Millionaire Shortbread is the epitome of a luxury dessert, known for its indulgent combination of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. This treat, often served in squares or bars, is as impressive as it is delicious. With three distinct layers that complement each other beautifully, it’s no wonder this dessert is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or simply a personal indulgence, Millionaire Shortbread promises to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Shortbread Layer:

1 cup (226g) salted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer:

1 cup (226g) salted butter
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup (60ml) light corn syrup
½ teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Layer:

1 ½ cups (255g) semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Prepare the Shortbread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring continuously. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread. Let it set at room temperature.
Prepare the Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Set and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 125mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 2g

The History of Millionaire Shortbread

The origins of Millionaire Shortbread remain somewhat unclear, but it’s believed to have been inspired by the classic British shortbread cookie, with a modern twist. The idea of adding a layer of rich caramel and a chocolate topping seems to have evolved as this treat gained popularity in the UK. It is thought that the combination of the buttery shortbread with a luxurious caramel center quickly captured the hearts of dessert lovers, earning it the “millionaire” moniker due to its opulent taste and texture.

Over the years, Millionaire Shortbread has become a popular dessert across the world, particularly for those who enjoy a sweet and decadent treat. Whether served at tea parties, birthday celebrations, or holiday feasts, this dessert has certainly earned its place as a modern classic.

The Shortbread Layer: The Perfect Foundation

At the heart of Millionaire Shortbread lies the shortbread base. Made with just a few simple ingredients—salted butter, sugar, and flour—this base is the perfect foundation for the rich caramel and chocolate layers above.

The secret to achieving the ideal shortbread texture lies in the ratio of butter to flour. The butter gives the shortbread its melt-in-your-mouth quality, while the flour provides structure. The sugar adds sweetness, but the salted butter plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate layers, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The shortbread layer is typically baked to a light golden brown, creating a crisp, buttery base that pairs perfectly with the decadent caramel and chocolate layers.

Once the shortbread base is baked and cooled, it serves as the sturdy yet delicate foundation that supports the richness of the other layers. The result is a balanced treat that doesn’t overwhelm with sweetness, yet offers just the right amount of indulgence.

The Caramel Layer: A Sweet, Creamy Delight

The caramel layer is the heart of Millionaire Shortbread, offering a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. This layer is made by melting butter and combining it with brown sugar, condensed milk, and a touch of corn syrup. The caramel cooks down into a thick, golden filling that’s sweet, rich, and just the right amount of chewy.

The key to making a perfect caramel layer lies in patience. The mixture must be heated gently to allow the sugar to dissolve and the caramel to thicken without burning. Stirring continuously ensures the caramel stays smooth and free of any unwanted lumps or graininess. The sea salt added to the caramel layer serves to enhance the flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and adding depth to the caramel’s richness.

Once the caramel has cooled slightly, it is spread evenly over the shortbread base. The caramel layer is thick and luscious, creating a perfect texture that complements the crumbly shortbread beneath it. The caramel should be allowed to cool completely before adding the final layer of chocolate, ensuring that the chocolate doesn’t melt into the caramel.

The Chocolate Layer: The Finishing Touch

The final layer of Millionaire Shortbread is the chocolate topping. Made with semisweet chocolate chips and butter, this layer adds a glossy, smooth finish to the dessert, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the caramel and the richness of the shortbread.

Semisweet chocolate is often used for the topping because it strikes the perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness. It provides a smooth, velvety layer that contrasts beautifully with the chewy caramel. The butter in the chocolate topping ensures that the chocolate remains glossy and easy to spread, while adding a touch of creaminess to the overall texture.

Once the chocolate layer is poured over the cooled caramel, it should be spread evenly with a spatula, ensuring a smooth, even surface. The chocolate is then left to set, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator, until it becomes firm and shiny. The result is a decadent, glossy chocolate finish that ties together the other two layers and creates a beautiful, luxurious dessert.

How to Serve and Store Millionaire Shortbread

Millionaire Shortbread is typically cut into squares or bars, making it easy to serve and share. For a clean cut, it’s recommended to refrigerate the bars until the chocolate layer is fully set, as this makes it easier to slice through the layers without disturbing their delicate structure. Once cut, the squares should be served on a platter, ready to be enjoyed by your guests or savored during a quiet moment.

This dessert is best stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Due to its rich ingredients, Millionaire Shortbread can be stored for several days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator. However, to preserve the crispness of the shortbread layer and the smoothness of the caramel and chocolate, it’s best to consume within a few days.

Customizing Your Millionaire Shortbread

While the classic version of Millionaire Shortbread is undoubtedly delicious, there are several ways to customize it to suit your preferences or to add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

Flavored Caramel: You can infuse the caramel with different flavors by adding vanilla extract, espresso powder, or even a splash of flavored liqueur like rum or whiskey. This can add a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel.
Nutty Toppings: For a bit of crunch, try topping the chocolate layer with chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. This adds texture and a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the chocolate and caramel.
Fruit: A layer of fruit, such as thinly sliced strawberries or raspberries, can add a fresh, tart contrast to the rich layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.
Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate. The slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate can add an elegant and sophisticated twist to the dessert.

Conclusion: A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Millionaire Shortbread is a decadent, irresistible treat that brings together three luxurious layers of flavor and texture. The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect foundation, while the rich caramel layer offers a sweet, chewy filling. The smooth chocolate topping completes the dessert, creating a beautiful, glossy finish that enhances the flavors of the other layers.

This dessert is not only visually stunning but also deliciously indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, Millionaire Shortbread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its combination of sweet, salty, buttery, and chocolaty elements makes it an unforgettable dessert that everyone will love.

By following this simple recipe and experimenting with your own variations, you can create a truly special dessert that will be the star of any occasion. So go ahead—bake a batch of Millionaire Shortbread and enjoy a moment of indulgence.

Pin3

3 Shares