Millionaire shortbread feels like discovering a little treasure in your own kitchen. It starts with a buttery, tender shortbread base that melts as soon as you bite in. On top, a rich homemade caramel made with creamy coconut milk and a touch of maple syrup settles into every nook and cranny. The finishing layer of dark chocolate sets into a silky snap that crackles under the knife. Whether served with tea or enjoyed straight from the pan, each square delivers that royal mix of crumble, gooey, and glossy chocolate bliss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
- Decadent layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up at home.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or toppings for a personal touch.
- A delightful balance of sweet and salty that keeps you coming back for more!

MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
- Cream together 200g softened butter and 100g caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Fold in 300g plain flour and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely in the tin.
- Melt 100g butter, 100g muscovado sugar, and 1 tbsp golden syrup in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the condensed milk and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Melt 200g dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
- Pour and spread the melted chocolate over the set caramel. Chill again until the chocolate is firm.
- Lift the bars out of the tin, cut into squares or bars, and serve.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your Millionaire Shortbread delights!

- 200g unsalted butter – softened for the base
- 100g caster sugar – sweetens the shortbread
- 300g plain flour – forms the shortbread base
- Pinch of salt – enhances flavor
- 397g can sweetened condensed milk – creamy caramel layer
- 100g unsalted butter – for the caramel
- 100g light muscovado sugar – adds rich flavor to caramel
- 200g dark chocolate – for the topping
- 1 tbsp golden syrup – optional, for smoothness
How to Make MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
This delightful treat combines a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, cooking time is 15-20 minutes, and you’ll need to chill it for at least 1 hour to set. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
Cream together 200g softened butter and 100g caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Fold in 300g plain flour and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Step 4: Bake the Base
Press the dough evenly into the prepared tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely in the tin.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Layer
Melt 100g butter, 100g muscovado sugar, and 1 tbsp golden syrup in a saucepan over low heat.
Step 6: Make the Caramel
Stir in the condensed milk and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color.
Step 7: Pour the Caramel
Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 8: Top with Chocolate
Melt 200g dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
Step 9: Spread the Chocolate
Pour and spread the melted chocolate over the set caramel. Chill again until the chocolate is firm.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
Lift the bars out of the tin, cut into squares or bars, and serve.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | British |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 60 minutes (Chilling) |
| Total Time | 100 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Chilled and cut into bars |
Pro Tips for Making MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
- Chill the shortbread base before adding layers for a firmer texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the chocolate layer.
- Score the chocolate layer before it sets for easier slicing.
- Store in the fridge for a firmer bite and longer shelf life.
How to Serve this MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
- Enjoy with a cup of rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a fruity balance.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Millionaire Shortbread with ease:
Storing MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD Leftovers
- Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate.
Freezing MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date for reference.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating MILLIONAIRE SHORTBREAD
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight.
- For a warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Enjoy while slightly warm for the best texture!
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the difference between millionaire shortbread and billionaire shortbread?
The main difference between millionaire shortbread and billionaire shortbread lies in the layers. Millionaire shortbread typically consists of a shortbread base, a layer of caramel, and a chocolate topping. In contrast, billionaire shortbread adds an extra layer, often a layer of ganache or a flavored cream, making it even richer and more indulgent. Both are delicious, but billionaire shortbread takes the decadence up a notch!
2. What do Americans call millionaire shortbread?
In the United States, millionaire shortbread is often referred to as “caramel shortbread” or simply “shortbread bars.” While the name may vary, the delicious combination of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and chocolate remains the same, making it a beloved treat across the pond!
3. Is Twix the same as Millionaire Shortbread?
While Twix bars and millionaire shortbread share some similarities, they are not the same. Twix consists of a biscuit base topped with caramel and coated in chocolate, similar to millionaire shortbread. However, millionaire shortbread is typically homemade and has a thicker, more crumbly shortbread base, while Twix has a more uniform texture and is mass-produced. Both are delicious, but they offer different experiences!
4. What is the 3:2:1 rule for shortbread?
The 3:2:1 rule for shortbread is a simple ratio that helps you create the perfect shortbread dough. It means using 3 parts flour, 2 parts fat (usually butter), and 1 part sugar. This ratio ensures a crumbly, buttery texture that is characteristic of traditional shortbread. You can easily adjust the quantities based on how much shortbread you want to make, but keeping this ratio in mind will help you achieve the best results every time!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for Millionaire Shortbread, it’s time to indulge in a little sweet nostalgia! These rich, buttery bars topped with gooey caramel and smooth chocolate are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the simple joy of homemade goodness!

