Millionaire’s Shortbread is a luxurious dessert featuring three irresistible layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy caramel center, and a smooth chocolate topping. This indulgent treat is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to feel a little fancy. With its delightful textures and rich flavors, this dessert truly lives up to its “millionaire” name.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer:
- 10 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter (optional, for a shiny finish)
Preparation
Make the Shortbread Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Prick the surface lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Layer
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the caramel thickens and turns golden.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base and spread with a spatula. Let it cool and set completely (about 1 hour).
Make the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chopped chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring frequently.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan lightly to smooth out the surface.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
Slice and Serve
- Once fully set, use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars. For cleaner cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing.
Variation
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
- Nutty Addition: Add a layer of chopped roasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, over the caramel for added crunch.
- Dulce de Leche Shortcut: Substitute the caramel layer with pre-made dulce de leche for a quicker option.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Use white chocolate to drizzle over the top for a decorative finish.
Cooking Notes
- Caramel Consistency: Stir constantly when making the caramel to avoid scorching or uneven thickness.
- Shortbread Tips: Avoid overworking the shortbread dough to keep it tender and crumbly.
- Chocolate Setting: Let the chocolate set at room temperature for a smooth finish; refrigeration may cause it to crack.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these indulgent bars with:
- A strong cup of coffee or espresso
- A glass of milk for a nostalgic treat
- Vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert
Tips
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze leftover bars by wrapping them individually in parchment and storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Let refrigerated bars come to room temperature before serving to soften the caramel.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Cooling and Setting Time:
2 hours
Total Time:
2 hours 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes! Milk chocolate works well if you prefer a sweeter topping.
2. What is the best way to store Millionaire’s Shortbread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Conclusion
This Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe is the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth. With its buttery base, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate topping, it’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or simply treating yourself. Make a batch today and taste the millionaire-level luxury!