Dreamy Millionaire Shortbread Recipe: Layers of Sweet Bliss

Sweet caramel and chocolate millionaire shortbread have been my secret indulgence since childhood.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen inspire this decadent treat.

Buttery layers create a luxurious dessert that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Rich shortbread crusts provide a delightful crunch beneath smooth chocolate and golden caramel.

Chocolate enthusiasts will adore the complex textures and intense flavors dancing across each bite.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.

Prepare to experience a dessert that feels like pure culinary magic.

Tips for Cutting Neat Shortbread Squares

• Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press the shortbread dough firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure a compact, solid base that won't fall apart when cutting.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Cook the caramel slowly over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, golden texture.
• Chocolate Tempering Trick: Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before pouring over the caramel layer to prevent it from melting the caramel and creating a messy mix.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the millionaire shortbread for at least 30 minutes before slicing to get sharp, clean edges and prevent the layers from squishing together.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Store Millionaire Shortbread and Keep It Fresh

• Store the millionaire shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other flavors.
• Wrap individual pieces or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring refrigerated or thawed shortbread to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. For a slightly warm treat, microwave individual pieces for 5-10 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes.
• If serving within 24 hours, keep the shortbread in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent the caramel from melting.

Drinks and Desserts That Pair Nicely

• A crisp, slightly acidic dessert wine like Sauternes cuts through the rich butterscotch notes, balancing the millionaire shortbread's intense sweetness with elegant complexity.
• Serve alongside a smooth espresso or dark roast coffee, whose robust bitter undertones perfectly contrast the shortbread's sugary caramel and creamy texture.
• Enjoy a small pour of smooth Scottish whisky, particularly a Highland single malt, whose subtle smoky warmth enhances the chocolate's depth and complements the shortbread's luxurious butterscotch character.
• Select a rich ruby port that mirrors the dessert's indulgent qualities, its deep fruity notes providing a delightful counterpoint to the shortbread's buttery, caramelized layers.

Millionaire Shortbread Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a crumbly texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Caramel Layer: Substitute traditional dairy caramel with coconut milk-based caramel sauce, using coconut sugar and plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap refined sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic millionaire shortbread flavor profile.
• Chocolate Variety: Experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate for the top layer, creating different flavor combinations and visual appeal.

FAQ Time: Millionaire Shortbread Edition

• Is millionaire shortbread difficult to make?

No, it’s actually quite simple! The recipe involves three basic layers: a buttery shortbread base, creamy caramel middle, and smooth chocolate top. Even beginner bakers can successfully create this delicious dessert with some patience and careful following of steps.

• What type of chocolate works best for the topping?

Semisweet or milk chocolate are ideal choices. They melt smoothly and provide a rich, sweet finish that complements the caramel and shortbread layers. Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

• Can I make millionaire shortbread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dessert 1-2 days in advance. After completely assembling and setting the bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually helps the layers set perfectly and enhances the flavor.

• How do I get clean, neat slices when cutting?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For the cleanest slices, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting. A hot knife (run under hot water and dried) can also help create smooth, precise edges.

Why Millionaire Shortbread Is Worth the Effort

• This millionaire shortbread recipe delivers a decadent dessert that impresses everyone without requiring advanced baking skills.
• With just three main steps and minimal ingredients, home bakers can create a luxurious treat in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Whether hosting a family gathering, potluck, or weekend treat, this shortbread works beautifully for multiple occasions, delighting both kids and adults with its rich layers of buttery shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.
• Bakers can easily adapt the recipe by using different chocolate types or adding nuts, allowing personal creativity while maintaining the classic indulgent flavor profile.

Millionaire Shortbread Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crisp, buttery base with a delicate texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp shortbread layer.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the shortbread.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a smooth, rich caramel filling with perfect consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky caramel texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, complex sweetness to the caramel layer.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Delivers a smooth, glossy chocolate coating with balanced sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a shiny, spreadable chocolate layer.

How to Make Each Layer of Millionaire Shortbread

Step 1: Create Buttery Shortbread Base

• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in flour and salt to form a crumbly dough. Press the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to prick the surface. Bake at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and firm. Allow the base to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Smooth Caramel Layer

• Butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture turns a rich golden color and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate chips
• Heavy cream

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading evenly to cover. Return to the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours until completely set.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Remove the shortbread from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve chilled and enjoy the luxurious layers of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Millionaire shortbread delights with layers of buttery shortcake, silky caramel, and rich chocolate, creating a luxurious treat that whispers indulgence. Sweet memories unfold with each heavenly bite, promising pure bliss for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 4 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter (optional, for smoother texture)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shortbread foundation by combining softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl, blending until the mixture achieves a creamy, pale consistency.
2. Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture, gently working until a slightly crumbly texture develops.
3. Transfer the delicate dough into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, carefully pressing and distributing the mixture evenly across the surface.
4. Use a fork to create gentle perforations across the dough, which helps prevent unwanted rising during baking.
5. Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 350F (175C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching for a light golden color and firm texture.
6. Remove the shortbread base and allow it to cool completely, ensuring a stable foundation for subsequent layers.
7. While the base cools, prepare the caramel layer by melting butter, sugar, and condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
8. Cook the caramel mixture until it reaches a rich, golden-brown color and achieves a smooth, thick consistency.
9. Carefully pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
10. Refrigerate the caramel-covered shortbread for approximately 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set and firm up.
11. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy.
12. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled caramel layer, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a sleek surface.
13. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and allow it to set completely, typically 1-2 hours, before cutting into precise squares.

Notes

• Customize the shortbread base by substituting part of the flour with ground almonds or coconut flour for added nutrition and unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent caramel from crystallizing by using a candy thermometer and stirring gently, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without grainy consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour, maintaining the same measurements to preserve the traditional shortbread texture.
• Enhance chocolate topping stability by tempering the chocolate carefully, creating a glossy finish that snaps cleanly when broken and prevents rapid melting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg