April 22, 2020
Millionaires Shortbread – Back to Basics!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more details!*
A complete ‘how-to’ guide on how to make millionaires shortbread! A homemade shortbread base, homemade caramel filling, and a chocolate topping.
Back to basics
So it’s been a while since I posted my last ‘back to basics’ post – my last being my no-bake lemon cheesecake post in May last year! And after the success of my youtube video on how to make Millionaires Shortbread, I thought I’d do the blog post for it too!
I have obviously made quite a few millionaires shortbread recipes already, but I thought I would cover it down to every last detail. Basically, completely dumb it down into the ground so that if you are scared to make it, you won’t be any more!
Shortbread
For the shortbread, it really is quite basic – you can do it by hand, or in a food processor, or in a stand mixer, or with an electric hand mixer. You just want to mix the sugar and butter together until creamy, and then add the flour and combined until a dough is formed.
If you are doing this by hand, you can add all three ingredients together, making sure the butter is cold and cubed, and rub the mixture together with the tips of your fingers until it creates a bread crumb texture. Then, you effectively knead it together to form the dough.
Butter
I always tend to use classic unsalted block butter but you can use a baking spread for this bit if you prefer. I just prefer the taste when it comes to real butter! When using a mixer to make it, you add the butter and sugar together, beat until creamy, and then add in the flour and combine.
Tin
Press the shortbread into a lined tin – I use a 9″ square tin – and make sure it’s even. I use a 9″ square tin as it’s the ultimate depth for the number of ingredients I use! If you use a smaller tin, it will take longer to bake – if you use a larger tin, you might have issues as the shortbread really isn’t that thick.
Bake
You bake it in the oven at 160C in a fan oven, 180C regular, and bake until it’s starting to golden. When it’s starting to golden, and it’s been in for at least 20-25 minutes, you’ll know it’s baked through!
Caramel
For the caramel, you REALLY have to work on it. You can’t cheat and use a tin of carnations caramel and stick it on top as it doesn’t set. You can’t really skip the steps, as it really is a caramel. I don’t often make my caramels from complete scratch as many of my readers prefer the easier versions, and I get that, but for millionaires shortbread? You do.
You have to make sure to stir the caramel a lot to prevent it from catching and burning. I use a medium level of heat, and a larger pan so its easier to stir. You have to be careful as it obviously does get VERY hot, but it’s worth it. It is delicious and heavenly.
I use a gas hob because I much much prefer it for making caramel. I get that not everyone has gas though – some have electric, some have induction – but on my gas hob, I usually use between level 7 and 6 of strength on a medium-size ring, on my 9 level hob.
You want to use actual unsalted butter – as it creates the best caramel. I use golden syrup, because it creates the most wonderful caramel, as I explain in my video. If you can’t access golden syrup, however – I suggest using the caramel from this recipe post instead.
Baking tools!
You want to use a good quality pan if you can, as some pans have a very thin base. Basically, if the base is too thin, you might burn the caramel. So if you are worried, take the temperature down a notch and do it for a little longer instead to prevent any catching!
You also want to use a flat bottomed spatula, like these ones. Using a spatula with a sharp corner means you can really scrape the caramel, and prevent it from catching in the corners!
Caramel problems
I’ve received comments about people getting little dark coloured lumps in the caramel, and this is down to catching. Once it’s caught, there isn’t really anything you can do, other than preventing it from getting any more burnt.
If your caramel is grainy by the end, that’s because you didn’t dissolve the sugar properly at the beginning. You really want to slowly melt the condensed milk, golden syrup, sugar and butter together before it starts to boil – then it will be lovely and smooth.
The timing is something I can’t really narrow down on. It takes between 5-7 minutes to boil. This can vary depending on the type of stove you use, the brand of ingredients, the pan you use, and so on. I don’t boil the caramel to temperature, and I never have. Watch my youtube video to see the caramel go from the beginning to the end!
Leave to set
Once you have poured your caramel onto your shortbread, you have to leave it to set. I usually do this in the fridge because it’s quicker. Once it’s set, you add the chocolate!
Chocolate
The chocolate part is quite straight forward – you just want to melt it, and cover the top, and let it set as well. I used a mix of milk and white chocolate, but you can use whatever you fancy! All milk, all dark, all white.. or all three! Any flavour you fancy too. It’s epic and easy!
Portion
So… once you’ve reached the end of making it, you enjoy it. However, cutting it up can be an issue for some. As I used a 9″ square tin, I use a 26cm knife to cut it. This is because the knife is larger than the traybake, and it makes it a hell of a lot easier. I tend to make sure it’s straight, score the chocolate ever so slightly, and then just cut straight down.
You can try a few different other things, such as scoring the chocolate when it’s not fully set yet, or heating the knife before cutting – but honestly, I just find using a large and sharp knife and going straight down is the best method for me!
Storing millionaires shortbread
If you find once your Millionaires shortbread is finished, that the caramel is rock solid and more like toffee, you overdid it slightly on the boiling. It’s best to keep and store it at room temperature from now on, so it’s at least not fridge cold hard. If your caramel is too soft, you didn’t do it for long enough, so should definitely be kept in the fridge!
I really hope this post helped – any questions, leave them below! And of course, remember that you can watch me make it on youtube! Enjoy! x
Millionaires Shortbread!
Ingredients
Shortbread Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 100 g caster sugar
- 275 g plain flour
Caramel Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 4 tbsp golden syrup
- 397 g condensed milk (one tin)
Decoration
- 200 g milk chocolate
- 100 g white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C/160C Fan, and line a 9x9inch deep square tin with parchment paper.
- Cream together the sugar and butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until smooth – mix in the flour until a dough is formed. It will be crumbly but the ingredients will be evenly dispersed!
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of tin and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until pale golden on top!
- Once baked, remove from the oven and leave to the side. In a large saucepan pour the condensed milk, butter, sugar, and golden syrup and melt on a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved – stir frequently to stop anything from catching.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn the heat up high and let the mixture come to boiling point and boil for 5-7 minutes stiring constantly so that the mixture doesn’t catch. BE CAREFUL as the mixture is VERY hot and can burn you if it splashes back!
- The mixture will be ready when it has changed to a slightly darker golden colour, and has thickened to a soft fudge texture!
- Pour the caramel onto the shortbread base and leave to set for an hour in the fridge.
- Once set, melt the milk chocolate and pour over the caramel – melt the white chocolate and pour over too - swirl it into the milk chocolate with the end of a cake skewer so it forms a pretty pattern.
- Chill the shortbread back in the fridge for another 1-2 hours until the chocolate has gone hard**!
- Chop your shortbread into the separate pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- This will keep in an airtight container for at least 1 week – if they last that long!
- If you can't access golden syrup, you can give corn syrup or honey or similar a go, but I have not tested these as much. Alternatively, you can use my millionaires flapjacks caramel!
- If your caramel is rock solid when you remove it from the fridge, you have slightly over done it. Not to worry though, when you pour the chocolate on, leave it to set at room temperature rather than in the fridge and it should soften the caramel slightly.
- **If you struggle to cut your shortbread and tray bakes without the chocolate cracking on top, set it at room temperature rather than in the fridge and it’ll be softer so therefore won’t crack when you cut it!
- I recommend using a 9" square tin like this one!
- I also recommend using a spatula like these to prevent any catching!
- And if you are wondering - this is the golden syrup I use.
ENJOY!
Find my other Traybake Recipes on my Recipes Page!
You can find me on:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube
J x
© Jane’s Patisserie. All images & content are copyright protected. Do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words and credit me, or link back to this post for the recipe.
Can you use gluten free plain flour instead?
Hey,
My caramel completely split apart to just butter. How do I fix?
This means you have overheated the caramel, or boiled for too long – you need to take it off the heat and beat it like crazy to bring it back!
Hi Jane, I absolutely love this recipe!! Definitely a firm fav in our house. Can I ask if and how you can store left over caramel? I made too much so thinking I could keep until next week’s batch hehe. Many thanks in advance, Nikki xx
Hiya! Theoretically there shouldn’t be any leftover caramel as the quantity designed is perfect of the recipe as the caramel will set solidly once made and left. x
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes! Do these need to be kept refrigerated after baking? I was hoping to post some to a friend but didn’t know if the condensed milk in the caramel would go weird! Thank you 🙂
Hiya! They can be stored at room temperature – condensed milk is a heat treated product so it’s fine! x
Hi, wanted to make these as salted caramel, do i just need to add salt to the caramel mixture? And how much salt please? Thank you!
Thanks for the recipe! Made it tonight and tasted delicious! However, the layers were not even like yours ~ not enough chocolate and lacked height. I followed the recipe meticulously and encountered no issues. Even purchased the recommended tin etc.
Hi Jane,
Thank you for this recipe! I already made this a few times. How many days can i store the caramel shortbread in the fridge before it goes bad?
