Millionaire’s Shortbread is a decadent, layered treat that feels downright regal from the very first bite—crisp, buttery shortbread, silky smooth caramel, and glossy semisweet chocolate. This stunning combination of textures and flavors is a British classic for good reason, offering bite-sized bliss for any occasion. If you’re craving something that’s just as impressive to serve as it is satisfying to eat, Millionaire’s Shortbread is the showstopper your dessert table needs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients: each element of Millionaire’s Shortbread has its own job to do, so while the list is simple, every component brings something crucial to the table. From rich butter to luscious chocolate, these staples transform into pure magic when layered together!
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of both your shortbread and caramel, this lends richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the shortbread base and ensures it bakes up with tender sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your crust, providing structure so every bite holds its shape.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances all that sweetness throughout each layer.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The caramel’s heart and soul—it thickens beautifully into that creamy, toffee-like filling we all crave.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note in the chewy caramel layer.
- Corn syrup: Prevents the caramel from crystallizing, keeping it soft and wonderfully gooey.
- Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Melts into a dreamy, smooth top layer that contrasts perfectly with the sweet caramel and crumbly base.
- Extra unsalted butter: Mixed into the chocolate for sheen and a softer bite when chilled.
How to Make Millionaire’s Shortbread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang on the sides. That little trick makes it so much easier to lift out your Millionaire’s Shortbread after it’s set—no digging required!
Step 2: Shortbread Base
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this primes the base for its signature delicate crunch. Next, mix in the flour and salt to form a crumbly dough. Gently press the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out as evenly as possible for a perfectly uniform base. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until it’s just starting to turn golden on top. Let it cool completely before you add anything else.
Step 3: Silky Caramel Layer
For that irresistible caramel, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly—this is your moment to channel patience and care—until it comes to a gentle bubble. Keep stirring as it thickens and transforms into a deep golden color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread, smoothing it out with a spatula. Allow this layer to cool and set for at least 30 minutes before moving on.
Step 4: Luscious Chocolate Topping
In a heatproof bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and a tablespoon of butter together, stirring gently until smooth. This mixture should pour easily over the caramel—spread it into a glossy, chocolatey blanket all the way to the edges. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour, ensuring everything is set and sliceable. For truly pristine squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between each cut.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Shortbread
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt (think Maldon) over the just-set chocolate layer really makes the flavors come alive, contrasting perfectly with the caramel’s sweetness. You could also add a dusting of cocoa powder, edible gold leaf for extra glam, or even a few crunchy toffee bits for texture.
Side Dishes
Millionaire’s Shortbread is rich and indulgent, so serve squares with a cup of robust black tea, a velvety cappuccino, or a cold glass of milk to balance every bite. For dessert platters, pair with fresh raspberries or a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a refreshing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Millionaire’s Shortbread into classic squares, elegant rectangles, or even tiny diamond shapes for a modern twist. For gatherings, stack bars on a tiered dessert stand, or wrap individual pieces in wax paper for an extra special homemade gift. You can even dip half of each square in white chocolate for striking contrast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Millionaire’s Shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep those layers neat and tidy. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a week. For the best taste and texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so the caramel softens slightly.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Millionaire’s Shortbread later? Absolutely! Freeze the bars—either whole or pre-sliced—in a well-sealed container separated by parchment squares. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, ready to thaw in the fridge whenever you fancy a treat.
Reheating
No need to reheat, but if you love your bars extra gooey, leave a square or two on the countertop for 15 to 20 minutes, or gently warm in the microwave at half power for just 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it or the caramel may become messy!
FAQs
Can I make Millionaire’s Shortbread gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour in the shortbread base for your favorite gluten-free blend. Be sure it’s a 1:1 substitute that includes xanthan gum for best results—your bars will still turn out crumbly and delicious.
Why did my caramel turn grainy?
Graininess usually means the caramel heated too quickly or wasn’t stirred enough. Take it slow over medium heat, and stir constantly to dissolve all the sugars. Using corn syrup in the recipe also helps prevent crystallization and ensures that creamy, luscious finish.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Definitely! Dark chocolate deepens the flavor and tones down the sweetness a notch, perfect for grown-up palates. You can even experiment with milk or white chocolate if you want to create your own twist on traditional Millionaire’s Shortbread.
What’s the secret to neat layers?
The most important tip: make sure each layer cools and sets fully before adding the next! For the cleanest slices, refrigerate until firm, then use a sharp, warm knife wiped clean between each cut. The parchment paper overhang also really helps to lift the bars from the pan without mishap.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use two 9×13-inch pans or a larger baking sheet and simply double all quantities. Watch your baking and caramel times, though—larger batches may need a couple more minutes for each layer to set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to impress or simply want to treat yourself, Millionaire’s Shortbread is a surefire hit. Whether you’re sharing with friends, bringing a tray to a party, or sneaking a midnight square, this recipe delivers pure indulgence with every bite. Go on, give it a try—you deserve it!
Print
Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate with this irresistible Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the shortbread layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the caramel layer:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate layer:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread layer: Cream butter and sugar, add flour and salt, press into pan, and bake until golden.
- Make the caramel layer: Cook condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt until thickened, then pour over cooled shortbread.
- Make the chocolate layer: Melt chocolate with butter, pour over set caramel, and chill before slicing.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for clean layers, but allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for best texture.
- You can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
