Description
Authentic Millionaire’s Shortbread, also known as Caramel Shortcake, is a classic indulgent treat featuring a buttery shortbread base layered with rich, golden caramel and topped with a smooth chocolate layer. This dessert combines crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures for a decadent sweet experience perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- 1 recipe shortbread (use your preferred shortbread recipe)
Caramel Layer
- 6 oz butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp Lyle’s Golden Syrup (optional, omit if unavailable)
- 7 oz condensed milk (½ of a 14 oz can)
Chocolate Topping
- 8 oz good quality dark or milk chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (170ºC) to prepare for baking the shortbread base.
- Prepare Shortbread Base: Make the shortbread dough according to your recipe, press it evenly into the baking pan, prick the surface lightly with a fork, and bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Make Caramel Layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, sugar, Lyle’s Golden Syrup (if using), and condensed milk. Heat the mixture until it begins to bubble, then lower to a simmer. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. You can check readiness by bringing it to the soft ball stage (235-240°F or 113-115°C) on a candy thermometer or testing a drop in cold water which should form a soft ball.
- Pour Caramel Over Shortbread: Once the shortbread base has cooled, pour the hot caramel evenly over the top and set aside to cool and set completely.
- Finish with Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate gently—microwaving on a defrost setting works well to avoid burning. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled bars to allow the chocolate to set firmly before slicing into squares. Store in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if preferred.
- If you cannot find Lyle’s Golden Syrup, omit it and proceed as usual; the caramel will still be delicious.
- Use a candy thermometer for best caramel results to avoid burning or undercooking.
- Ensure the shortbread base is fully cooled before pouring caramel to prevent mixing layers.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/20th of total)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