Hiya! They will keep for at least 1 week, hope this helps! x
If using 9by13 tin what quantity of ingredients for millioaire shortbread
Hello Jane, that’s a great recipe. I’ve always wanted to make them but making caramel has always put me off. Tried it today but did have a couple of issues.
I’d left it in the fridge for an hour and a half after pouring the caramel over the shortbread. It felt nice and firm when I came to put the chocolate on it. I let the choclate set for 2 hours but when I took it out and put the knife too it, the chocolate cracked, while the caramel was a lot softer than I thought and oozed out a bit. Essentially it’s soft slightly sticky caramel. It’s entirely edible just didn’t come out the way yours did in the Youtube video.
Now I think the issue for the caramel is one or both of two things:
a) I used a baking spread rather than butter
b) I didn’t boil it for long enough
With the chocolate I didn’t score it as it set which I’d say is the most likely reason it cracked.
What are your thoughts, thanks
Hiya! Caramel should be made with butter, but it may not have been boiled for long enough either! Also, try warming your knife before portioning! Hope this helps x
Do you have a thermomix method or are you possibly able to provide one ?
Love this recipe. Just wondering if these can be frozen?
Absolutely, for up to 3 months! Hope this helps! x
Hi Jane,
We picked up light condensed milk when we were shopping, will this still work for the caramel, or do we need full fat?
Hiya! Sadly you do need full fat for the best results. Hope this helps! x
I tried to make these for the first time yesterday, I was nervous about the caramel but that turned out perfect! I had a slight problem with the shortbread- it just didn’t taste quite right, it tasted a bit floury and plain. I’m sure I measured the ingredients correctly, could this be because I over / under mixed it?
Apart from that, it tasted amazing! Thank you for such a great recipe!
Hiya! Yes this would be the reason. Hope this helps! x
In Canada you can only get condensed milk in 300ml tins. Is that OK or should I supplement with another partial tin?
Hiya! I would supplement to make up the full weight for the best results. Hope this helps! x
Hey, I make this all the time and absolutely love it. However the last 2 times I’ve made the caramel, it’s split! Did you know why this is happening?
Hiya! Have you changed anything at all? Such as equipment, ingredients, or even type of hob? x
Does the butter have to be room temp for the shortbread and the caramel? Or can it be used straight from the fridge?
Hiya! Either should work – but for my shortbread, it tends to be slightly more towards room temp! Hope this helps! x
Hi Jane!
Thank you for your recipes. I’ve just made this using your book, and I used cooking milk chocolate for the chocolate.
However, it’s just dawned on me that probably normal chocolate might have been better for this.
Do you have a recommendation for the type of chocolate to use?
Love your books!
Thank you – Florrie
Hiya! I usually just use supermarket own! Hope this helps! x
Hi Jane!
Can I make my Shortbread dough the night before, refrigerate and then bake the next morning once it comes to room temperature and placed into the tin?
Hiya! Yes this should be fine! Hope this helps! x
Do you know what temperature the caramel should reach. I think this might be safer than judging by colour. Thanks
Hiya! Unfortunately I have never done it to a temperature – I only do it to the look, feel and time. Hope this helps! x
Hi Jane,
I just made these and they’re delicious but my caramel was slightly too pale? Do I need to boil it for longer next time? Ooh what shall I do to achieve a darker colour caramel? Thanks
Hiya! As long as it sets well and tastes yummy, you don’t need to change it! If not, you may need a higher heat. Hope this helps! x
I use 113C and it’s works well
How much should I adjust the time for short bread base if I want to put two in the oven to cook?
Could you make a raspberry millionaires shortbread? I had one once and it was delicious but I can’t find a recipe anywhere!
Just add 20g of freeze-dried raspberries to the shortbread mix Melissa 🙂
Hi Jane
I love this recipe! I have a request from my son though, he has recently seen a millionaires made with chocolate caramel… do you know what I’d add to this recipe to make a chocolate flavoured caramel?!
is there supposed to be 200g butter in the caramel just made it and it’s so liquidy it cannot be right? looked up other recipes and looks like you’ve mixed up the amounts for sugar and butter..
This recipe is correct – I use it on all of my millionaires shortbread recipes. If the caramel you have made is too liquid, you either used evaporated milk instead of condensed milk (which will not work), or not boiled it for long enough, or not let it set for long enough. x
I made these for the first time today and they turned out perfect. The recipe was easy to follow with plenty of tips and produced a delicious treat. Thanks x
Hi Jane, I love this recipe 😊 would it be possible to add freeze dried raspberries to the shortbread mix? If so how much would you recommend?
Hiya, yes of course – yum! Id recommend adding 10-15g. Enjoy! x
I’ve made this today and it’s a hit. However, on some of the cuts, the chocolate is coming away from the caramel. It’s almost falling off. What could I have done to cause this?
Hi Jane.
Attempting to make this for the first time so thanks for all the tips.
I have cooked my shortbread (made in an electric mixer) for 30 minutes in the end, but it looks a bit spongey, not shortbready! What have I done? Could it be because I used stork rather than butter? It made a good dough, just looks a bit springy. I’m making this again next week for a competition at work so all tips appreciated!
On the upside my first time making caramel was a success! Xx
Hiya! It may be slightly overbaked – try making by hand next time to see this makes a difference! Hope this helps! x
Made this today, think I overdid the caramel but carried on and made it anyway but left it out of the fridge to set. Poured on the chocolate then made the mistake of setting in the fridge. Now the caramel is so hard I can’t cut it! Its been out of the fridge for a few hours now and still not softened 😭 not sure what to do! Any suggestions or have I completely ruined it?
Hi Jane, this shortbread is amazing. I make it often to give to all of my carers and everybody loves it. Thanks
This recipe was so so so good! The caramel was Devine The only change I made was to add cornflour into the shortbread base. I make shortbread all the time and this little trick keeps it crumbly and i think a better texture.
Yes re cornnflour
hi, how much cornflour would you add?
Hi Jane,
Amazing recipe, but I’m having trouble with the chocolate when cutting it.
If I put it in the fridge, the chocolate blooms then cracks when I cut it.
If I set it all at room temp it still cracks when I cut it.
What am I doing wrong?
It never has a clean finish 😬
Have you tried warming the knife in hot water before cutting it? Also, maybe when slightly softened but still hardening you could try making lines in the chocolate so it cuts more equally?
I used to have this problem before I used a bigger knife! Bigger the knife the better. Make sure it overlaps both sides of the shortbread then literally straight down. I sat mine out of the fridge for an hour then cut it x x
Absolutely fantastic. Wishing I had read everything first so caramel didn’t catch but so delicious. I used Cadbury milk chocolate for the topping which was yummy. Will definitely make this again!
I wonder if it would help to temper the chocolate? I just keep back about 1/3rd of the chocolate when I’m melting it, chop it finely and then when the rest has melted, take it off the heat and stir it in. I did that last
night when I made this and it cut beautifully. Probably better not to put it in the fridge, I’d have thought, as that would definitely make it crack.
Hi can these be frozen please?
Hi, yes it can be frozen and stored for up to three months!
Hi, can these be frozen once baked please?
Another wonderful recipe, Jane, thank you so much! Everything I make from your website comes out perfectly and the feedback from friends and family is always great.
Can you use lighter evaporated milk?
NO, definitely not!! You MUST use condensed milk as listed! x
Hi. I made this yesterday and it came out so well. I did cook my caramel for 1 minute 30 longer as a previous recipe I used said 10mins. This made it more like a fudge but it was absolutely delicious.
I was just wondering though, can the butter be substituted for stork?
I tried a substitute once and it didn’t work as well, the caramel didn’t seem to look as good as when you use on salted butter
Hi Jane love your recipes. Just wondering I only have a 8 inch square tin will the recipe be ok to make or will I have to adjust the baking time slightly and amount of ingredients?
Hi I’ve made this recipe many times but today th caramel thickened nicely but when I took it off the heat the butter was floating on top what have I done wrong. Help me please. becky
Hiya! This sounds like your temperature was slightly too hot and your caramel was on the heat for too long! Hope this helps! x
I put the shortbread/caramel in the fridge overnight and the caramel is soft what can I do?
Nothing now that it’s made – next time, it means you need to boil the caramel for longer if all the correct ingredients are used!
Hi Jane, just made this today & it was so lovely! But I was just wondering why my caramel is so pale? In your pics it’s a lovely …well, caramel colour?! Am I not cooking it long enough? And big congrats by the way for being No.1 Sunday times bestseller, so well deserved! : D
Ah yay! It may just be the lighting in the kitchen, or the pan you use, temperature etc… but as long as it set well the colour doesn’t matter!
Why am I catching my caramel every time. I have even bought your pans and spatulas and it’s still catching. I stir continuously x
Maybe the heat is a bit too high?
