Millionaire's Shortbread is a delightful treat with three irresistible layers: a crispy and buttery shortbread base, a rich and gooey caramel center, and a smooth layer of chocolate on top. Made from simple ingredients you probably already have at home, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. This sweet combination of chocolate, caramel, and shortbread is truly magical. It's no wonder these little squares are called "Millionaire’s Shortbread", they feel like a million-dollar dessert! Honestly, who could say no to a bite of this indulgent treat?
Millionaire's Shortbread is a sweet treat that’s hard to resist. It starts with a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, followed by a thick, gooey caramel layer, and finishes with a smooth, rich layer of chocolate on top. Each bite feels like a little slice of heaven, combining three perfect flavors into one indulgent dessert.
There’s something truly special about this classic combination. It’s like your favorite candy bar but way better because it’s homemade. The satisfaction of biting through the buttery shortbread, sticky caramel, and silky chocolate is unbeatable, it’s a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Known by names like caramel shortbread, millionaire's slice, or Wellington squares, these bars have a long history. They’re inspired by traditional Scottish shortbread but take it to the next level with their rich, layered twist. The name “millionaire” fits perfectly because they feel so luxurious. In Scotland, it’s even said that these treats might be served to guests on New Year’s Day, a truly sweet way to start the year!
There's something magical about the combination of these three layers. It’s like a candy bar, but so much better because it’s homemade. Plus, the satisfaction of biting through each layer is just unparalleled.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Millionaire's Shortbread
- Effortless Elegance: This dessert looks fancy but is super simple to make, perfect for anything from laid-back hangouts to special celebrations.
- Pure Indulgence: Each bite combines buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and silky chocolate, totally irresistible!
- Make It Your Own: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or some crunchy nuts to give it a fun twist.
- Impressive Presentation: Those perfect layers and glossy chocolate make this treat as stunning as it is delicious.
🧾Millionaire's Shortbread Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Millionaire's Shortbread:
For the Shortbread:
- Unsalted Butter: I use room-temperature unsalted butter for a rich, buttery flavor and a tender, crumbly texture. You can substitute with margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar: Sweetens the shortbread.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. You can skip it if you prefer no salt.
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base, giving the shortbread its structure and crumbly texture.
Caramel:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the caramel.
- Sugar: Sweetens the caramel and gives it that classic golden color.
- Golden Syrup: Sweetens and binds the caramel, adding a subtle toffee flavor. You can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup.
- Condensed Milk: The main ingredient for creamy, sweet caramel.
For the Topping:
- Milk Chocolate: I use milk chocolate for a smooth, indulgent top layer. You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix of different flavors.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Millionaire's Shortbread
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a bowl, mix together soft butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until it becomes light and fluffy.
2. Stir in flour until you have a dough.
3. Put the dough into a baking tray that's 20cm by 20cm and lined with parchment paper. Press it down evenly.
4. Bake in the oven at 150°C (302°F) with the fan on for 25-30 minutes or until the shortbread turns a light golden color. Let it cool afterward.
5. In a small saucepan melt butter, sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk on medium heat stirring constantly.
6. Let the mix gently boil while stirring non-stop until it thickens and becomes a golden caramel color.
7. Pour the sweet caramel on top of the cooled shortbread and spread it out evenly.
8. Let it cool down.
9. Chop milk chocolate into tiny bits. Put the pieces in a heat proof bowl, and melt using a double boiler.
10. Pour the melted chocolate all over the caramel layer, making sure it covers everything evenly.
11. Let the Millionaire's Shortbread cool down completely. Put it in the fridge for about 1 hour.
12. Cut it into squares.
📖Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds between the caramel and chocolate layers for extra crunch.
- S'mores Twist: Layer crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits between the shortbread and caramel, then top with marshmallows before adding the chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Pecan: Mix salted caramel with chopped pecans for a rich and nutty treat.
- Sea Salt Sensation: Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate for a delicious sweet and salty contrast.
- Peanut Butter Perfection: Swirl peanut butter into the chocolate for a yummy flavor combo.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Proper Shortbread Base: Bake the shortbread until it's golden and firm but still soft, not too crispy.
Smooth Caramel Layer: Stir the caramel constantly to prevent sticking or burning. Cook until it's smooth and rich in color.
Layering Technique: Let each layer cool completely before adding the next to keep them neat.
Chilling Time: Chill the shortbread after adding the chocolate to help it set nicely.
Cutting Tips: Ensure it's fully set before cutting. Use a hot knife for clean cuts through the chocolate without cracking.
Storage: Store Millionaire's shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
🍬More Candy Recipes to Try!
If you're loving this Millionaire's shortbread, you'll also adore these tasty candy recipes:
- Buckeye Candy
- Maple Fudge
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Chocolate Almond Nougat
- Caramels
- Toffee Candy
- Oreo Balls
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
📖 Recipe
Millionaires Shortbread
Ingredients
For the Shortbread:
- 150 g Unsalted Butter
- 85 g Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 225 g Flour
For the Caramel:
- 120 g Unsalted Butter
- 25 g Sugar
- 75 g Golden Syrup
- 397 g Condensed Milk
For the Topping;
- 200 g Milk Chocolate
Instructions
How to Make Shortbread:
- In a bowl, combine cream, butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, mixing until you have a dough.
- Place the dough into a lined baking tray (20cmx20 cm) with parchment paper and press.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 150°C (302°F) with the fan for 25-30 minutes or until the shortbread is lightly golden. Allow it to cool.
How to Make Caramel:
- In a small saucepan, add and melt butter, sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk over medium heat, stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns a golden caramel color.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool.
How to Make Chocolate Topping:
- Cut milk chocolate into small pieces, add to a medium bowl, and melt it using a double boiler.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
Setting and cutting:
- Allow the Millionaires Shortbread to cool completely and let the chocolate set. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Once set, take it out from the fridge, remove it from the baking tray, and cut into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
OMG, this Millionaire's Shortbread is AMAZING!! The shortbread is perfect, the caramel is gooey and delicious, and that chocolate 😍 Definitely my new favorite treat!