Ready in: 1 hour and 20 minutes · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for up to 5 days
Quick Answer
This Millionaire Shortbread combines a crumbly shortbread base, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate for a delightful treat perfect for the holidays.
Living in New York City, I can feel the festive spirit in the air as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. The streets are lit with twinkling lights, and that delightful aroma of freshly baked treats wafts from bakeries around every corner. One dessert that has stolen my heart (and my taste buds) is Millionaire Shortbread. It's a layered treat that combines a crumbly shortbread base, a luscious caramel center, and a decadent chocolate topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this indulgent dessert will leave your friends and family begging for more.
A Decadent Holiday Delight
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Indulge in layers of rich flavors: buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, this treat will impress your friends and family.
- Simple ingredients make it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
- Leftovers (if any!) can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Millionaire Shortbread:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Make Millionaire Shortbread (Step-by-Step)
This decadent treat is easier to make than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create your own Millionaire Shortbread.
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This will create a warm, inviting aroma in your kitchen. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. It should feel soft yet firm when pressed into your 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake the shortbread for about 20 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool completely in the pan while you prepare the caramel.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Layer
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy, allowing the mixture to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, then pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust and spread it evenly. Let it set at room temperature for about an hour.
Step 3: Finish with the Chocolate Topping
Melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the chilled caramel layer, smoothing it out for a glossy finish. Allow the Millionaire Shortbread to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures with each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cooling times: Allow the layers to cool completely before adding the next layer; otherwise, your chocolate might melt into the caramel.
- Imprecise measurements: Baking is a science. Make sure your measurements are accurate for the best texture and flavor.
- Using low-quality chocolate: Invest in good quality chocolate for the topping; it will make a significant difference in taste.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Make sure your butter for the shortbread is truly softened; this helps create a nice texture.
- For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some sea salt on top of the chocolate once set for a salted caramel vibe.
- Adjust the size of the cut squares based on your guests; small bites can encourage savoring each layer!
Variations
- Swap out semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Add a layer of peanut butter between the caramel and chocolate for a delicious twist.
How to Serve
- Serve at room temperature alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Sprinkle with crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the shortbread and caramel layers a day in advance.
- Storage: Keep leftover Millionaire Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
- Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months for an unexpected sweet treat later on.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through my kitchen experiments with this recipe, I discovered that the layering of flavors not only creates a delightful treat but also a beautiful presentation for any holiday gathering. Each bite is a reminder that good things come to those who wait-especially when it comes to caramel!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 16 squares · Serving Size: 1 square
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 30g carbs · 14g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Millionaire Shortbread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. It should feel soft yet firm when pressed into your 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake the shortbread for about 20 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool completely in the pan while you prepare the caramel.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy, allowing the mixture to bubble. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, then pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust and spread it evenly. Let it set at room temperature for about an hour.
- Melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the chilled caramel layer, smoothing it out for a glossy finish. Allow the Millionaire Shortbread to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures with each bite.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make Millionaire Shortbread in advance?
Yes! You can make Millionaire Shortbread a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
2. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting into the caramel layer?
To prevent the chocolate from melting into the caramel, ensure that both the shortbread and caramel layers are completely cooled before adding the chocolate topping.
3. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for its balance of sweetness, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate based on your preference.
4. What can I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramel has hardened too much, you can gently reheat it in the microwave in short intervals until it softens for easier spreading.
5. How do I get perfectly cut squares of Millionaire Shortbread?
To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and gently score the surface before cutting all the way through. For best results, warm the knife under hot water, then dry it before slicing.