If I need to make these in a hurry, could i leave the caramel and chocolate layers to set in the freezer. If so, how much should i shorten the time down to?
It depends – it may make it harder to portion as the caramel will be colder – but I would say it van reduce the time by half maybe?! x
Hi. I made this a few weeks ago and it turned out almost perfectly.
The trouble I had was when I was getting the whole slab out of the tin tin to slice them. I always use softened butter to grease the tins before lining with parchment. I think that butter may have solidified when I chilled the individual layers and the whole thing got jammed in the tin. Thankfully I managed it in the end.
Am I just greasing with too much butter? I want the parchment to stick but not get stuck!
I don’t generally stick mine down that much, so yes that could have been it – especially fridge cold!
Hi Jane!! I have made this recipe a fair few times, but my Shortbread always seems really crumbly, any idea why?? I make it by hand as I don’t have a stand mixer, could this have anything to do with it??
Thank you xx
Yes definitely – as long as it presses in and bakes well it should be fine as shortbread should be a little crumbly!
This Millionaires shortbread recipe i made turned out absolutely beautiful, thanks soo much got loads of compliments about the way they turned out 👍🤗
You are the queen of bakes! Every recipe I have tried has worked perfect and taste the best!
These are the best millionaires shortbread by far!
Everyone I have cooked them for have asked for more. Thank you for sharing your recipes and being the best. you are a natural and an amazing lady xx
Aww thank you so much, I am so happy you and everyone you bake for love them!xx
Your site is fast becoming my go to place for all things baking. Definitely the best millionaire shortbread I’ve ever made. I used dark as well as milk chocolate but that’s down to personal taste. Big endorsement from my four year old, apparently they’re the best things she’s EVER eaten!
Aww this is such a lovely message. If your four year old says it then it just be true! Thank you so much xx
Perfect recipe!! It was very Delicious And the Caramel turned out great. Every recipe I have made from your site worked. Thank You!
Hey! Aww thank you so much I am so pleased they are always a success for you! Yay xx
Hi Jane,
Ive just taken the caramel mix off the heat and when I taste tested a bit, it tasted bitty, like there was wee bits in it. Is this normal?
Kara
Hello, no this isn’t normal it could have split and/or burnt slightly- watch my youtube video on this it may help xx
Hi Jane,
Once set overnight they taste AMAZING and no bits left in the caramel/fudge layer. I think it may have been a few burnt bits. Thanks for your reply! Xx
Just made your recipe for my grandson who loves millionaires shortbread. It’s Absolutely delicious!!! My husband managed two pieces, but it’s very rich I could only manage one. Can’t wait for my grandson to try it I’m sure he will love it too.
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Hi Jane, do you melt your chocolate in the microwave and if so how long for and do you add any oil/butter.
Thanks
Sharon
Hello! Yes I do but how long depends on your microwave as the power in each microwave is different. You only add something if the recipe tells you too xx
These were amazing, thank you so much! Feeling like an absolute boss now I can make my own caramel haha!
I have tried lots of different recipes for millionaires shortbread but this is by far the best. I’ve made it at least 4 times. I have altered the recipie a bit for my liking. I do 1 1/2 times the shortbread and I use brown sugar for the caramel since it gives it a darker colour. I also use 50% dark chocolate and 50% milk chocolate melted together for the top because I think it goes better with the sweetness of the caramel. anyone who I’ve made this for has loved it and I always get asked to make it again. so thank you for the amazing recipie
These were delicious and loved by all who tried them.
I thought I had ruined it when I saw little lumps of burnt bits in the caramel. It wasn’t a problem though i just need to keep the heat lower next time.
Delicious, thank you.
I am so pleased you loved them!xx
These look amazing! Would they freeze well if I made a big batch?
Yes they will!!
These look amazing! Would they freeze well if I baked a big batch?
Yep!
This is the best millionaires shortbread recipe I’ve found!
Hey, my tray is slightly bigger. Was thinking of adding 30% extra to each ingredient. Would thay work out ok?
It depends on the exact size of your tray x
Made today, omg amazing!! So easy to follow, clear step by step instructions. First time making it ana all my family and I can say WOW! I don’t think it’ll last last in my fridge with four young men in the house. Thank you so much for your amazing recipe & blog. Will definitely make again ❤️
They turned out beautifully! My friends said they look so professional! 💗
Made these a few times, always get a good review however I find that my caramel isn’t as dark/rich in colour as your above pics I followed the recipe/yet vid exact same ingredients and similar timings but I find it ends up more of a light gold than a rich colour,
any tips on how to get it darker?
The colour can come from different brands of ingredients but also the colour doesn’t matter as long as it sets well in my opinion x
Hi Jane
I was just wondering how deep the tin needs to be – I have a tin that seems the right size 25cm x 21cm but it is only 3.6cm deep/height. Is this deep enough for the ingredients without overflowing? Or will I need a new tin? Would you recommend altering the recipes measurements instead?
Thanks for your help, can’t wait to bake these!
P.s if anyone else has any experience with a similar issue I’d be grateful to know your experiences x
Hey, this should be fine for millionaires shortbread. I hope you love them when you do!xx
Made double so I could take some to work but my standard pan wasn’t quite big enough when I was making the caramel so that was me cleaning the cooker top! Turned out great though!
Tried making millionaires for the first time and it turned out almost perfect except for catching the caramel. How long will these keep for and how should I store them. It’s a lot of short bread for only two people!!!
I generally keep them in the fridge as I like them cold, but fridge or room temp for like 1+ week! x
These were so yum! 😍 I have a recipe request, I can see it in my mind but have no idea how to execute it 😂 millionaires shortbread but with a strawberry shortbread/shortcake base, then the caramel, and then topped with white chocolate with a pink colour white chocolate swirled through or sprinkled with freeze dried strawberries. Pleaseee can you do a recipe for this! Xx
Jane!! I’ve tried doing this recipe today and I don’t know what’s happened to my caramel, I have picture and I want to show you so you can tell me how do I do this!!
It’s soft too I don’t know if I’ve under cooked it I tried to follow your video too!
Please help me!!
Hey! Are you sure you used the correct condensed milk?xx
I just made it yesterday for my daughters birthday and had the same issue 😔 Was stirring along with the YouTube video and was convinced I was going to get it right this time. I’ve made millionaires shortbread many times to various recipies always with the same end result-too soft caramel
Hi Jane,
Would the caramel recipe work with a tin or carnation caramel instead of condensed milk? Using the same method you have put above?
If you still follow the same method by boiling it etc it will work (The colour is just darker straight away so its harder to tell when its done) but you definitely can’t just pour the tinned caramel on the shortbread xx
Fab recipe which worked first time. Thanks. I’m wondering if I can make the caramel with less or even no sugar as I found it a bit sweet, or would the caramel not ‘work’ without the sugar?
Thanks
Hey! The caramel wouldn’t work without sugar but you can add salt to counteract the sweetness xx
Made this today for my husband’s work as they have a colleague retiring, made enough for us to have some. It’s the second time I’ve made millionaire shortbread but the first time using this recipe – absolutely delicious!
Hi Jane, oh I’m in a bit of predicament and just praying that the shortbread cooked right, so long story short I had a feeling the shortbread mix shouldn’t have ended up just being like coarse flour instead of a dough when all the shortbread ingredients were mixed, but I pressed it into the tin anyway, that looked fine i thought and it did look fine when it came out of the oven, the caramel turned out perfect except for some brown flecks, it hardened up well after the hour and the chocolate melted and poured on fine, but I’m just waiting very nervously to see if when I cut it that the shortbread will just crumble into smithereens, what do you reckon?
Hey! How did it turn out?x
Hi Jane, fairly well thank goodness, obviously just more crumbly than it should have been but it still stayed together quite well when sliced, I will know for the next time, but it tasted absolutely amazing and brought me back to my childhood when that was my favourite treat to choose when we did the weekly grocery shop, I’m going to tackle another of your millionaires tomorrow and this time nail the shortbread, thanks for your quick reply xx
Hiii, could I use honey instead of the golden syrup? xx
I haven’t tried it with honey myself x
Turned out honestly amazing, was a bit worried because the caramel mixture split whilst I was making it and seemed very buttery/ oily. Took it off the heat, mixed it lots and then poured some of the butter away lol it turned out unreal!!!!
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve used this recipe. Has worked out every time. Just made 2 batches this morning. Everyone loves them.
Thanks for sharing recipe
Hi, I haven’t made this yet but my brother in law has requested it for his birthday. Only problem is he would like a “not too thick” layer of caramel. If I halved the recipe for the caramel would that do the trick?
It should be fine!
Absolutely spot on with all layers of this wonderful millionaires shortbread. I have now made it 6 times and its perfect every time. Janes tips make this an easy to make fabulously delicious cake.
