Gooey Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Indulgent Gooey Millionaire Shortbread Recipe: Sweet Bliss Awaits!

Decadent chocolate and caramel dance together in this irresistible millionaire shortbread recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of buttery, crumbly shortbread meld seamlessly with silky smooth caramel and rich chocolate.

The classic treat brings comfort and luxury to any dessert table.

Sweet tooths will fall head over heels for this mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and velvety elements.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that feels like a million-dollar experience.

Prepare to be swept away by this ultimate sweet sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 16

Ingredient Lineup for Millionaire Shortbread

For Base Layer:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture and helps bind shortbread together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp, golden shortbread crust with delightful caramelized edges.
  • Flour: Creates sturdy, crumbly texture and gives structural integrity to the shortbread base.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
For Caramel Layer:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates smooth, thick caramel with perfect consistency and deep golden color.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky, luxurious caramel texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deeper, more complex caramel flavor with subtle molasses undertones.
For Chocolate Topping:
  • Chocolate: Delivers decadent, glossy finish with rich, indulgent flavor that complements caramel layer.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps create smooth, shiny chocolate coating that sets beautifully and prevents cracking.

Kitchen Tools List for Millionaire Shortbread

  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and creating the shortbread base.
  • Baking pan (9×13-inch): Perfect for creating the classic rectangular shortbread.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
  • Fork: Used to prick the shortbread base and create small holes.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

Let’s Cook for Millionaire Shortbread

  • Craft the Base

Whip up a buttery foundation by blending softened butter with sugar until cloud-like and dreamy. Gently fold in flour and a touch of salt, creating a crumbly mixture that promises deliciousness.

  • Create the Shortbread Layer

Press the delicate dough into a lined baking pan, transforming it into a golden canvas. Puncture the surface with a fork to ensure even baking, then slide into a warm oven. Bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden-brown, roughly 20 minutes.

  • Melt the Caramel Magic

In a saucepan, transform sugar and butter into a rich, amber-colored caramel. Slowly pour the silky mixture over the cooled shortbread, creating a luxurious golden blanket that will make taste buds dance.

  • Chocolate Crown

Gently melt chocolate until it becomes a glossy, smooth river. Pour the liquid chocolate over the caramel layer, creating a decadent final touch that will make this treat irresistible.

  • Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the creation until firm and set. Using the parchment paper, lift the entire dessert out and slice into elegant squares that reveal beautiful layers of flavor and texture.

Tips to Know for Millionaire Shortbread

  • Butter Consistency Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier mixing and a more uniform shortbread base that creates a perfect foundation for the caramel and chocolate layers.
  • Fork Pricking Technique: Gently prick the shortbread base with a fork before baking to prevent air bubbles and ensure an even, crisp texture that provides a sturdy platform for the toppings.
  • Chocolate Drizzling Pro Tip: Allow caramel and chocolate layers to set at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator for clean, sharp cutting lines and a professional-looking finish.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this decadent treat accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste or texture.
  • Storage Wisdom: Store millionaire shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture and extended shelf life of up to a week.

Serving Time Tips for Millionaire Shortbread

  • Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve this rich millionaire shortbread alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or robust espresso to balance its intense sweetness.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Slice into small diamond or rectangular bite-sized pieces, dust with powdered sugar, and arrange on a beautiful white ceramic plate for an impressive visual appeal.
  • Decadent Flavor Enhancements: Sprinkle crushed sea salt, toasted almond slivers, or drizzle extra dark chocolate over the top to elevate the classic flavor profile and add sophisticated texture contrast.
  • Party-Perfect Plating: Create a beautiful dessert tray by cutting shortbread into uniform squares, clustering them together with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning, Instagram-worthy display.

Plan + Store Smart for Millionaire Shortbread

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: After assembling the millionaire shortbread, chill the entire pan in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to help layers set firmly and enhance flavor cohesion.
  • Smart Slicing Technique: Use a sharp, heated knife (run under hot water and quickly dry) to create clean, precise cuts without cracking the caramel or chocolate layers.
  • Storage Safety Zone: Keep the shortbread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 7 days, preventing moisture and maintaining the crisp texture of the shortbread base.
  • Temperature-Sensitive Handling: Allow the dessert to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate layer and enhance the rich, buttery taste experience.
Print
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Gooey Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Gooey Millionaire Shortbread Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Millionaire shortbread blends Scottish culinary traditions with luxurious chocolate and caramel layers. Rich buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and smooth chocolate create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 4 tbsps golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter (optional, for smoother texture)

Instructions

  1. Shortbread Foundation: Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until pale and fluffy, then gently fold in flour and salt to create a slightly crumbly dough.
  2. Pan Preparation: Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, using a fork to perforate the surface and prevent unwanted rising.
  3. Baking Process: Bake in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 20-25 minutes until the shortbread turns light golden and develops a firm texture, then cool completely.
  4. Caramel Creation: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, and condensed milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a rich, golden-brown caramel with a smooth, thick consistency.
  5. Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it uniformly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set firmly.
  6. Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, creating a smooth, glossy finish, and pour over the chilled caramel layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  7. Final Setting: Refrigerate the dessert for 1-2 hours until completely set, then slice into precise, decadent squares ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Use softened butter at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother shortbread base, ensuring even incorporation of ingredients.
  • Prevent Crumbly Texture: Gently press the shortbread dough into the pan, avoiding over-mixing to maintain a delicate, tender crust that doesn’t become tough.
  • Caramel Cooking Technique: Stir continuously while making caramel to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, golden-brown consistency without scorching.
  • Chocolate Coating Perfection: Allow chocolate to cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the caramel layer and create a glossy, even chocolate topping.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 467
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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