Millionaire’s Shortbread

Millionaire’s Shortbread

A decadent dessert with three irresistible layers: a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel center, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence, this treat is truly a luxurious bite in every square.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp golden syrup or light corn syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Make Shortbread Base:
   In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

3. Prepare Caramel Layer:
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden, about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

4. Assemble Caramel Layer:
   Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread evenly. Allow to set at room temperature for 30–40 minutes or refrigerate for faster setting.

5. Add Chocolate Topping:
   Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.

6. Chill and Slice:
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is set. Lift from pan using parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan

• Parchment paper

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Heatproof bowl for melting chocolate

• Knife for slicing

• Measuring cups and spoons

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes (shortbread) + 12 minutes (caramel)

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes

Serving Size
Makes 24 squares

Millionaire’s Shortbread

A decadent dessert with three irresistible layers: a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel center, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence, this treat is truly a luxurious bite in every square.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
• Knife for slicing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Base:
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• For the Caramel Layer:
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp golden syrup or light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Topping:
• 8 oz 225 g semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• Make Shortbread Base:
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
• Prepare Caramel Layer:
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden, about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Assemble Caramel Layer:
• Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread evenly. Allow to set at room temperature for 30–40 minutes or refrigerate for faster setting.
• Add Chocolate Topping:
• Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
• Chill and Slice:
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is set. Lift from pan using parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

Servings: 24 squares

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes. Reduce any added salt slightly to prevent it from becoming too salty.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Millionaire’s Shortbread can be made a day or two in advance; it actually tastes better when the layers have time to set.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet?
Yes. Dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet caramel and shortbread.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger pan and adjust baking times as needed.

Can I use a different type of caramel?
Yes. Store-bought soft caramel or caramel sauce can be substituted, but homemade caramel provides the best texture and flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different.

Can I freeze Millionaire’s Shortbread?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I cut clean squares without the chocolate cracking?
Warm a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut with gentle pressure.

Can I make it smaller or larger servings?
Yes. Slice into bite-size squares or larger bars depending on preference.

Can I add nuts or sea salt on top?
Yes. Sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate before it sets for extra flavor and texture.

How To Store Millionaire’s Shortbread

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezer:
Wrap individually or in layers with parchment paper and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Tips:
Cut into small squares for a decadent treat or serve slightly chilled alongside coffee or tea for a luxurious dessert experience.