Description
Millionaire’s Shortbread is a decadent layered dessert featuring a crisp, buttery shortbread base, a luscious homemade caramel filling, and a thick, rich chocolate ganache topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt. This indulgent treat perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making it a timeless favorite for special occasions or anytime you crave a luxurious dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (but not melty, a little cool still is good)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
Creamy Caramel Filling
- 2 (14-oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 14 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the Shortbread Dough: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-creamed. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly and scraping down the bowl sides to combine fully.
- Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture with the mixer on low speed. Halfway through adding the flour, sprinkle in the table salt while the mixer is running. Avoid over-mixing; the dough should remain slightly crumbly to make pressing it into the pan easier.
- Press Dough into Pan: Distribute the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a piece of wax paper and the back of a spoon to gently and firmly press the dough into an even layer across the bottom. Remove and discard the wax paper afterwards.
- Bake the Shortbread Base: Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. Allow the shortbread to cool while you prepare the caramel topping.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter pieces, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously as the mixture heats to prevent burning, and cook until it thickens to a caramel consistency, approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it evenly using a spatula. Allow it to set at room temperature until firm but still slightly soft, which may take about 30 minutes.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- Top with Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer, spreading evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top while the ganache is still wet to create a balanced sweet and salty flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled Millionaire’s Shortbread for at least 1-2 hours or until the ganache is set. Cut into 28 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Millionaire’s shortbread consists of a crisp shortbread base, chewy homemade caramel filling, and thick chocolate ganache top, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
- To ensure the shortbread base has the perfect texture, avoid overmixing the dough—it should remain slightly crumbly before baking.
- The caramel filling requires attentive stirring to prevent burning; use medium to medium-low heat for best results.
- For easy slicing, chill the finished shortbread well so the layers hold together neatly.
- This recipe includes a how-to video to guide you through each step for perfect results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 298 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 122 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg
