Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for the ultimate treat that combines buttery crumbly shortbread, rich gooey caramel, and luscious chocolate all in one bite, then this Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This classic dessert is a decadent trio of textures and flavors that feels super fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe hits all the right notes and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe requires only a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery shortbread base to the creamy caramel and the rich chocolate topping, every element is essential.
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature unsalted butter ensures a creamy base and smooth caramel without extra salt.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that tender, slightly crisp shortbread texture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread, providing structure and that satisfying crumbly bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in both the shortbread and caramel layers.
- Brown sugar: Gives the caramel its deep, rich flavor and beautiful color.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the caramel, making it smooth and gooey.
- Vanilla extract: A splash for warmth and complexity in the caramel.
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa): The bitterness cuts through the sweetness while adding intensity.
- Milk chocolate: For a milder, sweeter chocolate layer that complements the dark chocolate perfectly.
- Optional unsalted butter: Stirred into melted chocolate for that beautiful glossy finish.
How to Make Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Shortbread Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make removing your bars a breeze once they’re baked and cooled. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add your flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together—expect it to be a little crumbly but easy to press firmly into the pan. Bake the shortbread for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool completely while you prepare your next delicious layer.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes or until the caramel thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Pour this heavenly caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Pop the pan into the fridge for about 30 minutes so the caramel can set firmly before moving on.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Topping
For that final indulgent touch, melt the dark chocolate and milk chocolate together using a double boiler or microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until silky and smooth. If you’re after that extra shine and richness, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter now. Spread the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer evenly and let it cool slightly before refrigerating again for at least an hour. Once everything is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the block out of the pan and cut into perfect squares or rectangles to serve.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
While this iconic treat is perfect as is, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate to complement the sweetness and elevate the flavors. Another fun option is to sprinkle some crushed nuts, like toasted pecans or almonds, to add an extra crunch and nutty aroma. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also make for a beautiful presentation and a fresh flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Millionaire’s Shortbread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, balancing out the richness of the caramel and chocolate. For a truly decadent pairing, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These sides make each bite feel like a celebration of textures and temperatures that your taste buds will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe extra special for gatherings or gift-giving, arrange the squares on a beautiful serving platter lined with parchment and tied with a rustic ribbon. You might also experiment with layering the shortbread and caramel in a jar or glass for an elegant individual dessert presentation. When serving at a party, consider setting up a little dessert station with toppings like sea salt flakes, crushed toffee, or raspberry sauce for guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Millionaire’s Shortbread left (which might be tough!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days to keep the layers firm and fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight to avoid condensation on the chocolate surface.
Reheating
You don’t really need to reheat Millionaire’s Shortbread, but if you prefer it slightly warm, just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften the caramel and chocolate layers before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the caramel and make the chocolate bloom or seize.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe as salted butter already contains salt to avoid making your shortbread or caramel too salty.
What type of chocolate works best for the topping?
A combination of dark (70% cocoa) and milk chocolate works beautifully to balance bittersweet richness with creamy sweetness, but you can adjust the ratio to suit your taste.
How can I tell when the caramel is set?
The caramel should be firm to the touch and not sticky after refrigeration—if it jiggles when you gently shake the pan, give it a little more time to set.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking and follow the recipe as usual.
Can I use a different size pan?
Absolutely. Adjust the baking time accordingly; a larger pan will yield thinner layers that bake faster, while a smaller pan will create thicker layers requiring slightly more time.
Final Thoughts
Making this Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe in your own kitchen is one of those joyful baking adventures that rewards you with layers of amazing flavor and beautiful texture. It’s absolutely worth every bit of effort to create such a classic treat that delights friends and family alike. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to treat yourself to a slice of sweet, buttery heaven.
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Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Millionaire’s Shortbread is a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base, a rich homemade caramel middle, and a smooth chocolate topping. This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions and satisfies any sweet tooth with its combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal after baking.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aeration will help create a tender shortbread.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together; it will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.
- Bake the Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form a smooth base. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens slightly.
- Apply Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the caramel set firmly.
- Melt the Chocolate Topping: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark and milk chocolates together using a double boiler or microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Optionally, stir in the tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish.
- Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel and spread evenly with a spatula. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before refrigerating to set completely for at least 1 hour.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully set, lift the shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve your delicious Millionaire’s Shortbread.
Notes
- Ensure the shortbread base is completely cooled before adding caramel to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- The optional butter in the chocolate topping adds shine but can be omitted if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars well before slicing and use a sharp knife.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
