• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to content
Preppy Kitchen logo
  • About
    • Meet John Kanell
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Breads
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Press
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Follow us on

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Brownies & Bars » Millionaire’s Shortbread

    Millionaire’s Shortbread

    Published: February 8, 2021 · Modified: Feb 8, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    How to make Millionaire's Shortbread! Rich caramel bars made with three layers of crispy and buttery shortbread, thick caramel, and chocolate ganache sprinkled with sea salt flakes. Made with basic pantry ingredients they're super easy to make and impossible to resist.

    Three Millionaire's shortbread stacked on top of each other one with a bite out
    2925 shares
    • Share
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread
    A pinterest graphic of Millionaire's shortbread

    Chocolate, caramel, and shortbread, it’s a pretty incredible combination that totally lives up to its name, I mean, I don’t know anyone who can resist a square of Millionaire’s shortbread. I love to use semi-sweet chocolate for a slightly bitter and richer flavor and top them with sea salt flakes which makes them extra delicious, hello salted caramel!

    There are no fancy ingredients involved so they’re super easy to make and will keep well for a few days or can be frozen making them a great prep-ahead treat. For more chocolate and caramel treats check out my Carmelitas and Toffee recipes they’re so delicious!

    What you need to make this recipe

    An overhead shot of all the ingredients you need to make Millionaire's shortbread

    Butter – I use unsalted butter because additional salt is added, make sure your butter is at room temperature.

    Condensed milk – sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient for making a super sweet, thick, and delicious caramel!

    Sugar – I use a mix of both granulated white sugar and brown sugar which gives a delicious caramel/molasses flavor.

    Chocolate – Millionaire’s shortbread is really rich so I like to use a less sweet tasting chocolate like semi-sweet or bitter-sweet. You can use good-quality chocolate chips for ease or chop up a good quality chocolate bar.

    How to make Millionaire’s Shortbread

    Two photos showing how to cream butter and sugar together

    1. Cream the butter, sugar, and salt together then add the egg and vanilla.

    2. Add the flour in batches and stir to combine.

    Two photos showing how to make shortbread and caramel layers

    3. Pat the shortbread into a lined baking dish and bake.

    4. Meanwhile, make the caramel by adding butter, condensed milk, and sugar to a saucepan and heat until darkened and thick.

    Two photos showing how to layer caramel and chocolate on top of shortbread

    5. Pour the caramel over the shortbread layer and chill.

    6. Make the chocolate ganache by adding the chocolate and cream to a bowl over a double boiler or microwave and melt. Spread over the chilled caramel and shortbread base and sprinkle with sea salt. Chill in the fridge until your millionaire’s shortbread is set.

    A close up of Millionaire's shortbread on a marble work surface

    Pro tips for making this recipe

    • Make sure you line your baking dish and leave an overhang so it’s easy to remove.
    • Make sure you use room temperature butter it’s essential for making the shortbread!
    • A sugar thermometer is really helpful for making caramel but it isn’t essential.
    • When making the caramel make sure to stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
    • You can use less chocolate on top if you’d prefer a thinner layer.
    • Make sure to chill the caramel layer before adding the chocolate or there’s a chance they will mix together and you won’t have even layers.
    • Sea salt really enhances the chocolate flavor in millionaire’s shortbread so try not to skip it.
    • I find it easier to cut the bars when they are chilled.

    A stack of Millionaire's Shortbread on a blue plate

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why didn’t my caramel set?

    Your caramel needs to reach a minimum of 224F to set so if you undercook it you’ll run into issues. A sugar thermometer makes things super easy here but if you don’t have one make sure the caramel starts to pull away from the edges of the pan and is really thick before removing it from the heat.

    Are there variations?

    The best way to change up millionaire’s shortbread is to experiment with different chocolate on top. Why not try swirling in some white melted chocolate which will create a fun pattern too! Check out my Scotcheroos, Pecan Pie Bars, or Peanut Butter Bars for something a little different.

    How long do they last?

    Store the squares in an airtight container there’s no need to refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 5 days.

    Can I freeze them?

