Millionaire Shortbread (Caramel Chocolate Layers): A Decadent Homemade Treat

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and silky chocolate into one irresistible bite, Millionaire Shortbread is the answer. This luxurious treat—often described as a homemade version of a Twix bar—offers three distinct, indulgent layers that come together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or simply craving something sweet and elegant, this Millionaire Shortbread (Caramel Chocolate Layers) recipe will make you feel like dessert royalty. With its crisp shortbread base, golden caramel center, and glossy chocolate top, it’s a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Three irresistible layers: Buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and smooth chocolate.
• Simple ingredients: No fancy tools or obscure products needed.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for gifting, tea parties, or dessert platters.
• Better than store-bought: Fresh, homemade flavor you can’t beat.
• Customizable: Use different chocolates or toppings for unique twists.

Ingredients for Millionaire Shortbread

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup light corn syrup (or golden syrup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
• 1 tbsp butter or cream (optional, for a smoother finish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Shortbread Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the vanilla extract, then mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Bake the Shortbread:
   Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent bubbles. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges. Let it cool completely.
4. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
   In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts.
   Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring continuously, for 8–10 minutes or until the mixture thickens and turns a deep golden color. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
5. Pour and Set the Caramel:
   Immediately pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
6. Make the Chocolate Topping:
   Melt the chocolate and butter (or cream) in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Pour over the chilled caramel and spread evenly.
7. Chill and Slice:
   Refrigerate the pan for 1–2 hours until the chocolate is firm. Remove from the pan using parchment overhang, slice into squares or bars with a warm sharp knife, and enjoy!

Millionaire Shortbread (Caramel Chocolate Layers)

Rich, buttery shortbread topped with golden caramel and smooth chocolate. A luxurious layered dessert that’s easy to make at home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, British

Calories: 370

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shortbread Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Layer

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 0.25 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Chocolate Layer

• 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or cream optional, for smoothness

Equipment

• 8×8 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Hand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light. Mix in vanilla, flour, and salt to form dough.
3. Press dough into pan and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
4. In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, and corn syrup. Cook 8–10 minutes until golden and thickened.
5. Pour caramel over cooled shortbread, spread evenly, and chill 30 minutes.
6. Melt chocolate and butter, pour over caramel, and spread smoothly.
7. Chill 1–2 hours until firm, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

For a salted caramel version, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.

Tips for Perfect Millionaire Shortbread

• Cut clean slices: Warm your knife under hot water and dry before each cut to prevent cracking.
• Avoid grainy caramel: Stir constantly and cook gently—don’t let it boil too rapidly.
• Layer cooling is key: Allow each layer to cool fully before adding the next for clean separation.
• Add toppings: Sprinkle sea salt, crushed nuts, or edible gold dust for an elegant finish.
• Storage tip: Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Fun Variations

1. Salted Caramel Millionaire Shortbread

Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt flakes to the caramel layer for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.

2. Peanut Butter Millionaire Bars

Replace half of the butter in the caramel layer with creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist.

3. Dark Chocolate Lovers’ Version

Use 70% dark chocolate for a sophisticated, bittersweet flavor.

4. White Chocolate Dream

Swap the chocolate layer for melted white chocolate and drizzle dark chocolate over the top for a marbled look.

5. Holiday Millionaire Bars

Decorate with crushed peppermint candy, festive sprinkles, or drizzles of colored chocolate for Christmas parties.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside coffee, tea, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Stack them on a dessert tray for special occasions.
• Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for edible gifts.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Transport Tip: If taking them to an event, keep them chilled to maintain the caramel’s firmness.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 370
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Calcium: 10% DV

Fun Fact: Why It’s Called “Millionaire Shortbread”

The term “Millionaire Shortbread” originated in Scotland and the UK, where bakers coined the name to describe how rich the dessert tastes. With its buttery base, decadent caramel, and smooth chocolate, it’s truly a dessert that feels like a million bucks!

Final Thoughts

Millionaire Shortbread (Caramel Chocolate Layers) is the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Each bite combines a buttery crunch, creamy caramel sweetness, and rich chocolate finish that melts in your mouth.

This elegant, easy-to-make recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a bakery-worthy masterpiece. Whether you’re gifting, sharing, or savoring solo, one thing’s certain—this treat will make you feel like a dessert millionaire. 💛🍫

Recipe Summary

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: British / American
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (+ chilling time)
• Servings: 16 bars