Millionaire Shortbread
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The ultimate sweet confection, this luxurious Millionaire Shortbread recipe features rich and buttery Scottish shortbread followed by a layer of caramel and chocolate. It’s simply out of this world delicious!
What is Millionaire Shortbread?
If you like Scottish shortbread, and you like caramel and chocolate, then Millionaire Shortbread is about as close to heaven as you can get! Imagine the most buttery, delicious shortbread and then add a layer of homemade caramel followed by a layer of chocolate. Then imagine sinking your teeth through all three layers – chewing, swallowing, sighing, repeating…it really just doesn’t get any better!
To be sure, Millionaire Shortbread is rich. It’s not called “millionaire’s” for nothing. It’s so luxurious that you’ll probably only be able to handle a small square at a time. At least that’s my limit. That said, it doesn’t take me very long before I’m ready for another ;)
During the nearly 7 wonderful years I lived in England I made numerous trips up to Scotland and always had my fill of the local shortbread. But it wasn’t until our family vacation to Scotland last year that I was introduced to Millionaire’s Shortbread (aka Caramel Shortcake) for the first time.
I know, where had I been all those years? Living under a rock in Cambridgeshire England apparently. But no matter, the important thing is that I DID finally discover it…and what a discovery it was! This delightful confection only served to further enhance the memories of our wonderful family trip through Scotland. Below are a few pictures from one of our family vacations to Scotland.
We packed quite a bit into our itinerary, covering everything from Edinburgh and Sterling to Inverness, Eilean Donan, Glen Coe and a lot in between. So we worked up quite an appetite.
And when it came to sweet cravings, our stops at the local bakeries and fudge shops to get some Millionaire’s Shortbread definitely satisfied the cravings.
Once we got back home I of course wasted no time in developing a recipe for it. It has since become a family favorite, so much so that our 8 year old son requested it as his 9th birthday cake. Our little guy wasted no time in making that request, he knew exactly what he wanted and he got his wish. I’m not sure which he was more excited about, his exciting presents or his very own batch of Millionaire Shortbread!
Now it’s your turn to make it. It’s very easy, the shortbread can even be made in advance, it travels and stores well, and we’re confident you’re going to love it as much as we do!
Millionaire Shortbread Recipe
Let’s get started!
First we need to make the shortbread. And we’ve got you covered for the very best, authentic Scottish shortbread. Get my recipe for traditional Scottish Shortbread (click link for recipe).
Depending on how thick you want your shortbread layer, use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan for the Scottish shortbread.
Now let’s make that delectable caramel filling!
Place the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, golden syrup and salt in a medium saucepan and heat over medium until melted, stirring regularly. Continue to simmer until the mixture has thickened and is golden, 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. When you run a spoon down the middle it should leave an empty trail along the saucepan.
For accuracy I highly recommend using a candy or instant read thermometer. The caramel mixture is done when the thermometer reaches 225 degrees F. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel mixture over the prepared Scottish shortbread and use a spoon to evenly smooth it out.
Let it cool completely.
Heat the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until melted, stirring occasionally.
Pour the chocolate over the firmed up caramel and smooth it evenly.
Place it in the fridge to cool completely.
Once firm, cut the millionaire shortbread into squares (easiest to cut at room temperature).
You can keep it refrigerated but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.
Enjoy!
For more traditional British and Scottish treats be sure to try my:
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Chelsea Buns
- Treacle Tart
- Eccles Cakes
- Spotted Dick
- Lardy Cake
- Hot Cross Buns
- Easter Biscuits
- Flapjacks
- Bara Brith
- Mince Pie
- Scottish Shortbread
- Parkin
- Victoria Sponge Cake
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Millionaire Shortbread
Ingredients
- 1 batch Homemade Scottish Shortbread (click link for recipe), fully cooled
- 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lyle’s Golden Syrup (corn syrup does NOT have the same flavor)
- Homemade Golden Syrup (click link for recipe – it's super easy to make!)
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces quality dark or milk chocolate (your choice) , chopped
Instructions
- Depending on how thick you want your shortbread layer, use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan for the Homemade Scottish Shortbread.
