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Chewy Caramel Shortbread Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 60 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 85 min
  • Yield: 28 pieces
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Millionaire’s Shortbread is a luscious layered dessert featuring a crisp and buttery shortbread base, a chewy homemade caramel filling, and a thick, smooth chocolate ganache topping. This decadent treat combines rich flavors and textures into every bite, making it perfect for special occasions or indulgent snacking. The recipe includes detailed steps and tips, as well as a video guide, to help you create this luxurious dessert at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, not melty, slightly cool)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon table salt
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

Caramel Filling

  • 2 (14-oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into tablespoon-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup
  • ¾ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Shortbread Dough: Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light, fluffy, and well-creamed. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well and scraping down the bowl sides to combine fully.
  3. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture on low speed. Halfway through, sprinkle in the table salt while keeping the mixer running. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly crumbly to make pressing easier.
  4. Press and Bake the Base: Evenly distribute the dough into the prepared pan. Use a piece of wax paper and the back of a spoon to gently but firmly press and smooth the dough into the bottom of the pan. Bake on the center rack at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown. Allow to cool while preparing the caramel layer.
  5. Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter pieces, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously as the mixture cooks to prevent sticking. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden.
  6. Add Vanilla and Pour Caramel: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it out smoothly. Let it set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or chill in the fridge to firm up.
  7. Make the Chocolate Ganache: Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  8. Top and Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the set caramel layer and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly over the ganache for contrast. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set before cutting into 28 pieces.
  9. Serve: Remove from the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into squares. Enjoy your millionaire’s shortbread as a rich, indulgent treat!

Notes

  • Use room temperature but not melted butter for the shortbread for best texture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the shortbread tender and crumbly.
  • Constant stirring during the caramel making ensures smooth, lump-free caramel.
  • Let each layer set properly to make cutting easier and to keep clean layers.
  • Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances sweetness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 298 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 122 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg

Find it online: https://yummyhere.com/chewy-caramel-shortbread-bars-recipe/