Millionaire’s Shortbread: The Ultimate Guide to Decadent Caramel Slices

Experience pure indulgence with these Millionaire’s Shortbread bars, featuring a rich, buttery shortbread base, a luscious homemade caramel, and a silky chocolate glaze.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about creating a dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors into one irresistible bite. Millionaire’s Shortbread, often called Caramel Shortbread, is one such masterpiece. It’s a treat that lives up to its name, offering a taste of luxury with every square. These bars feature a sturdy, buttery shortbread crust, a thick layer of rich, chewy caramel, and a smooth, glossy chocolate topping. It’s a delightful symphony of sweet, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that has captivated dessert lovers for generations.

My journey to perfecting these Millionaire’s Shortbread bars started, somewhat amusingly, after a two-week cookie binge. My husband and I had been indulging in an abundance of girl scout cookies, leading me to question my decision to pick a baking book for this month’s Cookbook of the Month challenge. We were definitely in need of a diet, not more sweets! Yet, the book was purchased, the challenge accepted, and my excitement for baking was undeniable. So, a new plan emerged: these delightful confections would primarily be shared. As a leader for the teenage girls at my church, our weekly Wednesday night gatherings became the perfect opportunity to share these sweet experiments.

The Irresistible Allure of Millionaire’s Shortbread

Millionaire’s Shortbread isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Each layer contributes to a harmonious whole, making it a favorite for special occasions, bake sales, or simply a luxurious personal treat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity of ingredients, transforming humble components like butter, sugar, flour, and condensed milk into something truly extraordinary. While the process requires patience, especially for the caramel layer, the reward of these exquisite bars is undoubtedly worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

My first attempt at these bars was almost a frantic dash against the clock. Originally, I had planned to make a different cookie recipe, only to discover, at the last minute, that the dough required a grueling six hours of refrigeration. With time running short, I swiftly pivoted, scanning my new cookbook for an alternative that utilized ingredients I already had on hand. That’s when I stumbled upon this Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe, and I knew it was meant to be.

Even with the change of plans, these bars demanded significant time and attention. The homemade dulce de leche, the heart of the caramel layer, simmered for a little over two hours, slowly transforming into its golden, gooey perfection. Then came the critical chilling period for the chocolate glaze, requiring at least an hour in the refrigerator to set properly. I barely managed this, resulting in a slightly soft chocolate layer when I made the first cuts. This minor imperfection, however, did little to detract from the overall appeal. I also opted for semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate, a thoughtful adjustment aimed at pleasing the palates of my teenage taste-testers.

The Taste Test: A Tale of Two Preferences

Before whisking the majority of the batch off to my teenage group, my husband and I each sampled a small piece. Our initial feedback was interesting: while we both enjoyed them, we felt the chocolate layer was quite dominant, almost overshadowing the delicate flavor of the dulce de leche. As a huge fan of caramel, I was particularly keen to ensure that layer shone through. However, the response from the girls was nothing short of ecstatic! They absolutely raved about the Millionaire’s Shortbread, showering them with compliments. Their enthusiastic reactions were a wonderful reminder that sometimes, different palates appreciate different balances of flavor.

Moving forward, I’m considering a new rating system for my recipes, perhaps averaging my husband’s and my scores with those of my teenage tasters. But for this week, their overwhelming approval combined with our own positive, albeit nuanced, feedback led to a truly impressive rating. These bars are incredibly rich, so I cut them into relatively small squares. The final yield can range anywhere from 24 to 48 bars, depending on your preferred portion size – a testament to their luxurious density.

Recipe Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Millionaires Shortbread

★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5 based on combined feedback)

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
2 hours 40 minutes

Inactive Time:
3 hours 30 minutes

Total Time:
6 hours 40 minutes

Servings:
24 bars

Course:
Dessert

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These Millionaire’s Shortbread bars start with a rich, buttery shortbread base, then are topped with a luxurious homemade caramel and finished with a smooth chocolate glaze.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg yolk, slightly beaten

For the Caramel Filling

• 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (two 14-ounce cans)

