Go Back
–+ servings
A close-up of two layers of Millionaires Shortbread, featuring a caramel filling and chocolate topping.

Millionaires Shortbread

Jennifer Ryan
Buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate come together in this classic millionaires shortbread recipe everyone loves.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 24 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 59 minutes
Course Brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Scotish
Servings 16
Calories 411 kcal

Equipment

  • 20-22 cm square baking tin (at least 3 cm deep)
  • Baking paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan (heavy-based, non-stick)
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Small saucepan (for melting chocolate)
  • Fork
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
 
 

For the shortbread:

For the caramel:

For the topping:

Instructions
 

Make the Shortbread Base

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Lightly grease and line a square baking tin with baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
    A baking pan lined with parchment paper, showing signs of previous use.
  • In a large bowl, combine the plain flour and caster sugar. Add the softened butter and rub it in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
    250 Grams Plain flour, 75 Grams Caster sugar, 175 Grams Butter
    A bowl filled with a crumbly mixture, for a dessert base.
  • Bring the mixture together with your hands to form a soft dough. Press it evenly into the base of the prepared tin, smoothing it flat.
    A ball of shortbread dough in a mixing bowl, ready for baking.
  • Prick the surface lightly with a fork, then bake for 20 minutes, or until the shortbread is just set and lightly golden.
    A square baking pan with shortbread dough, marked with small holes, ready for baking.
  • Leave to cool completely in the tin.
    A square layer of shortbread in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Make the Caramel Layer

  • Place the butter and dark brown sugar into a heavy-based saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until both are fully melted and smooth.
    150 Grams Dark brown soft sugar, 150 Grams Unsalted butter
  • Add the condensed milk and increase the heat slightly. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
    397 Grams Condensed milk
  • Cook for about 1 minute, until the caramel thickens and turns a rich golden color. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
    A tray filled with a smooth layer of caramel for Millionaires Shortbread.
  • Allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate (or freeze briefly) until the caramel is fully set.

Add the Chocolate Topping

  • Break the chocolate into pieces and melt it gently in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
    200 Grams Dark chocolate
    A bowl filled with chopped chocolate pieces ready for melting.
  • Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled caramel layer and spread evenly. Leave to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
    A tray of melted chocolate layered over a base, ready to set for Millionaires Shortbread.
  • Once set, lift out of the tin and slice into squares or bars using a sharp knife (wipe the knife with hot water between cuts for clean edges).
    A stack of Millionaires Shortbread with layers of caramel and chocolate on top of a crumbly base.

Notes

Tips and Tricks
  • Soft butter matters: Make sure the butter for the shortbread is softened for easy mixing and a tender base.
  • Low and steady caramel: Stir constantly when making the caramel to avoid burning or a grainy texture.
  • Perfect slices: For neat edges, chill fully and use a warm knife, wiping between cuts.
  • Chocolate choice: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter finish or dark chocolate to balance the caramel richness.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Millionaire's shortbread freezes well-slice first, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 106mgPotassium: 203mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 579IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 2mg
Keyword best desserts, biscuit, brunch, caramel, shortbread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe