Mary Berry's Millionaire Shortbread is an indulgent treat that combines buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate into a delectable dessert. The layers of flavors and textures create a mouth-watering experience that makes this dessert a favorite among many. In this post, we'll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to make your millionaire shortbread a success.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Delicious+Millionaire+Shortbread+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Delicious Millionaire Shortbread" /> </div>
Ingredients You Will Need 🍪
To whip up this delicious treat, you will need a variety of simple ingredients that can usually be found in your kitchen.
For the Shortbread Base:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g caster sugar
- 250g plain flour
- 100g cornflour
- A pinch of salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 100g unsalted butter
- 100g brown sugar
- 397g condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 200g dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- 50g milk chocolate (optional, for drizzle)
The Layers Explained 📏
Layer | Ingredients | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Shortbread | Butter, caster sugar, plain flour, cornflour, salt | The crunchy base |
Caramel | Butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, vanilla | The rich, sweet layer |
Chocolate | Dark and/or milk chocolate | The decadent top layer |
Note: “Feel free to adjust the chocolate type according to your taste preference. Dark chocolate adds a nice bitterness that complements the sweetness of the caramel.”
Instructions for Making Millionaire Shortbread 🥣
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bake! Follow these simple steps to make your own millionaire shortbread:
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base
- Preheat your Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan oven) or 350°F.
- Prepare the Baking Tin: Line a 20cm square tin with baking paper for easy removal.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the plain flour, cornflour, and salt, then mix until a dough forms.
- Press into the Tin: Spread the dough evenly into the base of the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool in the tin.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Delicious+Millionaire+Shortbread+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Making Millionaire Shortbread" /> </div>
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk.
- Cook the Caramel: Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread Over the Shortbread: Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, smoothing it out evenly. Let it set for at least 30 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Delicious+Millionaire+Shortbread+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Preparing Caramel Layer" /> </div>
Step 3: Chocolate Topping
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a pan of simmering water until smooth.
- Spread Over the Caramel: Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add Drizzle (optional): If using milk chocolate for drizzling, melt it in a separate bowl and use a spoon to drizzle over the dark chocolate layer for a decorative touch.
- Chill: Allow the millionaire shortbread to cool in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to set completely.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Delicious+Millionaire+Shortbread+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Chocolate Topping for Shortbread" /> </div>
Step 4: Cutting and Serving
Once the millionaire shortbread has set, remove it from the tin and cut it into squares or bars. It’s best to use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to achieve clean cuts.
Storage Tip: “Store your millionaire shortbread in an airtight container in a cool place, and they will last for about a week—if they last that long!”
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Delicious+Millionaire+Shortbread+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Cutting Millionaire Shortbread" /> </div>
Variations to Try 🌈
While Mary Berry's traditional millionaire shortbread is perfect as is, why not add your own twist? Here are some ideas:
- Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the caramel layer for some added crunch.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer elevates the flavor.
- White Chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Delicious+Millionaire+Shortbread+Recipe+By+Mary+Berry" alt="Delicious Millionaire Shortbread Variations" /> </div>
Conclusion
Mary Berry's millionaire shortbread is a decadent dessert that is surprisingly simple to make at home. With its buttery base, gooey caramel layer, and rich chocolate topping, it is sure to impress your friends and family. Try making this delightful treat for your next gathering, or simply enjoy it yourself with a cup of tea. Happy baking! 🍰