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Millionaire’s Shortbread Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

This recipe for Authentic Millionaire’s Shortbread, also known as Caramel Shortcake, features a buttery shortbread base topped with a rich, golden caramel layer and finished with a smooth, high-quality chocolate topping. The combination of crisp shortbread, chewy caramel, and creamy chocolate creates an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

  • 1 recipe shortbread (see recipe card)

Caramel Layer

  • 6 oz butter (1 1/2 sticks)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 Tbsp Lyle’s Golden Syrup (available in British or specialty shops; omit if unavailable)
  • 7 oz condensed milk (½ of a 14 oz can)

Chocolate Topping

  • 8 oz good quality dark or milk chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350º F (170º C) to prepare for baking the shortbread.
  2. Prepare Shortbread: Follow your preferred shortbread recipe to make the base. Lightly prick the dough with a fork before baking. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
  3. Make the Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine butter, sugar, Golden Syrup, and condensed milk. Heat the mixture until it bubbles, then reduce to a simmer. Stir constantly to prevent burning and continue until the caramel thickens and turns a golden brown. If using a candy thermometer, cook until it reaches the soft ball stage at 235-240ºF (113-115ºC). Alternatively, test by dropping a bit of caramel in cold water to form a soft ball.
  4. Assemble the Caramel Layer: Pour the prepared caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Set aside to cool completely and allow the caramel to set.
  5. Finish with Chocolate: Melt the chocolate gently—microwaving on defrost setting works well to avoid burning. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled bars until the chocolate is firm. Once set, cut into slices. Store leftovers in an airtight tin or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • You can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if preferred.
  • If Lyle’s Golden Syrup is unavailable, you may omit it, but it adds a distinctive flavor to the caramel.
  • Ensure to stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning and achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Using a candy thermometer helps achieve the perfect caramel texture but testing in cold water is an effective alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/millionaires-shortbread-bars-recipe/