If there’s one treat that instantly brings back childhood memories, it’s a good slice of Millionaires Shortbread. This bake feels indulgent and satisfying. Mum’s Millionaires Shortbread recipe is one of the best I’ve ever tried.
This isn’t just any traybake. It has three classic layers — crisp buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a glossy chocolate top. The combination is timeless and perfect for homemade treats.
A Nostalgic Base That Sets the Tone
The base is simple shortbread — flour, sugar, and plenty of butter. It bakes until pale gold and fragrant. The texture should be tender but firm enough to hold the toppings. Pressing the dough into the tin can feel a little messy. Don’t worry if it’s crumbly at first. Patience makes it come together beautifully. Once baked, leave it to cool. This step prepares the base for the caramel layer.
Caramel That Melts Hearts
The heart of the bake is the caramel. Condensed milk is melted with butter, golden syrup, and a pinch of sugar and salt. Stir until it reaches a smooth, fudge-like consistency. The caramel is sticky, rich, and irresistible. Pour it over the cooled shortbread. Let it set until firm. It thickens and becomes a delicious centre that balances the chocolate and shortbread.
A Chocolate Crown
The chocolate topping is the final touch. Melt milk chocolate and pour it over the set caramel. Add a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast. Swirl the two together for a simple but elegant effect. Once the chocolate has hardened, lift the slab from the tin. Cut into squares and take a bite. The snap of chocolate gives way to soft caramel and buttery shortbread. It is sweet, rich, and perfectly balanced.
Why This Recipe Works
Mum’s Millionaires Shortbread works because it is simple yet satisfying. A few quality ingredients and some patience create layers of texture and flavour. It is ideal for afternoon tea, picnics, or any time you want a treat. Each bite delivers buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate. It is a timeless favourite that brings joy every time.
Mums Millionaires Shortbread
Ingredients
Shortbread Ingredients
- 75 g caster sugar
- 250 g plain flour all purpose
- 190 g unsalted butter
Filling Ingredients
- 75 g caster sugar
- 190 g unsalted butter
- 300 g condensed milk sweetened
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- salt to taste
Topping Ingredients
- 160 g milk chocolate
- 20 g white chocolate
Instructions
- Turn on the oven and preheat to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4
- Add the sugar and butter to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. This recipe is a lot easier with a food mixer/blender. Whisk/blend until the mixture is smooth.75 g caster sugar, 190 g unsalted butter
- Slowly add in the flour whilst blending until a lovely loose dough is formed. It is still a bit crumbly but that’s ok.250 g plain flour
- Line he base of a 9in square baking tray with greaseproof/parchment paper and add the mixture you have just made. I use the back of a spoon to push the base until its firm. If you don’t then when you try picking it up, it will crumble.
- Pop into the oven for 20 minutes or until it has turned a pale golden colour. Remove from the oven and put to one side.
- Put a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the sugar, milk, syrup and butter and a little pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.75 g caster sugar, 190 g unsalted butter, 300 g condensed milk, 3 tbsp golden syrup, salt
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil and continue for about 5 minutes stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Warning it’s very hot and sticky so avoid splashes.
- When the mixture has become a fudge consistency and is a deeper golden colour, it’s ready.
- Carefully pour the caramel into the baking tray on top of the base and flatten using a spatula.
- Leave the mixture to cool off slightly and then pop into the fridge for about an hour to set.
- Remove from the fridge once set.
- Place two small pans of water over a medium heat and bring to the boil.
- Using two glass bowls, add the milk chocolate to a glass bowl and the white chocolate into the other and place them over the pans of water to melt. Stir to help melting.160 g milk chocolate, 20 g white chocolate
- Once they have melted carefully pour a layer of white chocolate on top of the mixture followed by the milk chocolate. Using a metal skewer, gently draw patterns in the chocolate as the white chocolate will appear through the milk chocolate.
- Pop back into the fridge and leave until the chocolate has set.
- Use the greaseproof/parchment paper to lift the millionaires shortcake out of the tray and cut into suitable size portions.
- Enjoy