A Decadent Dessert With A Buttery Shortbread Base, Rich Caramel Center, And A Smooth Layer Of Chocolate – The Ultimate Indulgence!
Millionaire’s Shortbread is the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it’s one of my family’s favorite desserts! I decided to make it because it combines the perfect layers: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, a gooey caramel center, and a rich chocolate topping.
Each bite is a balance of texture and flavor – crunchy, creamy, and indulgent. It’s perfect for special occasions, a sweet snack with tea, or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. My family can never get enough of these, and it’s always a hit when I bring them to gatherings.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes, Millionaire’s Shortbread stores beautifully! You can make it up to 3 days in advance and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. The caramel needs time to set, so letting it rest overnight in the fridge helps the layers firm up.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel?
A: While making homemade caramel is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut. Just make sure it’s a thick caramel so it doesn’t run.
Q: How do I store this dessert?
A: Store Millionaire’s Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped!
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make the shortbread base gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients (like the chocolate and caramel) are gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate. It will give the dessert a slightly more intense chocolate taste.
What You Need to Make Millionaire’s Shortbread
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Make Millionaire’s Shortbread
- Make the shortbread base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it’s smooth on top. - Bake the shortbread:
Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. - Make the caramel layer:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and becomes a rich caramel. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly. Let the caramel set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. - Make the chocolate layer:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set. - Serve:
Once set, remove the Millionaire’s Shortbread from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or bars, and serve. Enjoy this rich, indulgent treat!
Tips
- For a smoother chocolate layer: If you want a glossy finish on the chocolate, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate.
- Caramel tip: Make sure to watch the caramel carefully while it’s cooking, as it can burn easily. Stir constantly to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Customize the topping: For a fun twist, sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a salted caramel effect.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Catherine P. – “This is hands down the best Millionaire’s Shortbread I’ve ever made! The layers are perfect, and the caramel is so rich and gooey. I’ll definitely be making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lily W. – “So delicious! I added some crushed nuts on top, and it was amazing. The caramel layer was the perfect consistency – not too thick, not too thin.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie L. – “These were a hit at our family gathering. The buttery shortbread with the rich caramel and chocolate – absolutely divine. Everyone asked for the recipe!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma T. – “I used dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, and it was fantastic. This recipe is so simple, but it feels like a gourmet dessert!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Natalie H. – “This recipe is a keeper! The texture of the shortbread is perfect, and the layers are perfectly balanced. My family couldn’t stop eating them!”
Printable Recipe
Millionaire’s Shortbread
Millionaire’s Shortbread is a decadent dessert with three irresistible layers: a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Make the shortbread base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it’s smooth on top.
Bake the shortbread:
- Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Make the caramel layer:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and becomes a rich caramel. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly. Let the caramel set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Make the chocolate layer:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Serve:
- Once set, remove the Millionaire’s Shortbread from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or bars, and serve. Enjoy this rich, indulgent treat!
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Millionaire’s Shortbread, please share it with your friends and family! It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a special dessert for a gathering. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your Millionaire’s Shortbread turns out!