6 times!! That is insane, thank you so much, I am so glad you love it!x
Hi,
Thinking of making these soon, they look divine!
Would a 17 x 17cm tin be appropriate or would I need to change the amount of ingredients. Thanks x
Hiii, if you used this size tin you would only need to use half of the mixture!xx
Can I add choc chips into the shortbread base?
Hello! Yes if you wish xx
Could you add Salt to the shortbread for a salty sweet flavour?
Love this. Kids gave it 10/10. The only change I made was to do 200g dark chocolate and 100g milk. Will definitely make again!
Hello! I am so glad you and the children loved it. Yay!xc
Sublime….. better than any shop bought millionaires by a mile.
If it’s possible Jane, could you include how many grams there are of caster sugar and golden syrup in the caramel as I find it very difficult to judge when it says tablespoons and probably always put slightly too much in, especially when it comes to golden syrup 😋
45g caster sugar
84 g golden syrup
First time I’ve made millionaires and was really worried about the caramel part. I did watch the video which helped. Had really good feedback from the ‘professional cake tasters’ at work (otherwise known as the maintenance team). I nearly broke my teeth leaving it in the fridge overnight but by lunchtime the caramel had softened.
The best caramel slice recipe I’ve used!! The shortbread mixture sometimes sticks to the bottom of my mixer but that’s purely just my mixer and once I scrape it all off and put it in the tray it still makes a perfect shortbread. The caramel is absolutely amazing it has gone perfect all 3 times I’ve used this recipe. I prefer just milk or dark chocolate on top of mine but that’s just personal preference really. Everyone try this recipe it’s amazing!!
Brilliant easy to follow recipe, delicious thank you
Turned out brilliantly thank you
Fantastic recipe!
I used Maizebite flour from Matthews Cotswold for the shortbread base and it turned out absolutely stunning! Perfect texture and flavour.
I did burn the caramel a bit but that was down to my own carelessness – it still set perfectly and tastes amazing which is all that really matters…
Finally, I used a mix of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and Milkybar for the topping but next time I think I’d go for something a bit less sweet; probably replacing the Dairy Milk for something with a higher cocoa % as you really don’t need a lot of sweetness from the chocolate when you have that caramel layer too.
This will be my go-to millionaire’s recipe from now on – thanks Jane!
I found the same thing with Cadburys dairy milk so I replaced it with cadburys dark milk which is perfect,not as bitter as Bournville with a smoother taste.
I submitted an earlier post that was a little critical of this recipe. That was BEFORE I tasted my end product. Having sampled them now myself and given some away, the general consensus of opinion is that these are devine – a real guilty pleasure!
Hi Jane
When I make the caramel I see to end up with what seems to be a film of butter / oil. Any reason for this? How do I rectify it?
Thank you
This sounds like its split a little – you can take it off the heat and really just beat it like crazy and it should bring it back easily!
I had a go at this recipe and am a little disappointed. It is highly indulgent for a start but then that goes with the territory. Thought the base and the caramel use a bit too much butter. My main problem was the base. My shortbread was very dense. I used a mixer as shown in the video and this made the mix into a heavy paste. I think I would have been better to hand blend the ingredients to make it a little more crumbly. I also found it very dense to cut and my chocolate has a habit of splitting and doesn’t have those nice sharp edges shown in the photos. I tried warming the knife and that helped a bit. Again this was probably my own fault as I had put the final product in the fridge overnight to set. I ‘m just an amateur but would appreciate any feedback.
The best thing I can recommend is to watch the YouTube video of me making this – its visual so may show you where things went a little different for you. x
I just want to say a huge thank you for this caramel recipe. I’ve tried and tested so many different caramel recipes and they all ended up in disaster up until now! I follow all your recipes and im a huge fan of your baking so this has honestly made my day. My caramel shortbread looks amazing and my hubby is certainly impressed. 💖
Hi Jane,
I want to use a 22cm x 5.5cm rectangle baking tin, what would be the ingrediants converstion for this.
Hiya – I just want to double check those measurements. Is it long and thin? 5.5cm is very small for one side of a tin!
Love your recipes!! This is the first one I had trouble with!! The caramel was quite hard!! Not sure if I maybe cooked it too long?
I prefer quite soft caramel!
The shortbread base was really nice though!
Yes that just means its slightly over done! x
I have made these so many times, always the same way and strangely sometimes my caramel doesn’t seem to set. It feels firm and I leave it for a couple hours then add the chocolate, let that set and then cut it the caramel just seems to over time run off the shortbread. What am I doing wrong? Like I said sometimes it doesn’t happen 🤷🏻♀️
Do you always use the same brands of ingredients, same hob ring, same pan? Sometimes it purely is just the timing! x
Hi Jane,
If I’m using a 12×8 inch tin should i double the quantity for the caramel ? X
You only need about a quarter more – definitely not double! x
Absolutely love this recipe. Everyone that’s tried some of my caramel cake states it’s the best they’ve had. Thanks so much for the recipe 😊
Hi! This tastes great and for the most part looks great but after leaving the finished bake to set in the fridge, the chocolate topping came clean off (some of the pieces) when being cut into separate pieces. Any ideas on what I did wrong?
Thanks! X
Sometimes this can be moisture between the layers – but it randomly happens!
Hi Jane! I made this today and it’s delicious but the caramel is a bit soft. I probably didn’t boil it for long enough (only around 4 mins) because I decided to take it off the heat as it was thickened and a little darker. Should I have boiled it for longer? If so, how do I tell when to take it off if it’s already at the right thickness? Also (sorry for so many questions!) but could using shop own brand condensed milk make a difference?
Yes it needed boiling for longer! I would recommend watching my YouTube video for this recipe as it may help! Own brand condensed milk wouldn’t have made a difference as long as it wasn’t ‘light’ xx
Made these today and went down a treat with my husband (he’s had 2 squares and is now in a sugar coma!). My caramel didn’t set very well though so they ended up all squished when I cut them, what did I do wrong? Thanks for the cracking recipes!
Usually this just means it isn’t boiled long enough (but make sure you have used the correct condensed milk – not the light one. And don’t have accidentally subbed for evaporated milk either) x
So glad I read through these comments and saw Jane’s reply! Have made this recipe successfully twice (it was eaten within 24 hrs!) But this time my caramel was too soft despite cooking for more than 7 mins. Just noticed it’s evaporated milk I have used!!
Worth noting the previous 2 times my condensed milk was the light kind and it worked ok.
Hi, I’m new to your site but it’s brilliant! I made this but the chocolate hasn’t stuck to the caramel in places. What did I do wrong? Thanks
Did you set the caramel in the fridge? Sometimes moisture can cause this problem but also sometimes not, its quite random!
Hi, I did set it in the fridge so was that the right or wrong thing to do? Thanks (ps it was still amazing)
No that’s fine, just sometimes it can happen annoyingly! x
Hi Jane!
I’ve been using your recipes for the longest time now and have NEVER had a fail. Thank you!
Me and my family are currently isolating due to my children and my husband being covid positive. I’ve had my shopping delivered and they substituted the condensed milk for caramel. I know you mention this won’t set- is there anything I can do to try and make this work?! Was really hoping to bring some sunshine into my home today with their favourite treat ❤️ I hope you are keeping safe.
-Nicolle
Some readers have mentioned how they used the caramel in the same was as the condensed milk and it still worked, the flavour is just slightly different and using the colour to know when its done doesn’t work (because its immediately darker from the start) – but it should be okay! x
Great recipe.. Turned out really good and with the YouTube video helps alot when doing the caramel.. Thanks
Hi Jane can I used evaporated milk instead of condensed milk for the caramel I’m self isolating and this is all I have in my cupboards. Thanks.
You can google how to turn the evaporated milk into condensed milk first, as they are not a straight swap x
Hi, I haven’t got a paddle attachment for my electric hand whisk can I just use the whisk as it is to make the shortbread?
Many thanks
The whisk is problematic as it can get caught and isn’t designed for a biscuit dough really – if you have beaters though that should be okay. x
Turned out a treat with using the beaters x
Is it possible to do this recipe with self raising flour instead ? X
I wouldn’t recommend it because of the raising agent x
I was surprised how good these came out! The caramel I was absolutely sure I ruined because even though I followed directions exactly, had my heat down to medium low instead of medium, I got dark speckles running all through it no matter how much I beat it! I did put the heat up medium high to boil it, boiled it about six minutes while mixing and it set beautifully. Tasted a bit lumpy-gritty at first, but seemed to have smoothed out into a nice smooth, rich caramel as it set and cooled. I used an aluminium pot on an electric stove hob and used salted butter, which I definitely recommend because it enhances the caramel. I used granulated sugar (I don’t know what castor sugar is), Morrison’s brand golden syrup, put a teaspoon of vanilla and a half teaspoon of almond extract in my shortbread because I love the taste of it that way. I also beat in a teaspoon of vanilla to the caramel after boiling it. I also used all white chocolate because my husband prefers it. Mix a teaspoon of butter into your melted chocolate to help it set softer so you can cut it easier, too. I really thought this was going to flop because of the caramel but it came out OUTSTANDING! THANKS FOR THE RECIPE!