- Place the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, golden syrup and salt in a medium saucepan and heat over medium until melted, stirring regularly. Continue to simmer until the mixture has thickened and is golden, 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. When you run a spoon down the middle it should leave an empty trail along the saucepan. For accuracy we recommend using a candy or instant read thermometer. The caramel mixture is done when the thermometer reaches 225 degrees F. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the prepared Scottish shortbread and use a spoon to evenly smooth it out. Let it cool completely.
- Heat the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until melted, stirring occasionally. Pour the chocolate over the firmed up caramel and smooth it evenly. Place it in the fridge to cool completely. *You can store it in the fridge but it is best served at room temperature.
- Cut the Millionaire’s Shortbread into squares (it’s easiest at room temperature).
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet April 23, 2019
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
Thank you so much for posting the wonderful history and an authentic recipe for shortbread, millionaire shortbread, and also for Golden Syrup. It’s an expensive import item here where I live in the U.S.A, and to be able to make the syrup at home is wonderful.
My baking question for you is, I often bake in larger batches as I bake for friends, and so I double recipes. When you double the recipe, which size pan do you use?
Also, will the chocolate spread on top streak if not tempered? Or does it stay all one color like your photo? Thank you so much!
Hi Lisa, I’m happy you enjoyed it, thank you :) When I double the recipe I either use two 8-inch pans or a single 9×13 inch pan. When I use the 9×13 inch pan the shortbread is thicker and so instead of cutting it into larger squares I cut them into smaller rectangles. I simply melt the chocolate in the microwave and have never had any issues with streaking. Happy baking!
Could you please tell me if it’s ok to freeze after baking ? Thanks so much.
I made it last year and it was delicious. I’d just like to know if it freezes well
Thank you, Donna! Yes, you can freeze it. Cut it up into bars/squares and wrap them individually before freezing them. Then let them thaw fully at room temp.
This recipe is unbelievable! Thank you so much. I had a little bit of an issue with the consistency of the crumble of the shortbread dough but it still turned out delicious. How long do these last? The shortbread recipe said about 2 weeks and it gets better with time does the same apply for the millionaires version? I cut them into squares and I’m keeping them in the fridge so they last as long as possible. Thank again.
I had this for the first time with tea on a train from Scotland to London and have never forgotten it. So glad a recipe could be had to duplicate it!
What amount of homemade golden syrup?
Hi CK, it’s 2 tablespoons. I added a link to my homemade golden syrup recipe which you can use instead of the store-bought stuff if you prefer.
This recipe is beyond fantastic. I spent a college semester in London years ago, and this was my absolute favorite dessert. This recipe is by far the best of the ones I’ve tried. A note for my fellow at sea level residents, 15 minutes is perfect for the shortbread. Thank you so much for this!!!
Thank you, Susan, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hello! My husband is Scottish (now an American Citizen!) and his birthday is coming up and he wanted this shortbread instead of cake. My question is how much Golden Syrup do I use? Is it the 2 Tablespoons? Thank you!
Hi Shelley, yes it’s 2 tablespoons. Happy baking!
Super excited to try this recipe and got tins of Lyle’s just for it! Question though… I’m at 5,000′ elevation and usually we adjust by adding a bit more liquid (or flour, or both, tbd product). For the caramel sauce, do you have any ideas how I should tweak it? I plan to eat all mistakes :)
I cannot THANK YOU ENOUGH for sharing this amazing recipe! I made a 1.5 batch and used a 13×15 cookie sheet to spread dough onto. Baked at 350 in 20 minutes then went to make 1/2 pan the millionaire shortbread. OH MY GOODNESS. THE MOST WONDERFUL TIDBITS TO OFFER WITH COFFEE AND TEA THIS NEXT HOLIDAY WEEK. THANK YOU AGAIN AND PLEASE KEEP SHARING!!!
Becki Rood Ellerslie ga
Thanks so much, Becki, I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it! It’s a family favorite in our home. It’s also what my son has requested as his “birthday cake” for the last two years :)
Would the recipe still be good if you only used home made golden syrup (no Lyle’s)?
Absolutely, Ashley! Happy baking! :)
I’m going to try this! When I make shortbread I substitute .25 cup of the flour with .25 cup almond flour. Makes the shortbread slightly chewy, enhances flavor.