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Home » Food » By Course » Dessert » Millionaire’s Shortbread

Millionaire’s Shortbread

March 31, 2023 by Kimberly Killebrew · 33 Comments

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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!

millionaire's shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

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 ;)

millionaire's 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 is just a few examples of our family’s Scottish escapades.

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’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 caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

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.

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 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.

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’s shortbread into squares (easiest to cut at room temperature).

You can keep it refrigerated but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.

millionaire's shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

Enjoy!

millionaire's shortbread recipe caramel shortcake chocolate Scottish traditional authentic

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
millionaire's shortbread recipe traditional authentic scottish shortcake

Millionaire's Shortbread

Kimberly Killebrew
The ultimate sweet confection, this luxurious Millionaire's Shortbread features rich and buttery Scottish shortbread followed by a layer of caramel and chocolate.  It's phenomenally delicious!
Print Recipe
5 from 24 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine British, Scottish
Servings 16 servings
Calories 387 kcal

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 8x8 or 9x9 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: 1square | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2.5mg
Keyword Caramel Shortcake, Millionaire's Shortbread
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet April 23, 2019

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33 Comments →

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33 Responses

  1. Brian says

    April 28, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    This looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I’m wondering if you can please tell me the name of the castle in the photo. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 28, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      Thank, Brian! That’s Eilean Donan castle in northwest Scotland.

      Reply
  2. sue korte says

    April 28, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    when is the vanilla added?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 28, 2019 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Sue, sorry, it’s added to the caramel at the very end of Step 2.

      Reply
  3. Carol says

    April 28, 2019 at 10:55 am

    Hi Kimberly,

    Thanks for this recipe! I know it will be delicious. I have friends here in Montreal who have a bakery, and they’re known throughout the city for their Scottish shortbread. They also make amazing caramel. I’ve sent them this entry of your blog in case it hasn’t occurred to them to put these three items together in one amazing square!

    I will be making these for a tea party next Sunday, that will be a fundraiser for a non-profit fair trade shop where I volunteer. Fun!!

    One wee detail…In the recipe itself and the instructions that accompany the photos, there’s no mention of adding the vanilla.

    Thanks so much for your blog!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 28, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      Thank you, Carol! This is guaranteed to be a hit at your friends’ bakery. The same with your fundraiser, that does sound like fun! Yes, I just updated the directions – the vanilla is added to the caramel at the very end of step 2.

      Reply
  4. Katja says

    April 28, 2019 at 8:33 am

    Is there an alternative for golden syrup? It is extremely hard to come by in Holland.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 28, 2019 at 8:58 am

      Hi Katja, from what I’ve heard, the “Jumbo” supermarket chain carries golden syrup. In Germany there’s something called Zuckerrübensirup that is light golden in color. It’s made from sugar beets instead of sugar cane (golden syrup is made from sugar cane) but is similar enough in its properties that it can be used as a substitute. I’m not sure what the Dutch equivalent is but my guess is that there’s probably a similar product in Holland.

      Reply
  5. Katerina says

    April 25, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    This looks incredibly delicious!! I need to try it!!

    Reply
  6. Erin says

    April 25, 2019 at 6:10 am

    This looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!

    Reply
  7. Melanie Bauer says

    April 24, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    Looks sensational! I’ll have to try this, everybody will go crazy this!

    Reply
  8. Jocelyn says

    April 24, 2019 at 1:49 pm

    My kids devoured a few of these bars when they got home from school. These were so good!!!

    Reply
  9. Beth Pierce says

    April 24, 2019 at 10:40 am

    Love all the ooey chewy goodness in this dessert! I am excited to give this a try!

    Reply
  10. Sara Welch says

    April 24, 2019 at 10:19 am

    Love the combination of chocolate and caramel; sounds deliciously decadent!

    Reply
  11. Catalina says

    April 24, 2019 at 3:28 am

    I am in heaven! My kid will go crazy over this!

    Reply
  12. Courtney O'Dell says

    April 23, 2019 at 9:51 am

    So easy and delicious – my new favorite cookie!

    Reply
  13. Katerina says

    April 23, 2019 at 8:48 am

    Oh wow, these are incredible!!! I bet they taste amazing!!

    Reply
  14. Charity says

    April 23, 2019 at 8:44 am

    Love recipes inspired by vacations! These millionaire bars look great!

    Reply
  15. Amy Locurto says

    April 23, 2019 at 8:25 am

    This shortbread is amazing!

    Reply
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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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