The little flecks are burnt bits, that can often come from the electric hob/aluminium pot, but also the larger sugar granules. You will find caster sugar in the baking aisle in morrisons as well! x
Absolutely foolproof recipe that came out perfectly! Thank you!! Everyone who tried this, loved it! I’m even making it again today!
I do love this recipe and I’ve made it many times but I seem to struggle to get the caramel right. Mine always kind of splits a bit and I end up with grainy bumpy caramel with a thin film of fat from the butter in the holes between the bumps… I melt the sugar super super slowly and I’ve watched the video so many times but I cannot work out what is going wrong. It still sets beautifully and it does taste fine and the chocolate covers a lot of sins but I’d love it to look nice as well?!
It could potentially be the pan you are using/the hob – heat transference can change so much between different types so it could be that. Sometimes taking the caramel off the heat and adding a little boiling water can apparently bring it back but I have never tried this myself. Or you can take the caramel off the heat after its boiled and just beat it well to prevent it maybe? x
How many calories per square? Thanks
Hi,
If you divide it up into 16 squares it averages out at about 473 calories per slice.
Absolutely delicious. Will be definitely making again!
Really easy to follow and turned out so well. Delicious
I have made this twice and omg they went down a treat to my whole family and they love them thank u so much
Delicious however I wish I’d gone with my gut and used salted butter. The unsalted butter makes me feel like it’s missing something unfortunately but other than that, lovely!
I have a 9″ by 11″ tray what would the measurements be?
I meant 13″
I would use 1.5x the recipe, so the full recipe and another half on top! Baking time for the shortbread will increase, but I’m not certain on the timings.
Hi Jane absolutely love your recipes especially Millionaire Shortbread. Having realised my error of condensed milk rather than evaporated milk oops. I’m batch baking for a Xmas Fair soon can you tell me how to freeze these. I make whole traybakes so is it best to cut portions and pop back in foil tray or freeze individual portions, also what to cover with as some say foil or cling film or put in plastic containers
I would personally bake it, cut the portions and put them back into the trays and wrap well – or portion and freeze into a container! x
Hello! So this was my second attempt today (probably better to not discuss the rock hard caramel of the first attempt haha) I was super cautious this time but went with a higher heat than first time, I ended up leaving it bubbling for about 10 minutes in the end and the colour seemed okay but then when I’ve cut it it’s all oozed and dripped all over the sides of the shortbread, gone a bit flat and sad looking 😅 do you think it wasn’t cooked long enough/high enough heat? It was looking so promising too 😭 where I live you can’t buy these anywhere at all and condensed milk is an import so it’s an expensive mistake for me to keep making 😂😂 these are my faveeee I want them to go right so badly hahaha! Thank you so much for sharing and your videos too 💖
It sounds like there is something wrong with the ingredients, as 10 minutes on a high heat for me is far far too long. Are you sure you aren’t using evaporated milk? and is the caster/golden syrup/butter correct or is that a substitute?
Hello! I’m just trying this recipe and I feel i’m already failing at the shortbread :(. I’ve got a gas oven so have put on mark 3/4 for the 25 minutes and it’s still soft to touch? So i’m leaving it again. Could it be because i’ve got a deeper square tin?
Thank you.
It will still feel a bit soft as it’s still warm – if the size of the tin is still a 9″ square it should be fine, but if you have used a smaller dimensioned tin that can cause an issue! x
Also, I don’t think i’ve waited long enough for the shortbread to cool :(, does this mean it’ll be ruined? I couldn’t work out from your video if you left it for ages, as it seemed when it came out of the oven you started on the caramel then poured it on? I think i’ve been too keen. It’s currently in the fridge but I have a feeling the caramel has probably seeped into the shortbread!?
I would recommend just having faith and seeing how it goes – there isn’t anything you can do right now as it may be absolutely fine x
Loved this recipe! Even though I skipped on the white chocolate part, it was super simple and very easy to make. My husband’s work absolutely adored them and they look forward to eating many more pieces in the future!
Very Tasty!
Easy to follow, great recipe. It’s always successful the only thing is my caramel always catches. It doesn’t spoil anything it’s just a little annoying. I’ve made some today (I think it’s the 5th time) they are as tasty as ever. 😋
Never before even attempted shortbread or my own caramel but followed this recipe and WOW. My millionaires shortbread is lush and my friends are also loving their doorstep lock down treats! I would recommend watching the YouTube video also when making the caramel to see when you should remove from the heat, that came in very handy!!
To cut the millionaire shortbread is it best done when it’s been in the fridge or freezer for a couple of hours? I tried doing it without chilling and it got a bit messy with the caramel!
I always do it fridge cold – the caramel can take longer to set at room temp, but can still firm up so it may also be that the caramel wasn’t boiled enough xx
Thank you for your detailed recipe, I just have a question what type of chocolate is best to use for this recipe ?
As it’s just for topping, you can use basically any!
Just to help out a little, I used Cadbury Dairy Milk when I made mine and it came out amazing. Thinking about experimenting with caramac but that could be a bit of a caramel overload..
After making a disastrous batch of millionaires shortbread with my grandchildren I discovered your Pinterest pin. Wow! I made some on Saturday and we munched it during Strictly! It was perfect! Thank you Jane
After finding your pin I’m thinking of making some to give as presents for Christmas
But I’d like to get ahead, especially with four weeks of enforced isolation.
But! Can I freeze it? If not, how long would it keep?
Ahh that’s amazing!! So glad you liked it! And yes it can indeed freeze! x
Truly the best millionaire shortbread I’ve ever made!!
I am making this just now for my lovely health and social care workers as I retire tomorrow.
I am making the exact recipe substituting GF flour for 2 of us who are coeliac. I’ve made it before and it is the best M shortbread ever in my view so thanks a million!
To ring the changes I’ve added a little orange zest to the shortbread.
Fingers crossed will turn out as usual and I can treat my great co workers who I’m sad to leave but wish them health and resolve to get through the winter ahead…keep safe and sensible everyone! x
I am making this just now for my lovely health and social care workers as I retire tomorrow.
I am making the exact recipe substituting GF flour for 2 of us who are coeliac. I’ve made it before and it is the best M shortbread ever in my view so thanks a million!
To ring the changes I’ve added a little orange zest to the shortbread.
Fingers crossed will turn out as usual and I can treat my great co workers who I’m sad to leave but wish them health and resolve to get through the winter ahead…keep safe and sensible everyone! x
I tried Millionnaires Shortbread this morning and it is great!
After several earlier failed attemps, this recipe is fantastic and so well explained.
The caramel is really good!
I have one question though: I live in Belgium and of course use Belgian chocolate which is quite hard, much harder than British one; so I tried to put some cream in it to make it softer, but the chocolate curdled at first; is there any tips that can help?
Thank you!!
I think adding 1-2tbsp of vegetable oil or sunflower oil would be better!! And I’m so glad you liked the recipe! X
Hi I’m wondering if you’ve ever tried to freeze these? Did they freeze well? And if you did, did you defrost at room temp or in the fridge thank you x
Yes they freeze! And I generally defrost at room temp x
It makes my kids happy when I make such beautiful cakes for them and all this credit goes to you. Thank you so much for sharing these recipes as it has helped me make so many things in an easier way at home and my kids love them a lot.
Can you add flavouring to the caramel? If so, how much would you suggest without it effecting the caramel, I’d really like to add some peppermint into it E.g. 1/2 tsp or 1tsp of vanilla essence or peppermint essence?
Thanks!
I would say 1 tsp maximum – and only use a good quality flavour! x
I supply these to a cafe and they love them but was wondering the easiest way to increase for a snigger tin? Thanks 😊
It depends on the size of tin – as tins are based on volume it can differ completely depending on what tin you want to use x
Hi! How’s is best to know if the caramel is done. For the first time the other week and I think that it was overdone when set it was very chewy and not fudgey as it should be. I think it continued cooking after taken off the hob. Any advice? I’m making it tonight! Thanks xxx
Have a watch of my YouTube video as I show exactly how the caramel should look xx
That’s how I did it last time and it was really really hard. This time it is more the right consistency but slightly grainy. Hopefully I’ll nail it one day! X
Hi can you make the millionaires using gluten free flour ? X
It can sometimes make the shortbread feel softer when making it, but generally it does work yes! X
Hi, I am having a really difficult time with the caramel. Twice it have made it and twice it has ended up almost like a curdled consistency. Tried it low and slow and then fast and hot, same thing happened twice. Any idea what is happening?
