Some desserts are simply indulgent, and Easy Millionaire Shortbread is the epitome of luxury in a bite. This decadent treat features a buttery shortbread base, a rich and smooth caramel center, and a luscious chocolate topping. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests at a party, this shortbread is sure to steal the show.

I first discovered Millionaire Shortbread at a local bakery, where I was instantly hooked by its irresistible layers. The buttery shortbread combined with the sweet caramel and rich chocolate was a combination I knew I had to recreate. After a little trial and error in my own kitchen, I perfected this recipe that’s just as delicious as what I tasted in that bakery. Since then, it’s become my go-to treat whenever I need to impress or just want to indulge in something special.

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This Easy Millionaire Shortbread recipe only takes a handful of ingredients and about an hour to prepare, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The result is a perfectly layered dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why This Easy Millionaire Shortbread Works

Selling Points:

Decadent Layers: Buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate all come together in one delicious bite.
No-Bake: The majority of the work is done by simply chilling the layers in the fridge.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Great for parties, gatherings, or as a sweet gift.
Quick & Simple: Only requires a few ingredients and minimal prep time for such an impressive treat.

What You Need for Easy Millionaire Shortbread

Ingredients:

For the shortbread base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the caramel layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

How to Make Easy Millionaire Shortbread

Prepare the Shortbread Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang to help with removal later. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined into a dough.
Bake the Shortbread:
Press the dough into the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool completely in the pan.
Make the Caramel Layer:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir frequently until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens and turns a rich golden color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it out evenly. Let it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Make the Chocolate Topping:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together over low heat or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and fully melted. Once the caramel layer is set, pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and spread it into an even layer.
Chill and Set:
Return the pan to the fridge and let the shortbread set for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm and the dessert is ready to cut. Once set, remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Millionaire Shortbread chilled or at room temperature. These squares are perfect for serving at parties, as a gift, or just to enjoy as an indulgent treat!

Tips for the Perfect Millionaire Shortbread

Chill Time: Make sure to allow enough time for each layer to set before adding the next one, especially the caramel layer, as it can slide off if it’s not firm enough.
Cutting the Shortbread: Use a sharp knife to cut through the chocolate layer and shortbread base. It helps if the bars are chilled well before slicing.
Make It Fancy: For a fun twist, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle with sea salt for an added layer of flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Substitutions and Variations

Different Chocolate: You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the topping, depending on your preference.
Nutty Twist: Add crushed pecans, almonds, or walnuts to the caramel layer for added crunch.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and condensed coconut milk to make this a dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this treat gluten-free.

Make a Healthier Version

Lower Sugar: For a lighter version, use a reduced-sugar sweetened condensed milk and adjust the caramel layer accordingly.
Dark Chocolate: Choose dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a slightly healthier option, as it has less sugar.
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap in whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.

Closing for Easy Millionaire Shortbread

Easy Millionaire Shortbread is a perfect indulgent treat with minimal effort. From the buttery shortbread to the creamy caramel and rich chocolate, each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. This dessert is great for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the sweet reward of this luxurious yet easy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Millionaire Shortbread

Can I make Millionaire Shortbread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I freeze the shortbread?
Absolutely! Millionaire Shortbread freezes well for up to 3 months. Just slice it before freezing for easy serving.

Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?
While homemade caramel adds richness, you can use store-bought caramel sauce in a pinch. Just be sure to let it cool before layering.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep your Millionaire Shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Can I use a different type of flour?
If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

This Easy Millionaire Shortbread is the ultimate indulgence with its buttery layers, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate topping. A luxurious dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make—it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!