Embarking on an adventure and in need of some indulgent homemade road trip snacks? Our Salted Caramel Millionaire Shortbread recipe yields a sweet, decadent treat that is sure to delight everyone in the car.
While they require a bit of preparation, the heavenly combination of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate is more than worth the effort. These shortbreads offer an exciting burst of flavors and textures that bring a touch of luxury to your journey.
Yielding 24 portions, this recipe ensures there’s plenty to share – so let’s get started and add a delicious highlight to your vacation! For more delicious treats check out our road trip food article.
Salted Caramel Millionaire Shortbread
Recipe Author
This Salted Caramel Shortbread is a decadent treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Known also as Millionaire Shortbread, this dish layers rich, buttery shortbread with smooth caramel and a chocolate topping for a truly indulgent experience.
Equipment
- 1 8×12 inch baking tin
- 1 Baking Parchment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Glass bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 15 oz unsalted butter
- 7 oz caster sugar
- 16 oz wheat flour
- 4.5 oz corn flour
- 9 oz salted butter
- 3.5 oz golden brown sugar
- 13 fluid ounce condensed milk
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- pinch salt
- 16 oz milk chocolate (or dark chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line an 8×12 inch baking tin with baking parchment.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and caster sugar.
- Melt 1.7 lbs of the unsalted butter in a saucepan, then pour it over the dry mixture, stirring to combine. The mixture will seem quite dry. Press the mixture into your prepared baking tin, spreading it evenly using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Prick the dough a few times with a fork and then bake for 15 minutes, or until slightly golden. Let it cool as you prepare the caramel.
- In the same saucepan, combine 1 cup plus 2 tbsp of salted butter, the condensed milk, golden syrup, dark brown sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Melt these together over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture is melted, turn the heat up to medium/high. Continue to stir for about 5-10 minutes, or until the caramel starts to bubble and darken to a rich golden color.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. Let it cool completely.
- Place the chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave it on medium power for 1 minute. Stir the chocolate well, then continue to heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate has just melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt crystals over the top.
- Let the millionaire's shortbread cool at room temperature for about 1.5 hours, or until the chocolate has set.
- Once set, cut the shortbread into squares. For clean-cut slices, heat the blade of your knife with boiling water before each incision.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Chocolate: Using high-quality chocolate can make a big difference in the final taste of your shortbread. Go for a chocolate brand that you enjoy eating on its own.
- Flavor Variation: For a twist, consider adding crushed nuts, dried fruit, or a hint of coffee to the chocolate before it sets.
- Storing the Shortbread: These Salted Caramel Shortbreads store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You could also freeze them for up to three months.
- Cutting Tips: Use a hot, sharp knife to cut the shortbread. This helps prevent the chocolate from cracking and gives you cleaner slices.
- Dairy-Free Variation: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free as well.
- Avoiding a Grainy Caramel: Make sure to stir the caramel continuously while cooking to avoid any sugar from crystallizing, which could result in a grainy texture.
- Gluten-Free Variation: You can make this recipe gluten-free by replacing the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also ensure that your cornflour and chocolate are gluten-free.
- Portion Sizes: This recipe makes quite large portions. If preferred, you can cut smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
- Cooling Tips: It's crucial to allow the shortbread to completely cool before cutting, as this helps the caramel and chocolate set properly and keeps the layers intact.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 5gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 96mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 751IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 2mg
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Storage
- Store these in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to 1 week.
- They can also be stored in the refrigerator, which can extend their freshness for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
- For a nutty twist, add a layer of finely chopped roasted nuts like almonds or hazelnuts between the caramel and the chocolate.
- You can use white chocolate for the topping instead of dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of salted caramel, simply omit the added salt.
Top Tips
- Make sure to heat your knife before slicing into the set millionaire’s shortbread, this will help you achieve clean-cut slices.
- It’s best to start the recipe in the morning or the night before you plan to eat or pack them, due to the long cooling times between layers.