You need to use a medium high heat, for 5-7 minutes as mentioned on the recipe. Low and slow isn’t right, neither is fast and hot. Watch the YouTube video for this, and you may see where you have gone wrong x
Caroline, if you are in the US, I just made this for the first time and got the curdled consistency too. I used confectioners sugar because I googled “caster sugar” and it says that it is confectioners sugar (which is actually icing sugar in the UK). What we actually need to use in the US is super-fine sugar. Hope this helps! I have not tried to remake it, but I think this was my issue after some research.
Hi Jane , Made so many of your cakes ,cookies etc and they all come out good and so delicious.
As was this Millionaire Shortbread , however the caramel even though it had been in the fridge for an hour and a half was quite soft , and when I cut the chocolate it cracked and was sliding off .
However it was still delicious and only my first attempt and will most definitely be trying again .
Mel x x
If it stays soft, that means it hasn’t been boiled for long enough or a high enough heat so will stay soft. Next time, just make sure to do it for longer!! x
First time I’ve tried making this. It was brilliant. Best ever recipe
Fantastic recipe, I’ve found caramel pretty tricky in the past but these detailed instructions enabled me to get it just right. Thanks so much Jane 😀
I have been working my way through your recipes since the beginning of lockdown, made these today and they are definitely our new favourite! After reading your blog and the comments I was worried about messing up the caramel (I’m new to baking and have an electric hob!) but by keeping the temperature a bit lower, I managed it successfully without burning. First time I’ve ever made millionaires shortbread but won’t be the last…my 12 year old son had asked for more already!!
Thank you for all your lovely recipes, so easy to follow even for a novice like me!
I love this recipe the first time. My caramel is starting to come out with bits I’m not to sure why. I follow the recipe and use same ingredients. I do have an electric hop it wither that or the pan I use. I use the right spatula and not a wooden one. Any ideas.
Hey! So that means it’s burning/catching and it could be either the hob or pots – in the past I struggled with electric as I found it burnt very easily in comparison to a gas hob, but also if your pot is thing that can cause a problem – so likely the best thing to do would be to have a lower heat x
Hi, I’m having trouble with the chocolate part. If I put it in the fridge it gets a white bloom and if I leave it out it sets with what looks like little spots (maybe fatty spots). What chocolate is best?
That’s usually down to how it’s melted – it happens because of temperature. Try and melt the chocolate in a different method and see if that helps!
This was fantastic! It was relatively easy to make and made quite an impression as they look stunning. I failed at making the caramel the first 2 times and could not figure out what I was doing wrong. The third time I made it at my boyfriend’s and it turned out perfect! I’m wondering if it might have been my electric stove or teflon pot that made the difference because my boyfriend has a much nicer gas stove and ceramic lined pots. Anyway, I love how it wasn’t overly sweet at all and I got rave reviews from everyone. I will definitely be checking out more of your recipes because I feel like American desserts can be just too sweet.
Hey! So yes it could definitely be the stove or pots – as mentioned on the post I struggled with electric as it just doesn’t work the same compared to gas, but then again if your pot was too thin or something that can also cause issues!! So glad it worked in the end and you enjoyed it! x
This recipe was amazing!! My first try at caramel and it went so well following all your steps. My caramel set very firmly is there anything I could do so the caramel doesn’t set as much and is softer? Thank you xx
Ahh yay! All you need to do is boil for slightly less time! x
Would you reccommend making this recipe but for single leftover Gu pot size? Say about 9 of them? Or would it juat not be squishy enough to eat with a spoon?
It probably isn’t squishy enough, but if you do the caramel for less time it should be! x
Hello,
I have done this recipe a few times and it has turned out perfectly! However today the mixture split? Have a boiled it on to high heat?
Will try again later 🤞🏼
Hey! Yes either too high or too long – usually you can take it off the heat and beat like crazy and it can come back together! x
made these today tasted AMAZING! Visually not as good. Chocolate cracked which I know is down to me cutting too soon from fridge, caramel was actually perfect but the shortbread was really crumbly in most places….literally just like shortcake crumbs. I followed recipe amount, does this mean was undercooked or is there something else it could’ve been? Thank you
It could mean a few things – not pressed down enough, or over worked, or over baked – under baked is usually obvious as it will still look a bit raw!
Hi Jane, I love all your recipes and videos! I’ve made this before and while it is always delicious, when I pour my caramel on to the shortbread it has a thin layer of melted butter on the top of it, any idea what I’m doing wrong?! Thanks!
That sounds like it’s split ever so slightly which usually means it’s too hot. Make sure to stir the caramel well off the heat before pouring onto the shortbread and it should be okay x
Literally the tastiest thing I have ever made!! Seriously bad for my (and my two boys’) waistline because it’s impossible to stop eating them. I made them to be part of a teacher gift box (plus extras for home!) and was so pleased they came out so well because the home made fudge I had attempted had gone completely wrong. I was a bit worried about whether I would get the caramel right – no idea if it looked how it was meant to but seemed right to me and most importantly tasted delish!! Thanks Jane!
Hi, I have a 7×7 tin, will this be ok if I cook it for longer? Thanks
I wouldn’t recommend using the same amount for a 7″ tin – you’d need about half the recipe and to bake for less time!
Hi Jane I have have decided to make this and have for as far as the caramel , I have now realised I didn’t heat my caramel enough and it won’t set . Do you thing I should scoop it off and heat it more and then put it back in the fridge or should I just go with the unset caramel ?
Personally I would just go with it as it might not work scraping it off and putting it back! x
Spot on made two trays from the the first batch!
About to make more this evening as family have requested it!
This was my first time trying to make millionaires shortbread and the recipe was so clear and easy to follow! I also watched the YouTube video a couple of times beforehand! The caramel looked as if I didn’t melt the sugar for long enough but it still tasted incredible! I think my favourite recipe that I’ve tried so far!!
I just made this. My caramel mixture split but luckily I had read some of the comments and I removed it from the heat, beat it like crazy and a couple of minutes later it was perfect. Very delicious caramel. I can’t wait to eat them!
They look scrumptious!! I don’t have golden syrup, and was wondering whether maple syrup was fine? I know it is very runny so I wasn’t sure… I’m very excited to try these millionaire shortbread out for my first time!
It can definitely change the texture if using maple syrup, as golden syrup is the ideal – but it might be okay!
OK! Thank you so much, I also have honey which could be better. Also, I have no caster sugar, however I have white granulated sugar and demerera sugar, do you know which would work best? Thanks again!
Oh and I also have light brown sugar 🙂
OK! I have honey which could work better! For the sugar, I have no caster sugar… do you know which would work best for shortbread and for caramel: granulated white sugar, light brown sugar or demerera sugar? Thank you so much 🙂
Honey would definitely be better – and I would use light brown sugar personally!
Turned out great, nice recipe
The best caramel shortbread ever! Thank you so much for the recipe. Achieved perfection on the second go (the first one I cooked the caramel for too long and it was more like toffee). So delicious. One question though – have you ever frozen them? I can’t fathom having a whole tray to myself (as much as I do l am addicted) so want to save some for when we go see my family next weekend! Any tips appreciated. Thanks so much
Hey! Ahh so glad you like the recipe! And yes they can be frozen xx
I asked my son what he would like me to bake to celebrate completing his degree and he picked Millionaires Shortbread. His usual response to most things he eats is “okay” or “nice”, but he devoured this and said it was absolutely lovely. Very high praise from him indeed! Thanks, Jane, your recipes are making me look like a decent baker. Phil
I absolutely love this Millionaire shortbread. ive made it a few times now and your recipe alwasy works perfectly – thank you. I was just wondering if i double up the ingrediants do i need to bake the shortbread for longer? Thank you x
Hey! Thank you!! That depends on the size of tin – if you wanted double still in one 9″ square then yes it will definitely increase (not sure how long!) but for larger trays it may differ! X
Great recipe and big hit with the family. The video was fab to watch and easy to follow what to do. Attempted to make millionaires shortbread 25 years ago and had a complete disaster. Lockdown made me want to attempt again and now a firm favourite to be repeated. Thank you.
You may be single handedly responsible for my husband and I developing diabetes 🤣🤣🤣. My non- cooking husband decided he was going to have a go at these and now he can’t stop making them for us, family and friends! I’ve been cooking for everyone for 50 years and now Jon’s got the master baker reputation because of your recipe 😜. Seriously though, this is THE BEST millionaires shortbread EVER!!! Thank you xxx
Hi Jane,
I make these all the time and today a friend would like a batch but I’ve run out of butter, don’t want to go shopping just for butter.
I know I can use storm for the shortbread but with the caramel can I use either kerrymaid baking block or slightly salted salted butter as I have both of these.
