Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate

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Buttery shortbread, golden caramel, and a glossy chocolate topping come together in this Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate treat that’s pure indulgence in every bite. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, each layer brings its own charm—from the rich crunch of the shortbread base to the luxuriously smooth caramel and the velvety dark chocolate cap. It’s an elegant yet comforting dessert bar that’s always a crowd favorite.

Whether you’re making this for a festive gathering, a bake sale, or a cozy treat at home, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people pause mid-bite. The caramel slowly melts into the shortbread as the chocolate cracks under your teeth—a sensory masterpiece you won’t forget.

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Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate

• Decadent layers that deliver a contrast of texture: crumbly shortbread, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate.
• Simple ingredients, but elevated results that look like they came from a boutique bakery.
• Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or slicing into bite-sized treats for parties.
• Make-ahead friendly, storing well for several days without losing its texture.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate requires a few essentials to ensure perfect layers:

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Key to getting even, stackable squares. Line it with parchment paper to lift the bars out cleanly.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing shortbread dough and caramel separately.
• Saucepan: Crucial for cooking the caramel layer to just the right consistency. A heavy-bottomed pan is best to avoid burning.
• Whisk and silicone spatula: The whisk ensures a smooth caramel, while the spatula helps with scraping every last bit out.
• Offset spatula or back of a spoon: Helps spread each layer evenly, especially the melted chocolate.
• Sharp knife: For slicing clean, gorgeous squares without cracking the chocolate unevenly.

With these tools and some kitchen confidence, you’re well on your way to creating a show-stopping tray of millionaire bars.

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Ingredients for the Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate

Each ingredient plays a starring role in building those luscious layers:

• Unsalted butter: Used in both the shortbread base and caramel, it delivers richness and structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that crumbly shortbread texture.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the shortbread layer, providing structure and bite.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The main component of the caramel, it thickens to a luxurious consistency when heated.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel layer with a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Golden syrup or corn syrup: Prevents crystallization in the caramel, ensuring it stays smooth.
• Dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Melts into the glossy topping that cracks perfectly when sliced.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top balances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.

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How To Make the Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in flour until it forms a soft dough. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Cook the Caramel Layer

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and golden syrup. Stir constantly with a whisk until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color—this takes about 10 minutes. Once thick and smooth, pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base. Smooth with a spatula and allow it to set completely at room temperature or in the fridge.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping

Melt dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Pour over the firm caramel layer and use an offset spatula to spread evenly. Let the chocolate set until firm, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once everything has set, use a sharp knife to slice into squares. For cleaner cuts, warm the knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices. Serve and enjoy the decadent bite of buttery, sweet, and slightly salty bliss.

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How to Serve and Store Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate

Serve these indulgent bars as a dessert centerpiece, after-dinner sweet bite, or cut into smaller squares for tea-time or party platters. Their beautiful layered look makes them perfect for holiday cookie trays or dessert gifting.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days if you prefer a firmer texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just place parchment between layers and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chocolate works best?

Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for this recipe because it balances the sweetness of the caramel. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a creamier top layer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. They hold their structure well and actually slice more cleanly after resting.

How do I prevent the caramel from being too runny?

Make sure to cook the caramel until it thickens and turns a rich golden color. Undercooked caramel won’t set properly.

What can I substitute for golden syrup?

You can use light corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup in a pinch, but golden syrup gives the most classic flavor and smooth texture.

Why is my chocolate cracking when I slice?

The trick is to let the chocolate come slightly to room temperature before slicing and to use a warm knife. This prevents hard cracking.

Can I add nuts or toppings?

Absolutely! Toasted pecans or almonds can be added to the caramel layer before topping with chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is also a great finishing touch.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these Millionaire Shortbread Caramel Chocolate bars stole your heart, you’ll love these other decadent treats that combine rich layers, comforting flavors, and impressive presentation:

• Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake for a gooey, molten-style dessert with a toffee twist.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups that balance soft cookie centers with a bold chocolate edge.
• Brownie Refrigerator Cake for a no-bake option that’s pure creamy bliss.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake if you want fruity, creamy, and fluffy all in one bite.
• Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake for a playful, sweet mess of goodness.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sprinkle salt or skip it? Did you try a milk chocolate version?

I love hearing how others tweak these treats. Ask questions, share tips, or just brag a little—we’re all about the sweet wins here.

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