Millionaire’s Shortbread

The ultimate sweet confection, this luxurious Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe features rich and buttery Scottish shortbread followed by a layer of caramel and chocolate.  It’s phenomenally delicious!

What is Millionaire’s Shortbread?

If you like Scottish shortbread, and you like caramel and chocolate, then Millionaire’s 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’s 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 is just a few examples of our family’s Scottish escapades.

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’s 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

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 our 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 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.

Once firm, cut the millionaire’s 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 our:

• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Treacle Tart
• Eccles Cakes
• Spotted Dick
• Flapjacks
• Bara Brith
• Mincemeat Pies
• Scottish Shortbread
• Yorkshire Parkin
• Victoria Sponge Cake

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet April 23, 2019