Craving a sweet treat that combines the richness of caramel, the crunch of biscuit, and the smoothness of chocolate? This Millionaire’s Shortbread is the answer. Inspired by the delightful offerings from Costa Coffee, this recipe brings café-style indulgence right to your kitchen. It’s a perfect dessert for sharing or simply enjoying on your own with a cup of coffee.

This recipe is a delightful combination of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and a generous layer of chocolate on top. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both sweet and slightly salty. It’s the ultimate comfort food for afternoons spent lounging at home or for impressing guests during gatherings.

Creating the Shortbread Base

The foundation of any millionaire’s shortbread is the shortbread base, and it starts with simple ingredients. Using crushed digestive biscuits combined with melted butter creates a rich and crumbly texture. This buttery mixture is pressed firmly into a lined baking tin, forming a solid layer that will hold the decadent toppings.

Achieving the right consistency is key, as this base will provide the structural integrity needed to support the luscious caramel and chocolate layers to come.

Crafting the Creamy Caramel Layer

Once the shortbread base is ready, the next step is to prepare the creamy caramel. This luxurious layer is made by cooking sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, and butter together in a saucepan. Stirring continuously over medium heat helps to develop a smooth, thick texture.

As the mixture heats, it transforms into a golden, sticky delight that adds both sweetness and richness to the dessert. This caramel layer is then poured over the shortbread, spreading evenly to ensure every bite is indulgent.

Melting the Chocolate Topping

The final touch to this treat is the smooth chocolate topping, which is essential for completing the millionaire’s shortbread experience. Chopped milk chocolate is gently melted, either in a heatproof bowl above simmering water or in the microwave, ensuring it reaches a silky consistency without burning.

Once melted, the chocolate is poured over the cooled caramel layer, creating a glossy finish. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.

Setting and Serving the Shortbread

After layering the chocolate, it’s important to chill the shortbread in the refrigerator to allow it to set completely. This step typically takes about two hours, but the wait is worth it as it helps the layers meld together beautifully.

Once set, the shortbread can be cut into squares. Each piece reveals the stunning layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate, making it a delightful addition to any dessert table.

Enjoying Your Creation

These millionaire’s shortbread squares can be enjoyed in various settings. Whether it’s an afternoon treat with coffee or a dessert at a gathering, they are sure to impress. The contrast of textures—crunchy, creamy, and smooth—offers an appealing experience with every bite.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container, where they can stay fresh for several days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of having these delicious squares on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Homemade Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe

This Millionaire’s Shortbread features a buttery base, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. The balance of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible treat for dessert lovers.

Ingredients

• 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 150g sweetened condensed milk
• 100g light brown sugar
• 100g unsalted butter (for caramel)
• 200g milk chocolate, chopped
• A pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium bowl, combine crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined square baking tin to form the base.
2. Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to thicken and turn a golden color. Pour the caramel over the biscuit base and spread evenly. Let it cool and set for a bit.
3. Add the Chocolate Layer: Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Once melted, pour it over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for added flavor.
4. Chill and Serve: Place the shortbread in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set completely. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 16 squares
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g