Mary Berry’s Millionaire Shortbread Recipe: How to Make It Perfectly

Mary Berry is one of the most renowned bakers in the world, and her millionaire shortbread recipe is a classic that has been enjoyed by generations. This delicious treat is a perfect combination of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate, making it a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere.

A kitchen counter with ingredients (butter, sugar, flour, chocolate) and utensils (mixing bowl, spatula, baking tin) for making millionaire shortbread

Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread recipe is known for its simplicity and ease of preparation, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The recipe requires only a few basic ingredients, including butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate, which can be found in most kitchens. Moreover, the recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes by adding nuts, dried fruit, or other ingredients.

For those who are looking to impress their friends and family with a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread recipe is a must-try. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in any household.

Ingredients

Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread recipe is a classic dessert that requires a few key ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are the three key components of this recipe:

Shortbread Base

The shortbread base is the foundation of this dessert and provides a buttery and crumbly texture that complements the sweet caramel and chocolate layers. To make the shortbread base, you will need:

  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Flour

These simple ingredients are mixed together to create a dough that is then pressed into a baking tin and baked until golden brown.

Caramel Layer

The caramel layer is the star of this dessert and adds a rich and sweet flavor that is perfectly balanced with the buttery shortbread and chocolate topping. To make the caramel layer, you will need:

  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Condensed milk
  • Golden syrup

These ingredients are cooked together until they form a thick and creamy caramel that is then poured over the shortbread base.

Chocolate Topping

The chocolate topping is the final layer of this dessert and adds a deliciously indulgent touch that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. To make the chocolate topping, you will need:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Butter

These ingredients are melted together and then poured over the caramel layer before being left to set in the fridge.

Overall, these simple yet delicious ingredients are what make Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread recipe a classic dessert that is loved by many.

Preparation Steps

A kitchen counter with ingredients and utensils laid out for making millionaire shortbread. Sugar, butter, and chocolate are prominently displayed

Making the Shortbread

To make Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread, the first step is to make the shortbread base. This is done by mixing butter, sugar, and flour together until the mixture becomes crumbly. The mixture is then pressed into a baking tray and baked in the oven until it turns golden brown.

Creating the Caramel

The next step is to create the caramel layer. This is done by melting butter, sugar, and condensed milk in a pan over a low heat until it forms a thick, golden caramel. Once the caramel is ready, it is poured over the cooled shortbread base and left to set.

Adding the Chocolate

The final step is to add the chocolate layer. This is done by melting chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Once the chocolate has melted, it is poured over the set caramel layer and left to cool and harden.

To make the chocolate layer more interesting, Mary Berry recommends using a combination of milk and dark chocolate. This creates a delicious balance of sweet and bitter flavors.

Overall, Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread recipe is a simple yet delicious treat that anyone can make. By following these preparation steps, you can create a decadent dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Did you ever tried the Delicious Mary Berry's Coconut Cake Recipe?

Baking and Cooling

Melted chocolate being poured over a layer of caramel on a shortbread base, then left to cool on a wire rack

To begin with, Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread recipe requires the shortbread base to be baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 160°C (fan)/180°C/gas mark 4. It is important to keep an eye on the shortbread while it is baking to ensure it does not overcook and become too hard.

Once the shortbread has been baked, it should be left to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. After this, it can be transferred to a wire rack to cool completely. The shortbread should be completely cool before the caramel layer is added on top.

The caramel layer is made by melting butter, sugar, and condensed milk in a pan over a low heat. It is important to keep stirring the mixture to prevent it from burning. Once the caramel has thickened and turned a golden brown colour, it should be poured over the cooled shortbread base.

After the caramel layer has been added, the millionaire shortbread should be left to cool completely before the chocolate layer is added on top. It is recommended to leave the shortbread in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.

The chocolate layer is made by melting dark chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Once the chocolate has melted, it should be poured over the cooled caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula. The chocolate layer should be left to set completely before the millionaire shortbread is cut into squares and served.

Serving and Storage

A kitchen counter with a tray of freshly baked millionaire shortbread, next to a stack of decorative serving plates and a container of parchment paper for storage

Once the Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread is ready, it can be served immediately or stored for later consumption. To serve, cut the shortbread into small squares or rectangles, and arrange them on a serving platter or plate. For an added touch of elegance, dust the top of the shortbread with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder or icing sugar.

If you plan to store the shortbread, it is important to do so properly to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious. The shortbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

When storing the shortbread, be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Before serving, allow the shortbread to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure that it is not too hard and crumbly.

Overall, the Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With its buttery shortbread base, rich caramel filling, and smooth chocolate topping, it is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you serve it immediately or store it for later, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.

Check out also the Coronation Chicken Recipe by Mary Berry

Frequently Asked Questions

A kitchen counter with ingredients for Mary Berry's millionaire shortbread recipe laid out, including butter, sugar, and chocolate

What are the essential ingredients for Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread?

The essential ingredients for Mary Berry’s millionaire shortbread are butter, sugar, flour, condensed milk, golden syrup, and chocolate.

How can I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking when cutting millionaire shortbread?

To prevent the chocolate layer from cracking when cutting millionaire shortbread, it’s important to allow the chocolate to cool and set completely before cutting. You can also score the chocolate layer lightly with a sharp knife before it sets to make it easier to cut.

What is the difference between millionaire and billionaire shortbread?

The difference between millionaire and billionaire shortbread is the addition of a layer of white chocolate on top of the caramel layer in billionaire shortbread.

Can I use tinned caramel for the caramel layer in millionaire shortbread?

Yes, you can use tinned caramel for the caramel layer in millionaire shortbread. However, making your own caramel from scratch will give you a richer and more flavorful result.

Is there an alternative name for millionaire shortbread?

Yes, millionaire shortbread is also known as caramel shortbread or caramel slice.

What is the best way to achieve a perfect shortbread base for millionaire shortbread?

The best way to achieve a perfect shortbread base for millionaire shortbread is to use cold butter and to mix the dough until it just comes together. It’s important not to overwork the dough as this can result in a tough base.