    Yes, millionaire’s shortbread freeze really well but make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze them individually. Thaw them completely before serving.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • A stack of peanut butter bars on a marble surface.

      Peanut Butter Bars

    • Two brookies on a plate with a glass of milk in the background

      Brookies

    • A stack of chocolate brownies next to a glass of milk.

      Brownie Recipe

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    • Nanaimo Bars

    If you’ve tried this Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A close up of a stack of three Millionare's Shortbread
    Print
    5 from 193 votes

    Millionaire's Shortbread

    Rich and decadent Millionaire's Shortbread caramel squares. Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    chilling time 20 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings 12 bars
    Calories 640kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    Shortbread Crust

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
    • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (226g)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar packed (100g)
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    Caramel

    • 1 14- oz can sweetened condensed milk
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into Tablespoon-sized pieces (113g)
    • 1 cup light brown sugar packed (200g)
    • 1/4 cup Golden or corn syrup light or dark (60ml)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    Chocolate Ganache

    • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
    • 1/3 cup heavy cream (80ml)
    • 1 pinch sea salt to sprinkle on top

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
    • Cream the butter then add the sugar, salt and beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg yolk then mix until combined. Add the flour in a few batches and mix until just combined.
    • Transfer to your prepared pan and press into an even layer then bake at 350F for about 22 minutes or until the edges are golden.
    • While the base bakes make the caramel. This is easiest with a candy thermometer but you don't need one. Combine the butter, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk and either golden syrup or corn syrup.
    • Place over medium heat and whisk until melted and combined then continue whisking over the heat while the caramel bubbles and dakens to a richer color. Once it reaches 225F you'll see it starts to thicken and pull away from the edge, 5-6 minutes, your caramel is ready.
    • Pour onto the shortbread base, smooth to the edges creating a flat layer. Chill for about 10 minutes so the caramel sets.
    • Chop chocolate and melt with cream either in a double boiler or be microwaving in 2-3 20 second bursts, stirring in between. Pour the chocolate over the caramel and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle with salt if desired then chill and cut into pieces.

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure you line your baking dish and leave an overhang so it's easy to remove.
    • Make sure you use room temperature butter it's essential for making the shortbread!
    • A sugar thermometer is really helpful for making caramel but it isn't essential.
    • When making the caramel make sure to stir it constantly so it doesn't burn on the bottom.
    • You can use less chocolate on top if you'd prefer a thinner layer.
    • Make sure to chill the caramel layer before adding the chocolate or there's a chance they will mix together and you won't have even layers.
    • Sea salt really enhances the chocolate flavor so try not to skip it.
    • I find it easier to cut the bars when they are chilled

    Nutrition

    Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 1036IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 3mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « White Russian
    Chocolate Muffins »

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

    Search

    Follow Us On

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Preppy Kitchen Newsletter

    Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Buy My Book

    Preppy Kitchen Cookbook

    As Seen On

    As seen on Elle Décor, People, Food Network and more

    Top recipes This Month

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    • A group of pink macarons on a serving tray next to flowers

      Macaron Recipe

    • A photo of a vanilla cupcake on a cupcake stand with vanilla buttercream frosting beautifully piped on top.

      Buttercream Frosting

    • A plate with multiple cake pops on it with one with a bite taken out.

      Cake Pops

    • A group of shortbread cookies. some are stacked while others are on crumpled paper.

      Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    • A cake stand with a slice of red velvet cake cut out and placed on a plate in front.

      Red Velvet Cake

    • A slice of vanilla cake on a plate in front of the cake on a cake stand.

      Vanilla Cake Recipe

    • A slice of lemon cake on a plate in front of a cake stand holding the rest of the cake.

      Lemon Cake

    Footer

    As Seen On:

    Elle Décor, People, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Woman's Day, forkly, Yummly, the Bump, Buzz Feed, Home and Family and New York magazine.

    The Brand

    • About John
    • Press

    Preppy Kitchen Logo

    Dessert Recipes

    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Pies
    • All Desserts

    Main Course Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • InstantPot
    • Soups
    • Salads

    COPYRIGHT © 2015–2023 PREPPY KITCHEN | PRIVACY POLICY

    2925 shares