Millionaire’s Shortbread, also known as Caramel Slice, is a classic and indulgent treat that consists of three distinct and delectable layers. The bottom layer is a buttery and crumbly shortbread crust, providing a rich and slightly firm base. The middle layer is a soft and chewy caramel, often made with butter, sugar, and condensed milk, offering a sweet and luxurious filling. The top layer is a smooth and glossy chocolate ganache, adding a final touch of rich sweetness and a satisfying snap when broken. This trifecta of textures and flavors – the crisp shortbread, the gooey caramel, and the smooth chocolate – creates a truly irresistible confection. Often cut into squares or rectangles, Millionaire’s Shortbread is a popular choice for afternoon tea, bake sales, or as a decadent homemade treat. The interplay of the slightly salty shortbread, the deeply sweet caramel, and the bittersweet chocolate is a harmonious balance that makes it a universally loved dessert. Variations can include a sprinkle of sea salt on the caramel or chocolate for an extra layer of flavor complexity, or different types of chocolate (milk, dark, or white) for the topping. The visual appeal of the distinct layers also adds to its charm.
The texture of Millionaire’s Shortbread is a delightful contrast of three distinct layers. The shortbread base is firm yet crumbly, offering a satisfying bite that gives way to a slightly sandy texture. The caramel layer is soft, chewy, and often slightly gooey, providing a smooth and rich mouthfeel. The chocolate ganache topping is smooth and firm at room temperature, offering a clean snap when broken and melting luxuriously on the tongue. The combination of these textures – the crisp base, the chewy middle, and the smooth top – is a key element of the treat’s appeal, creating a multi-sensory experience with each bite.
The flavor profile of Millionaire’s Shortbread is a rich and balanced combination of buttery, sweet, and slightly salty notes. The shortbread base provides a buttery and subtly sweet foundation with a hint of saltiness that cuts through the richness. The caramel layer is intensely sweet and buttery, with a deep, almost toffee-like flavor that develops from the cooked sugar and condensed milk. The chocolate ganache topping adds a final layer of sweetness, with the intensity depending on the type of chocolate used – bittersweet chocolate offers a more balanced sweetness, while milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. The overall flavor is decadent and satisfying, with each layer complementing the others to create a harmonious and irresistible treat. A sprinkle of sea salt on the caramel or chocolate can further enhance the flavors by adding a salty counterpoint to the sweetness.
Millionaire’s Shortbread is a versatile treat perfect for various occasions. Its rich and decadent nature makes it ideal for serving at afternoon tea, bake sales, parties, or as a special homemade gift. The neat squares or rectangles are easy to handle and share. It can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfyingly sweet indulgence or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Its make-ahead-friendly nature also makes it a convenient option for entertaining. The visual appeal of the distinct layers and the glossy chocolate topping makes it an attractive addition to any dessert platter.
The preparation of Millionaire’s Shortbread involves making each of the three layers separately and then assembling them. The shortbread base is typically made by creaming butter and sugar together, then mixing in flour (and sometimes a bit of salt) to form a dough that is pressed into a baking pan and baked until lightly golden. The caramel layer is often made by melting butter and sugar together, then stirring in condensed milk and cooking until it thickens and turns a rich golden brown. This caramel is then poured over the cooled shortbread base. The chocolate ganache topping is usually made by heating cream and then pouring it over chopped chocolate, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. This ganache is then spread evenly over the cooled caramel layer. The assembled shortbread is then chilled in the refrigerator until all the layers are firm before being cut into squares or rectangles. The key to successful Millionaire’s Shortbread is allowing each layer to cool and set properly before adding the next, ensuring clean and distinct layers in the final product.
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the shortbread later.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt (if using) and mix until just combined and a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden brown around the edges. Let it cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: While the shortbread is cooling, prepare the caramel. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel is thick, glossy, and a rich golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Let it cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Once the caramel layer is firm, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a heatproof bowl, place the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate). In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer (do not boil).
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow the chocolate to melt. Then, stir gently until the chocolate and cream are fully combined and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Stir in the optional tablespoon of butter for extra shine.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 2-3 hours, or until all the layers are firm and well-set.
- Cut and Serve: Once firm, lift the Millionaire’s Shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Store: Store the Millionaire’s Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Enjoy this rich and decadent Millionaire’s Shortbread!