Millionaire's Shortbread Recipe – Buttery Shortbread, Luxurious
Millionaire's Shortbread is a layered dessert consisting of a buttery shortbread crust, a thick homemade caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate topping. The contrast between the crumbly base, chewy caramel, and rich chocolate creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Perfect for parties, gifting, holidays, and afternoon tea, these bars are easy to prepare and always crowd-pleasing. Each slice delivers luxurious flavor and texture, making it one of the most cherished dessert bars worldwide.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Layer
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz (340g) milk or semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Make the Caramel
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and syrup.Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown, about 8–10 minutes.Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.Pour over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly. Allow to cool completely.
Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt chocolate and oil together until smooth.Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.Chill for 1–2 hours until set.
Slice and Serve
- Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Stir caramel continuously to prevent burning.
- Allow each layer to cool before adding the next.
- Parchment paper makes removal easier.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Store refrigerated during warm weather.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for extra flavor.