Description

Millionaire’s Shortbread is a decadent treat featuring a crisp, buttery shortbread base, a luscious homemade caramel filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt. This indulgent dessert balances sweet, salty, and creamy textures, making it a perfect luxurious treat for special occasions or satisfying sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

1 cup unsalted butter (softened, slightly cool)
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

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)

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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 of the shortbread later.
Make the Shortbread Dough: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter along with the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-creamed. This step is crucial for a tender shortbread base.
Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly while scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour on low speed, pausing midway to sprinkle in the salt and continue mixing. Take care not to overbeat; the dough should be slightly crumbly to make pressing easier.
Press Dough into Pan: Evenly distribute the dough into the prepared pan. To smooth and press the dough firmly and evenly, cover it with a piece of wax paper and use the back of a spoon, then remove the wax paper.
Bake Shortbread Base: Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the caramel layer.
Prepare Caramel Filling: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter pieces, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Spread Caramel Over Shortbread: Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it evenly. Allow the filled shortbread to cool completely to set the caramel.
Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream gently until just simmering, then pour over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy.
Top with Ganache and Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache over the set caramel layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for flavor contrast. Refrigerate the assembled shortbread until the ganache is set, about 1-2 hours.
Slice and Serve: Once fully chilled and firm, cut the millionaire’s shortbread into 28 pieces. Serve and enjoy this rich, layered treat.

Notes

Millionaire’s shortbread features three distinct layers: a crisp shortbread base, a chewy homemade caramel filling, and a thick chocolate ganache topping, creating a rich and indulgent dessert.
Softened butter should not be melted; it should still be slightly cool for best texture in the shortbread dough.
Use parchment paper in the pan to ensure easy removal and clean edges.
Be careful not to over-mix the shortbread dough to avoid tough texture.
Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Allow ample cooling and chilling time for the caramel and ganache layers to set properly before slicing.
This recipe yields 28 pieces, making it great for sharing at parties or gifting.
A video tutorial is available to guide you through the process visually.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 298
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