Perfect Millionaire Shortbread Bars
A rich, buttery treat with a crunchy shortbread base, silky caramel layer, and smooth chocolate topping. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream, warmed (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 8 oz (225g) dark or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- For caramel, melt sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat without stirring until amber-colored, swirling occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter until melted.
- Slowly whisk in warm cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Return to low heat and cook 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Pour caramel over cooled shortbread base. Chill at least 1 hour until set but slightly soft.
- Melt chocolate and butter gently using double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Pour chocolate over caramel layer, spread evenly. Optionally sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt flakes.
- Chill 1-2 hours until chocolate is firm and snaps when cut.
- Lift bars from pan using parchment edges. Use a warm, sharp knife to cut into bars. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Use softened butter (not melted) for shortbread for best texture. Avoid stirring sugar initially when melting for caramel to prevent crystallization. Add warm cream slowly to hot sugar to avoid bubbling over. Melt chocolate gently to avoid seizing. Chill bars thoroughly before cutting and use a warm knife for clean edges. Variations include salted caramel, nutty crunch, vegan substitutions, and spiced caramel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of the
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: millionaire shortbread, shortbread bars, caramel bars, chocolate caramel dessert, easy homemade treats, layered dessert