Irresistible Millionaire Shortbread Recipe in 3 Simple Steps

I still remember the first time I bit into a slice of millionaire shortbread at my aunt’s tea party. The crisp buttery base shattered slightly under my teeth, giving way to that luscious caramel middle that practically melted on my tongue, all topped with that glossy chocolate layer that snaps so satisfyingly when you break it. Right then I knew – I had to learn how to make this at home. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite, the perfect balance of textures in one decadent square. Now it’s my go-to dessert when I want to impress – or just treat myself!

Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Trust me, this isn’t just any dessert – it’s pure magic in every bite! Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

• So simple – just three layers, but each one makes your taste buds dance
• That perfect crunch-to-cream ratio – crisp shortbread, gooey caramel, smooth chocolate
• Always a crowd-pleaser – disappears faster than I can make it at parties
• Makes thoughtful gifts – package them in cute boxes and watch people’s faces light up
• Better than store-bought – because homemade caramel just hits different

Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to the bakery stuff!

Ingredients for Millionaire Shortbread

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! I’ve learned the hard way – measure everything before you start because once that caramel starts cooking, you can’t walk away. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, layer by glorious layer:

For the Shortbread Base

• 200g all-purpose flour – spoon and level it, don’t scoop!
• 100g unsalted butter, softened – leave it out for 30 minutes (should dent when pressed)
• 50g caster sugar – that fine texture makes the base extra tender

For That Dreamy Caramel Layer

• 200g unsalted butter – cubed so it melts evenly
• 200g light brown sugar – packed firmly into the measuring cup
• 1 can (397g) condensed milk – not evaporated milk, the sweet sticky stuff!

Chocolate Topping Magic

• 200g dark chocolate, chopped – or chips if you’re feeling lazy (I won’t tell)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil – just a splash to make spreading easier

See? Nothing fancy, just quality ingredients that work together like best friends at a sleepover!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab these kitchen basics:

• 20cm square baking tin – metal works best for that golden shortbread crust
• Medium saucepan – heavy-bottomed is ideal for caramel (trust me, no burnt bottoms!)
• Mixing bowl – any old bowl will do for the shortbread dough
• Sharp knife – crucial for clean cuts through all those layers
• Spatula – my trusty sidekick for spreading caramel and chocolate

That’s it! Now let’s get baking – the fun part’s coming up next!

How to Make Millionaire Shortbread

Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! Making millionaire shortbread is like building a delicious little tower of joy – one careful layer at a time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect squares every time. Just promise me you’ll resist eating the caramel straight from the pan – it’s harder than it sounds!

Preparing the Shortbread Base

First things first – preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease that 20cm square tin really well. Now, mix your flour, softened butter, and caster sugar until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Then get your hands in there – squeeze it together until it forms a soft dough. Press it evenly into the tin (I use the bottom of a glass to get it nice and flat). Bake for 20 minutes until it’s pale golden – don’t let it get too dark! Let it cool completely before adding the caramel.

Making the Caramel Filling

Okay, here’s where you need to focus – caramel waits for no one! Melt your butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s all melted together, keep stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes. I mean it – don’t walk away to check your phone! The mixture will thicken and turn a beautiful caramel color. When it starts pulling away from the sides of the pan, it’s ready. Pour it over your cooled shortbread and spread it quickly before it sets. Chill for at least 1 hour – this is the hardest wait!

Adding the Chocolate Topping

Almost there! Break up your chocolate and melt it gently with the oil (you can use a microwave in 30-second bursts or a bowl over simmering water). Once it’s smooth and glossy, pour it over your chilled caramel layer. Tilt the tin to spread it evenly – or use a spatula if you’re fancy. Pop it back in the fridge for another hour until the chocolate sets completely. Pro tip: resist cutting it right away! Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes first so your knife glides through cleanly.

Tips for Perfect Millionaire Shortbread

After making countless batches (and eating even more!), here are my foolproof secrets:

• Hot knife trick – run your knife under hot water before slicing for those Instagram-perfect clean cuts
• Patience pays – let each layer cool completely before adding the next to prevent messy layers
• Room temp is key – let chilled shortbread sit for 10 minutes before cutting to avoid cracks
• Even layers – use a ruler to score chocolate topping before cutting for uniform squares

Follow these, and you’ll have bakery-worthy shortbread every time!

Variations for Millionaire Shortbread

Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! My kitchen experiments have led to some delicious twists. Swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter – my niece’s favorite. For grown-up flair, sprinkle sea salt over the caramel before adding chocolate (trust me, that salty-sweet combo is divine). Feeling fancy? Try white chocolate with crushed pistachios on top. The basic recipe is perfect as-is, but don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Serving and Storing Millionaire Shortbread

Here’s the best part – enjoying your masterpiece! I serve these squares at room temperature so all those layers shine. Leftovers? (As if!) Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers – they’ll keep for up to 5 days at room temp. Though between you and me, they never last that long in my house! For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature when the craving hits.

Millionaire Shortbread Nutritional Information

Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating millionaire shortbread for its health benefits! But because I know some folks like to track, here’s the scoop per square (remember, these are rough estimates – your ingredients may vary slightly):

• Calories: About 320 per generous square
• Sugar: 25g (that caramel layer is pure joy!)
• Fat: 18g (11g saturated – worth every bite)

My philosophy? Everything in moderation – except maybe the happiness these little squares bring!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about this millionaire shortbread recipe over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often:

Can I use salted butter instead?
You can, but reduce any added salt in the recipe. I prefer unsalted because it lets me control the flavor perfectly – especially important for that caramel layer!

How long will it keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your shortbread squares will stay delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature. Though I’ve never known them to last that long!

Can I freeze millionaire shortbread?
Absolutely! Freeze individual squares wrapped in parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when your sweet tooth calls.

Why did my caramel turn grainy?
This usually happens if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved before boiling. Keep stirring constantly at the beginning – patience makes perfect caramel!

Share Your Millionaire Shortbread Experience

I’d love to hear how your millionaire shortbread turns out! Did you add any fun twists? Drop me a comment below – your baking stories always make my day. Happy indulging!

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