Imagine this: the satisfying snap of perfectly tempered chocolate giving way to a sea of chewy, golden caramel that rests upon a foundation of buttery shortbread. That, my friends, is the essence of Millionaire’s Shortbread. Years ago, a friend brought a pan of these to a potluck, and I’ve been chasing that flavor ever since. After countless attempts, I’ve finally cracked the code to a truly ultimate version.
This isn’t just any Millionaire’s Shortbread; this is the Millionaire’s Shortbread that will have people begging you for the recipe. Each layer sings with flavor and boasts the perfect texture. The base is surprisingly easy to prepare, the caramel is gloriously gooey without being too sweet, and the chocolate is thick and rich. Trust me; it’s worth every single decadent calorie. Make this for your next party, bake sale, or just a special treat for yourself. You deserve it! Once you taste this Millionaire’s Shortbread, you may never go back to the store-bought variety again.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let the layers intimidate you; this recipe is easier than you think!
- Buttery, Chewy, & Rich: The namesake says it all! Experience the perfect trifecta of textures and flavors.
- Impress Your Friends: Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Perfect Project: A fun baking project that yields incredibly satisfying results.
- That Caramel though…: The secret to our amazing caramel is its perfect chewiness – not too hard, not too soft!
INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the shortbread base. Use a good-quality all-purpose flour for the best results. You can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend if needed.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for the rich flavor and tender crumb of the shortbread. Use cold butter, cubed, for the best texture. Don’t even think about using margarine.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp edge to the shortbread. Essential for the right texture. I don’t recommend swapping this one out.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The foundation of the luscious caramel layer. Opt for full-fat sweetened condensed milk for the richest flavor and texture.
- Golden Syrup: Adds a distinctive flavor and helps to prevent the caramel from crystallizing. If you can’t find golden syrup, light corn syrup can be used as a substitute, but it won’t give you the same depth of flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Forms the final decadent layer. The primary keyword for this is excellence. Choose a high-quality chocolate with a cocoa percentage that you enjoy. Dark chocolate also works well for a less sweet result.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the layers. A sprinkle on top of the chocolate is optional but highly recommended!
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Double boiler, or heatproof bowl and saucepan for melting chocolate
I always recommend preparing everything so that you can experience the entire process.
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HOW TO MAKE MILLIONAIRE’S SHORTBREAD
- Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! The parchment paper allows for easy removal and clean slicing later on.
- Make the Shortbread: In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly so the butter stays cold.
- Press the Crust: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup for a super-smooth surface.
- Bake the Shortbread: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool completely in the pan. It will still be very warm to the touch out of the oven but needs to cool so the Millionaire’s Shortbread achieves perfection.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, golden syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Caramel: Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is thick and golden brown. Use a candy thermometer to achieve an internal temp of 245-250 degrees. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning!
- Pour Caramel over Shortbread: Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Let it set for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the Chocolate: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
- Chill: Sprinkle with sea salt (optional). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Cut & Serve: Once the Millionaire’s Shortbread is fully set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Use a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the shortbread is essential for creating a flaky, tender crust.
- Don’t Burn the Caramel! Stir the caramel constantly over medium-low heat to prevent burning.
- Patience is a Virtue: Allow the shortbread and caramel layers to cool completely before adding the chocolate layer. This will prevent the chocolate from melting and making a mess.
- Control the Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweetness.
- Make Ahead: The Millionaire’s Shortbread can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
VARIATIONS & DIETARY SWAPS
- Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free Millionaire’s Shortbread.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, less sweet treat.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Swirl a bit of extra salted caramel into the chocolate layer for a beautiful and delicious twist. This is such an incredible variation.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Afternoon Tea: Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a classic afternoon treat.
- Dessert Bar: A perfect addition to any dessert bar or party spread. You can even cut them into small bites.
- Gift Giving: Package individual squares in cellophane bags for a sweet and thoughtful gift. And who doesn’t love gifts?
- Ice Cream Sundae: Crumble the Millionaire’s Shortbread over vanilla ice cream for a decadent sundae topping.
STORAGE & REHEATING
Store your Millionaire’s Shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While reheating isn’t recommended, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the chocolate slightly before serving. If the weather warms up, make sure to let it chill in the refrigerator.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This Ultimate Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. It’s the perfect balance of buttery, chewy, and rich – a treat that will have everyone asking for more! Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own. This recipe for Millionaire’s Shortbread may just be your new favorite!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you try? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends! Follow Culinary Craving on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration.
RELATED RECIPES
- Salted Caramel Brownies: For another decadent caramel treat.
- Classic Shortbread Cookies: If you want a simpler shortbread experience without all the layers. This one is a fan-favorite.
- Chocolate Fudge: An easy recipe that is divine and the perfect pairing with Millionaire’s Shortbread.
Ultimate Millionaire’s Shortbread: Buttery, Chewy, & Rich
Indulge in the ultimate Millionaire's Shortbread. Get the recipe for a perfect buttery base, rich, chewy caramel, and a thick layer of melted chocolate. Warning: Highly Addictive!
Ingredients
Shortbread:
- 1 1/2 cups 192g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Caramel:
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate:
- 8 ounces 225g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Shortbread: In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, golden syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is thick and golden brown.
- Pour caramel over cooled shortbread. Let set for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Spread over the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle with sea salt (optional). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Lift out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Nutrition: (Nutrition information is estimated and may vary)
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.