Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Shortbread Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that perfectly balances rich flavors and textures, you’re going to adore this Millionaire Shortbread recipe.
Each layer offers something unique: buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate. The moment you take a bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
It’s indulgent yet comforting, making it perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
Trust me, once you try this treat, you’ll want to share it with everyone—or keep it all to yourself!
Ingredients of Millionaire Shortbread
When it comes to whipping up a batch of Millionaire Shortbread, gathering the right ingredients is vital. This treat is all about layers of deliciousness, and each component plays an essential role in achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures.
So, let’s explore what you’ll need to create this sweet masterpiece.
Here’s your shopping list:
- 200 g plain flour
- 130 g salted butter (for the shortbread)
- 65 g golden caster sugar
- 50 g butter (for the caramel)
- 200 g dark brown sugar
- 200 g salted butter (for the caramel)
- 397 g sweetened condensed milk
- 400 g milk chocolate
Now, as you gather these ingredients, keep in mind a few handy tips. It’s important to use good quality chocolate because that’s the crown jewel of this dessert.
I mean, who wants a sad, waxy chocolate coating when you could have a luxurious, smooth layer that melts in your mouth? And don’t skimp on the butter; the salted kind adds a lovely depth of flavor that balances out the sweetness.
If you can, try to use fresh ingredients. They make a world of difference in how your final product turns out. Trust me; it’s worth it.
How to Make Millionaire Shortbread
Making Millionaire Shortbread is like starting on a delicious adventure; it’s all about layering flavors and textures to create that perfect bite. So, let’s get started.
First off, you’ll want to whip up the shortbread base. Grab 130 g of salted butter and give it a good beat with a wooden spoon until it’s nice and soft. Next, toss in 65 g of golden caster sugar and mix it all together. Then comes the fun part—add 200 g of plain flour (sift it if you want to avoid those pesky lumps) and work it all together. You want a soft dough that holds together nicely without leaving bits behind in the bowl. If it’s too crumbly, don’t worry; just knead it a little more.
Once your dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions and roll each out to about 5 mm to 1 cm thick. Place them into two 9-inch square tins, and don’t forget to prick the surface with a fork—this will help it bake evenly.
Now, pop those tins into a very low oven, set at 300°F (150°C), and let them cook for 50 minutes. Just a heads up, the shortbread mightn’t feel firm right when you take it out, but trust the process; it will firm up as it cools.
While the shortbread is cooling, let’s work on the caramel. In a pan, combine 50 g of butter and 200 g of dark brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves—magic in the making, right?
Then, add a can of 397 g sweetened condensed milk. Increase the heat and stir vigorously until you see the first big bubbles bursting to the surface, which means it’s about to boil. But hold on; it’s super important to leave the melted butter that floats on top alone, or your caramel won’t set.
After that, remove it from the heat and keep stirring for two minutes. Once that’s done, pour the caramel over your chilled shortbread and let it set for about 20 minutes.
Now, for the crowning glory: melt 400 g of milk chocolate over boiling water and pour it over the caramel layer. After a few hours in the fridge, you’ll have a decadent treat that’s ready to be sliced into pieces. Enjoy!
Millionaire Shortbread Substitutions & Variations
While creating Millionaire Shortbread is a delightful experience, you can easily personalize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re vegan, use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of condensed milk.
You can also switch up the chocolate—dark chocolate offers a rich flavor, while white chocolate adds sweetness.
Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist or mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Millionaire Shortbread
What goes perfectly with a slice of rich Millionaire Shortbread? I love pairing it with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the shortbread, creating a delightful contrast.
If you prefer tea, a robust black tea works just as well. For a lighter touch, serving it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that complements the layers beautifully.
Finally, don’t underestimate the charm of fresh berries on the side; their tartness cuts through the richness and adds a revitalizing touch to every bite!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing your Millionaire Shortbread with coffee or tea can enhance your tasting experience, but a few extra tips can elevate your baking game even further.
First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother dough.
When melting chocolate, avoid stirring too soon; let it melt gradually for a glossy finish.
If you want a saltier kick, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer.
Finally, for added texture, consider mixing in crushed nuts or a layer of fruit preserves before pouring the chocolate.
Enjoy your baking journey—these small tweaks make a big difference!