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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!

millionaire shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

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 ;)

millionaire shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

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.

Scotland loch highlands
Scotland Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland highlands historic church
Scotland Glen Coe

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.

milliionaire's shortbread scottish pastry shop

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's shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

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.

scottish shortbread recipe

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.

melting ingredients in saucepan to make caramel

Pour the caramel mixture over the prepared Scottish shortbread and use a spoon to evenly smooth it out.

Let it cool completely.

pouring caramel over millionaire's shortbread

Heat the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until melted, stirring occasionally.

melting chocolate

Pour the chocolate over the firmed up caramel and smooth it evenly.

Place it in the fridge to cool completely.

pouring chocolate over caramel layer for millionaire's shortbread

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.

millionaire shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

Enjoy!

millionaire shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

For more traditional British and Scottish treats be sure to try our

millionaire's shortbread recipe traditional authentic scottish shortcake

Millionaire Shortbread

The ultimate sweet confection, this luxurious Millionaire Shortbread features rich and buttery Scottish shortbread followed by a layer of caramel and chocolate.  It's phenomenally delicious!
5 from 68 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine British, Scottish
Servings 16 servings
Calories 387 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

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

Serving: 1squareCalories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 188mgPotassium: 214mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword Caramel Shortcake, Millionaire’s Shortbread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet April 23, 2019

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

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!

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Recipe Rating




5 from 68 votes (52 ratings without comment)

33 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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!!!

  4. 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!

  5. 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 :)

  6. 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

  7. 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.