Fabulous recipe by the way xx
Hey! Ahh oh no! I think either of those should be okay, just keep an eye on it! x
Hi Jane! Can I use golden Caster Sugar for this as I can’t find normal caster sugar anywhere!
Thanks ☺️
Hey! Yes you can! X
Hii, what condensed milk do you use? I normally use the caramel one but when I cut it, it comes out runny😫
Hiya – if you are using the caramel one then it won’t work, unfortunately! – you need to make it yourself as listed with normal condensed milk!
Hi Jane would you recommend real butter or is stork fine? X
Generally for the caramel I recommend butter, but for the shortbread can work well with stork! X
Hi Jane, I just tried making the millionaire shortbread and the caramel split twice. I followed your YouTube video and just wondered what could have gone wrong? Many thanks
Usually it happens because it’s too hot – you can take it off the heat and beat it like crazy and 9/10 it will come back together!
This recipe was absolutely delicious. I made a batch for my grandma and she loved them! The instructions for the caramel were so clear and being a beginner, I am much grateful for that. I used Cadbury as my chocolate though but it didn’t taste like the chocolate you’d find in a store bought millionaires shortbread. What chocolate would you recommend?
Ahh yay!! I use callebaut (bulk bought cooking chocolate) or just supermarket own for the topping! xx
Hi Jane I’m wanting to try your millionaires shortbread but Ive limited time.could it be left in fridge longer than stated time before I add the chocolate please or would that make the caramel too hard?want to start it before work 😃xx
Hey! Yes you can leave it in longer!! x
I love all your recipes and this one looks amazing and so simple! I just wondered if it’s possible to make the caramel a few days in advance and store it? If so, how would you recommend storing it? Thanks!
Hiya! Unfortunately for this you can’t make the caramel in advance. You can make the entire traybake, but not the caramel on it’s own as it’s designed to set solid. x
Hi there, this might be a silly question, but will it matter if I use an 8×8 pan or will the layers be too thick? I’m not sure I can be bothered to try and calculate the quantities for a smaller pan though 😂.
Many thanks, Helen
Hey! So an 8×8″ square is about 4/5 of the size – so it will definitely make it a chunk deeper, but it should be fine as long as your tin is quite deep!
Hi Helen. I don’t have the exact same pan sizes Either, so I make roughly a three quarter size one and then a small one (just for me!) in a bowl lined with parchment paper. Tastes perfect every time!
Hi, i love all your recipes! Im really struggling with the caramel, this time round its got brown flaky bits in it, does this mean its burnt? And can it be saved? Everything else is perfect though.
Hey! That means it’s started to catch, so the flecks are bits of burnt caramel! It will still set absolutely fine, it might just have flecks running throughout but it’s more complicated to try and remove so I’d just go with it!
Hi, thanks for your recipes! I made this today and it all set ok, but I’ve realised my caramel is pale compared to yours, I presume I maybe didn’t heat it long enough but I was worried about burning it. Does it affect the flavour if it is quite pale?
Thanks
Sorry, just seen you answered the same question underneath!
Your recipes are always fab so this one wasn’t any different! My caramel set well in the fridge and has cut well etc so I think it’s fine, but it’s quite light in colour. Does this mean I’ve undercooked it or can this sometimes just happen? I think I took it off the heat too early because I was worried about it going more like toffee if I overdid it, but the only sign it’s underdone is the colour so I’m not sure!
So sometimes it can just happen! If it’s set well, I wouldn’t change anything! xx
Hi!
I like using a candy thermometer when making caramel .. what temperature would I need the caramel to be for this caramel? 🙂
I don’t make this caramel to a particular temperature, sorry!
Amazing! I was worried about making the caramel but it turned out lovely. Definitely recommend!
This recipe is amazing!!! Been making millionaires shortbread for years and just tend to use the BBC recipe, however, thought I’d try a new one and ended up making the best milionaires shortbread yet! Love them xxx
Ahh thank you so much!! Xx
Yet another amazing recipe! I have never ever been able to make these. I watched your video and then halved recipe as only two of us in the house! They are amazing!!
Only problem is now I want a kitchen aid haha which one would you suggest? Which is in this video? Looks smaller and easy to clean
Ahhh yay! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! And mine is a 4.8L artisan!! x
This recipe is AMAZING! I was so worried about making the caramel but it turned out perfect! Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Ahh yay! So glad it was a success! x
I absolutely love this! I also love that I was able to make it! Loved the video showing how to make the caramel, I’ve managed it twice (2nd time I did with a GF base for my dad and the rest of your recipe). So thank you. It’s my favourite cake to eat out, I have it every week and now I can make my own. Love your recipes!
Another amazingly perfect recipe. You just can’t go wrong following any of your recipes. Would it make a difference pouring the caramel on a hot shortbread? I did the caramel whilst the shortbread was in the oven so when it came out I waited 15 minutes for it to cool before pouring.
Hey! So I usually leave the shortbread to cool a bit first, and then pour the hot caramel on and straight in the fridge – it shouldn’t make a difference putting hot onto hot, but leaving the caramel to sit for a bit can sometimes cause it to go a bit funny (but if it worked for you then don’t worry!!) x
Since my disaster the first time around, I’m very pleased to announce that the second attempt has gone very well. I heated the caramel very slowly, used a sugar thermometer just to keep an eye on things and didn’t boil it to death. Success!
Not only that but I blitzed the gone-wrong caramel shortbread in the food processor and it’s made the most amazing crumble topping – delicious with hot, tart fruit and a scoop of ice-cream!
Hey lovely, love all your recipes, you’re very talented! definitely going to make these at some point, just a quick question – would this caramel filling work in a banoffee pie? lots of love x
I would actually say this is too firm – I would advise using my caramel sauce recipe!! x
Excellent recipe and tutorial! I could have held my nerve for a minute longer to achieve the depth of caramel colour but was too scared that I would burn the caramel! It was still delicious and held its shape when cut.
I have not got any caster sugar, what could I substitute it for please? x
Ideally you would have caster, or even golden caster sugar – otherwise, light brown sugar for example can work, but the colour will be naturally darker so it’s harder to see when you need to take the mix off! x
Everything was going so well and it looked amazing. Unfortunately when it was time to cut it, I couldn’t get a knife through it – not even a cleaver!
Somehow I managed to make toffee instead of caramel. The sort of toffee that needs a hammer (and a chisel).
Do you reckon I overheated the caramel? Is there any way of resurrecting it?
Yes that’s over heated – if it’s solid, it’s over done! The only way to deal with it is store it at room temp, and probably heat the knife to cut through it!
Came out perfectly! Was nervous about over cooking the caramel, but it set nicely so thanks for the guidance 🙂 Going to try one of the variation recipes next
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!! x
Yummy recipe! Thank you. Again, easy to follow and straightforward. I love ALL your recipes!
I still can’t cut the shortbread without the chocolate cracking in different directions… they certainly don’t look like your uniform ones! Help!
So glad you like it! Cutting the shortbread definitely takes practice – there’s a few different ways you can try and do it to help such as scoring the chocolate, heating the knife – but genuinely all I do is use a large sharp knife! x
Tried this today and it was amazing. The only thing is when i cut it into slices; the chocolate slid off some of the slices. It was well set. I would appreciate it if you could tell me where i went wrong? Thanks
Ahh yay! Okay so this can happen if there’s a bit of moisture between the layers – or it actually means that the caramel is borderline about to split so there can be a thin layer of ‘fat’ on top meaning it won’t stick well! x
Made this and it tastes amazing! Will this recipe work okay in a longer tray, thinking of making thinner slices next time as it is really filling! Thanks
Ah yay! Yes it will – just the baking time would potentially be less (depending on size) as the shortbread would be thinner!
Made this and left the Caramel to cool
For w couple or hours. Poured the chocolate over and the Carmel went soft. Did I not leave it for long enough?
Did you definitely make the caramel correctly? Using pre-made caramel doesn’t work, and using evaporated milk instead of condensed milk also doesn’t work!
Is condensed milk the same as sweetened condensed milk?
Yes!
Made these for my 16th birthday and they’re amazing. Such a good recipe.
So glad you liked them!!
Could I use golden caster sugar for the shortbread or caramel?
Thanks! 🙂
Yes for both! X
First time making MS and it turned out so well! Great recipe 😊
Great recipe and I had so much fun making this! Only issue I had with it was the shortbread was quite soft/ wasn’t very crunchy. Was that because I undercooked it or is it meant to be quite soft?
You can definitely bake it for longer to get it slightly crunchier, but it will always be kinda soft!
Can I use maple syrup instead of golden syrup for the Caramel? If not what is this difference in using your caramel receip from the millionaires flapjack?
Thanks
Hey so I wouldn’t use the maple syrup personally as it can taste/look/feel different with it. They are two different caramels, and I prefer this one overall but as explained on the post you can use the other one if you can’t access golden syrup! x
Hi, Really looking forward to making these for my birthday treat next week! I’m struggling to find Condensed milk – will the ‘Light’ version work the same as I have some of that?