For the Chocolate Glaze

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes

Instructions

For the Shortbread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar and softened butter until well blended and light.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, beating until just combined. Then, incorporate the slightly beaten egg yolk, mixing for only a few seconds until it’s just integrated into the dough.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Lightly dust the top of the dough and your hands with a little extra flour. Gently work the dough with your hands, pressing and shaping it into a rough 6-by-6-inch square. Continue to sprinkle the dough with flour as needed, turning it over occasionally. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of flour onto the surface of the dough. Fold the dough over onto itself and knead briefly until the flour is fully incorporated. Finally, flatten the dough into a rectangle shape. Carefully transfer this rectangle to your prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan, extending it to the edges.
5. Using a fork, prick the dough all over to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the shortbread turns a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the shortbread to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Caramel Filling:

1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium-sized heatproof bowl. Place this bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering (not vigorously boiling) water on low heat. Cook the condensed milk, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the milk to thicken and transform into a rich, caramel color and consistency. The key here is patience; don’t rush it. Once it’s thick and caramel-colored, remove the bowl from the saucepan and beat the caramel until it is completely smooth.
2. Carefully pour the warm caramel filling over the completely cooled shortbread base in the pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours, or until the caramel is thoroughly cooled and set.

For the Chocolate Glaze:

1. In a large, nonreactive metal bowl, combine the coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, light corn syrup, and cubed unsalted butter. Set this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Cook, stirring continuously with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is entirely smooth and melted. Once melted, remove the bowl from the pan and stir for an additional 30 seconds to cool the glaze slightly. Pour this glorious chocolate mixture over the chilled caramel layer and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even, glossy layer across the entire surface.
2. Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate glaze has completely hardened and set firm.
3. To prevent the chocolate glaze from cracking when cutting, remove the pan from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to serve. This allows the chocolate to come to a slightly warmer temperature and become less brittle. Using a sharp, hot knife (run under hot water and wiped dry between cuts), slice the bars into your desired squares or rectangles and serve this decadent treat.

Recipe Notes:

The Millionaire’s Shortbread bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture and flavor, allow them to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

This recipe is inspired by Baked: New Frontiers in Baking, a fantastic resource for baking enthusiasts.

Depending on how large you cut them, this recipe will yield between 24 to 48 rich, indulgent bars. Smaller cuts are often recommended due to their decadent nature.

Tips for Millionaire’s Shortbread Success

Making Millionaire’s Shortbread is a labor of love, but a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure a perfect outcome every time:

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are only a few ingredients, the quality of each one truly shines through. Use good quality unsalted butter and chocolate for the best flavor.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: Patience is your best friend when it comes to these bars. Each layer needs adequate chilling time to set properly. Rushing this step will result in a messy, difficult-to-cut dessert. Ensure your shortbread is completely cool before adding the caramel, and the caramel is firm before adding the chocolate.
• Perfecting the Caramel: The caramel layer requires constant attention and stirring. Cook it over low heat and be patient; it can take up to two hours to achieve that deep golden color and thick consistency. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat, as this can lead to burning.
• Cutting Technique: To achieve clean, crisp cuts without cracking the chocolate, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes after being fully chilled. Then, use a very sharp knife. For even cleaner cuts, run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice.
• Customize Your Chocolate: While semi-sweet is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for the glaze. Dark chocolate offers a more intense flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel, while milk chocolate provides a creamier, milder profile.

Why These Bars Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Millionaire’s Shortbread holds a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts for several reasons. Firstly, its layered construction is visually appealing, promising a complex flavor experience even before the first bite. The contrast between the crumbly shortbread, the chewy caramel, and the crisp chocolate creates a delightful textural journey.

Secondly, the balance of sweetness is perfectly calibrated. The buttery shortbread provides a subtle base, the rich caramel delivers a decadent sweetness, and the chocolate glaze (especially if you opt for semi-sweet or dark) offers a counterpoint that prevents the bars from being overly cloying. It’s a sophisticated sweetness that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Finally, these bars are incredibly satisfying. They are rich and indulgent, making them a perfect treat for sharing. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at a party, or simply enjoying one with a cup of coffee, Millionaire’s Shortbread guarantees a moment of pure bliss. Its classic appeal and guaranteed deliciousness make it a timeless recipe that everyone should try at least once.

So, gather your ingredients, set aside an afternoon, and embark on the rewarding journey of making your own Millionaire’s Shortbread. The time and effort invested will be richly repaid with every luxurious bite of these truly exceptional caramel slices.