your knife under hot water before each cut.
Tips for the Best Millionaire Shortbread
- Layer Thickness: Adjust the thickness of each layer to your liking! For thicker caramel or chocolate, simply double the recipe for that layer.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Customize the Topping: You can drizzle white chocolate on top or sprinkle sea salt for a salty-sweet combo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Yes! You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference. Dark chocolate adds a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
Q2: How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting?
A: Let the shortbread sit at room temperature for a bit before slicing, and use a sharp knife warmed in hot water.
Q3: Can I freeze Millionaire Shortbread?
A: Absolutely! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat Worth Every Bite!
Millionaire Shortbread is a rich, indulgent dessert that delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. From the buttery shortbread to the smooth caramel and crisp chocolate topping, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it for your next celebration—or just because!
Enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends, and don’t forget to share your creations!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Treat yourself to a slice of luxury—enjoy every bite of this decadent Millionaire Shortbread!