Thank you.
Hey! So it should still work, but sometimes can be softer because of the ‘light’ aspect! X
I made these last night and omg they are to die for, thank you Jane for this amazing recipe, super easy to follow 🙂
Made this today and was expecting there to be a disaster somewhere along the lines but it has turned out fab!
Watched your video a few times as I was nervous about the caramel but it’s worked, yay!
Just had a slice and it was lovely. Perfect size when cut into 16 as stated in your recipe!
This is the second time I have made this and it is a great recipe and so easy to follow with fabulous results a win win for everyone
Lovely recipe and excellent caramel. I don’t know what happened to my shortbread base but it’s like concrete and the caramel and chocolate hasn’t adhered to it at all, I watched the video and found it very good.
If your shortbread is like concrete it must be over baked – as it’s only three ingredients! Also, there may have been moisture in your fridge on top of the caramel that caused the chocolate to not set properly on top!
I followed the recipe exactly, and think I was doing alright on my first ever caramel! However after a few minutes, the caramel split. Why would this have happened? I
Did you use real butter or a spread? And what type of hob do you have? Often splitting early on is down to being too much heat too quickly!
What a lovely recipe everything worked even my caramel!
Do you think they’d freeze well ?
Ahh yay! And yes they would!!
Hi Jane,
I made the millionaire shortbread today and they are delishhhh😍 just wondering are they suitable for freezing?
Loving your recipes😊
Thank you😊
Ahh yay!! and yes they are!!
Truly outstanding! Thank you so much for the recipe! I made these yesterday and I am not normally a Baker but decided to try these as they are my favourite and I wanted something that my wife and son would love. Your YouTube video was very easy to follow and filled with detail that it was almost impossible to go wrong. I managed to bake a perfect shortbread, caramel and chocolate with perfect amounts. We absolutely love it and now have friend and neighbours asking for the recipe. Left peices in Tupperware for them to try as a lockdown treat. So thank you for sharing this recipe and spreading some happy times!
Aaaand I’ve just seen that the poster immediately prior to me has had a reply on the self same subject, and I shall now jump over onto your YouTube channel! Mea culpa!,,,
Hi, I can’t find any condensed milk anywhere- any ideas for how much sugar to add to evaporated milk- might that work? Thanks, Sally
I’ve read that you can do that, but I haven’t done it myself, unfortunately – it’s probably worth a google!
This is the first time I’ve made Millionaires Shortbread, after browsing loads of recipes and ‘how to’ blogs.
Firstly, let me say that the way to make it is very well laid out, and secondly, that it makes the most wonderful result.
If I may, would it be ok to suggest perhaps attaching a little video clip of how to create the swirled effect (I didn’t know initially wether to slap both of the chocolates on one after etc) and also how the consistency of the caramel should be just before it’s taken off the heat (I make loads of fudge and obviously the temperature and cooking times are quite different)
That’s not a criticism, as I’m really enjoying reading through your recipes and deciding what to make.
Lockdown in the UK at the moment does make getting certain ingredients very hard, but it makes it a real challenge to rummage through, choose one of your recipes, and emerge triumphant!
Thank you!!
Hi! I made these today, but my caramel split and it was a buttery mess, so tried again, and it was fine for a few minutes but I could see the butter starting to split again just before it was turning golden, I had the gas on really low the second time as realised the mix could have got to hot, but it nearly happened again! I used it anyway but it just didn’t set properly or have much of a caramel colour 😕any suggestions of what I’m doing wrong? Thanks!
I would suggest watching my YouTube video as I show what I do! It may help you!
Great recipe, tasted really good thank you. I did find the caramel split before it was ready to take off the heat. Not sure what caused it. Anyway I rescued it by taking it off the heat, adding some boiling water (1-2tbs) and mixing it back on the heat slowly until it came back together again.
This can happen due to the heat – it may be hotter than you think it is! But I’m so glad it came back together!
Hiya
Just about to make these can it be done with gluten free plain flour or should I add some Xantham gum powder to it?
Usually for shortbread you can just do a simple switch, and some of readers have said they’ve done the same and it worked well! x
Tasted amazing!
Wow! I never thought I’d be able to make these, but your recipe is simple to follow and they turned out great! Your YouTube video was extremely helpful for the caramel part as well. Absolutely delicious 😀
This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try but only have been able to get self raising flour? Would this work ok? X
For the best shortbread you really want plain flour as you don’t want a raising agent. You can definitely try it, but the texture will be different! X
Sooo good and I was surprised I managed to make the caramel in the perfect fudgyness as well. Just found your blog this weekend and will definitely make many of your recipes! X from the Netherlands
Very easy to follow recipe with superb results!
My first time making Millionaire Shortbread and it turned out AMAZING. I saw this recipe and followed your Youtube video and it helped so much. Thank you for these great recipes!💗
I’m so glad the recipe and video helped!!
Made these this weekend amazing 😉 everyone loved them defiantly be making them again
Yesss! 😏
Amazing!! This was so delicious. I love your recipes they are always so nice and simple to follow and always get good results😍
Thank you so much!! ❤️
Hi Jane, can you provide a link for the saucepan you used to make the caramel please? Thank you
They are neverstick2 pans!
Thank you so much for the recipe! Mine came out really well and everyone in the house loved them. I added a little bit of salt to my caramel as I thought for me it would be a bit too sickly, and it worked really well. Thank you again 🙂 xxx
Hi Jane, I was hoping to make these for my husband as it’s our anniversary next week. I’m a complete novice when it comes to baking and haven’t been able to buy plain flour. I have coconut flour and wondered whether this would be ok to use? Whether the quantity would need to be altered?
Thanks for any advice you can give me in advance
Hiya! Unfortunately using coconut flour is quite difficult in place of regular flour. Typically because of the drying factors of coconut flour you’d only want about 1/4 of the weight, but that won’t give a very good shortbread at all! Sorry!
Made these on the weekend. They were amazing! The YouTube video was super helpful for making the caramel. Fab recipe! Thank you!
Ah yay! So glad you enjoyed the recipe and video!! x
Yayy, it worked! I used evaporated milk and added 8 tbsp of sugar instead of 3. It took longer to thicken up but it looks and tastes like caramel so I think it worked. Thank you for the recipe Jane!
Ahh yay! Amazing!! Thank you for the information too – it’s useful to know for the future!! Xx
Hi Jane, I’m making these but I only have evaporated milk. I’ve looked online and it said you can add sugar which will make it condensed milk, does this work? If this doesn’t work are there any alternatives I can use? Thank you.
Hey! I’m afraid evaporated milk definitely won’t work just as it is as you know – but I have never personally made condensed milk from evaporated milk. I would definitely say give it a go as there aren’t really any alternatives for this sort of caramel, and I’m sure the recipe for making it yourself will work!
Absolutely amazing, first time making caramel and it worked!
Hi Jane,
Not made these yet but they look amazing! I’ve only got evaporated milk not condensed milk. Is that the same thing?
Thank you !
Thank you! No, they’re completely different – and evaporated milk does not work, sorry!
Hi, does it have to be ‘unsalted butter’ for both the shortbread and caramel? Or could I use stork/salted butter instead?
I know in some recipes you say it HAS to be unsalted butter (e.g buttercream) but in others sometimes it can be swapped so just wondered if I could maybe use stork for the shortbread part? Thanks in advance!
LOVE your recipes!
You can definitely use the stork in the shortbread, but I would suggest still using real butter for the caramel!
Sounds delicious! Another one of your recipes I’m going to try! Could we use tinned caramel instead of making it as I have some left over? Thanks! x
Tinned caramel doesn’t set, so it won’t work the same!
Hi Jane, a friend recommended your recipes and I love every single one I’ve tried so much! The millionaire shortbread is delicious, everyone absolutely love it. But I have one question, the shortbread crumbled quiet a bit. I was wondering what I can do differently next time to prevent that?
It may have been slightly over baked, but when making it just make sure to push it down firmly, and also try and use a large sharp knife to cut so it reduces how many times you have to cut into it if that makes sense!
I could live on millionaire bars, I think. I recently made a recipe that was in last month’s Bon Appetit magazine…it had tahini in the caramel filling. It really was delicious. Right now, I must head to the kitchen to use your recipe!
Oh so could I! And tahini in caramel is amazing!
This recipe is great, but I would like to ask am I the only one who has issues with the caramel mixture butter splitting when cooking it. It happens everytime and I find it so frustrating I tried it with room temperature butter and cold butter, it doesn’t seem to matter. If anyone can help please do because I do love this recipe.
HIya! this is probably due to the tempaerature you are boiling at. Try reducing the timing and see if that helps! x