Why You’ll Love Millionaire’s Shortbread
Let’s talk decadence! Millionaire’s Shortbread is the kind of treat that feels like a special occasion every time you take a bite. Imagine this: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, topped with a thick, gooey caramel layer, and finished with a glossy, rich layer of chocolate. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and smooth, and every bite is a little piece of heaven. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll feel like a millionaire every time you take a bite!
Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Ultimate Indulgence: It’s everything you want in a dessert—crispy, sweet, rich, and downright satisfying. The layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate are a total showstopper.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or just want to bring a smile to someone’s face, this is the dessert that steals the show every time.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this dessert comes together in simple steps. A little patience is all you need to let those layers set, and you’ll have a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes!
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: This is the kind of treat that both kids and adults will adore. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to please everyone!
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Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind Millionaire’s Shortbread—simple ingredients that come together to create pure bliss:
- Butter: The base of both the shortbread and the caramel. It adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar: Sweetness for both the shortbread and caramel layers. It’s what gives this treat that indulgent, sugary goodness.
- Flour: For the shortbread base, it’s all about creating a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Condensed Milk: The key ingredient for the creamy, sweet caramel layer. It gives the caramel its rich, smooth texture and incredible flavor.
- Golden Syrup: This adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps create that beautiful, gooey caramel.
- Chocolate: A glossy, indulgent layer of chocolate to top off the shortbread and caramel. Dark chocolate works beautifully, but you can use milk or even white chocolate if that’s your jam.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a lovely aromatic depth to both the shortbread and caramel layers.
Instructions
Ready to make your Millionaire’s Shortbread? Let’s dive in!
1. Make the Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, and flour until it forms a dough. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Caramel Layer
While the shortbread cools, melt the butter, condensed milk, golden syrup, and sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens and turns a beautiful golden brown. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread it evenly. Let it set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or in the fridge for faster results.
3. Add the Chocolate Layer
Once the caramel is set, melt your chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in short intervals. Stir the chocolate until smooth, then pour it over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or in the fridge to speed things up.
4. Slice and Serve
Once the chocolate is set, slice the shortbread into squares or bars, and you’re done!
How to Serve Millionaire’s Shortbread
- With Coffee or Tea: These indulgent bites are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon treat or a dinner party, they’re the perfect pairing.
- As a Dessert: Serve them as part of a dessert platter, alongside other treats like fruit tarts or cheesecakes. They’ll be the highlight of any dessert table!
- Gift Them: These make a lovely homemade gift! Wrap them up in a cute box or tin, and share with friends, family, or coworkers.
Additional Tips
- Storage: Store your Millionaire’s Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze the shortbread bars for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Flavor Variations: If you want to get a little creative, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist, or drizzle extra chocolate over the top for a little extra indulgence.
- Making It Ahead: You can make this dessert a day or two ahead of time, which actually makes the flavors even better as they have time to set.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A1: Yes! Feel free to use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if that’s more your style. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate will add extra sweetness.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for the shortbread base. The caramel and chocolate layers are naturally gluten-free.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They’re also great for freezing for up to a month!
Q4: Can I make this without golden syrup?
A4: Golden syrup adds a unique sweetness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with honey or corn syrup. The flavor might change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and use a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch pan). Just be sure to adjust the baking time for the shortbread and the setting time for the caramel.
Q6: How do I make the chocolate layer smooth and shiny?
A6: Make sure you melt the chocolate gently and avoid over-heating it. You can also add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter to the chocolate to give it a smoother, shinier finish.
Q7: Can I use unsweetened chocolate?
A7: While you can use unsweetened chocolate, it will make the dessert more bitter. If you use unsweetened chocolate, make sure to add a little extra sugar to the recipe to balance the flavors.
Q8: Can I freeze Millionaire’s Shortbread?
A8: Yes! Once the shortbread is cut into pieces, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
Q9: What can I use instead of condensed milk?
A9: If you don’t have condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk, but you’ll need to add extra sugar to sweeten the caramel. Alternatively, you could try making your own homemade caramel sauce.
Q10: How do I cut Millionaire’s Shortbread cleanly?
A10: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water, drying it before each cut. This helps prevent the chocolate from cracking as you slice.
Conclusion
Indulging in Millionaire’s Shortbread is like treating yourself to a little luxury without the hefty price tag. With its buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate topping, this dessert truly feels like a million bucks! Whether you’re making it for yourself, to impress guests, or as a thoughtful gift, it’s a dessert that always delivers. Go ahead—take a bite, and feel like royalty!
Print
Millionaire’s Shortbread
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16-20 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire’s Shortbreads are an indulgent treat made with a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, a layer of rich caramel, and a smooth, velvety layer of chocolate on top. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself to something sweet and luxurious. The combination of textures and flavors makes it irresistible!
Ingredients
- For the shortbread base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the caramel layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the chocolate topping:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for a glossy finish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- For the shortbread base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture and mix until the dough comes together. It will be crumbly but should stick when pressed together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth and even base. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shortbread is golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- For the caramel layer: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens slightly.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
- For the chocolate topping: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and milk chocolate together over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. If desired, stir in the tablespoon of butter to add a glossy finish to the chocolate.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let the chocolate cool slightly before placing the shortbread in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm.
- Once set, lift the shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into small squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your Millionaire’s Shortbreads!
Notes
- For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before it sets, creating a salted caramel version.
- Store Millionaire’s Shortbreads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- If you prefer a thicker or thinner shortbread base, you can adjust the baking pan size, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Feel free to use all dark chocolate or all milk chocolate for the topping, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg