Decadent Caramel Shortbread Squares Millionaires Shortbread Recipes

MILLIONAIRE'S SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, pushing the foil neatly into the corners and up the sides of the pan, using two pieces if necessary to ensure that the foil overlaps all edges (the overhang will help removal from the pan). Spray the foiled pan with nonstick cooking spray or grease with butter.
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the flour, brown sugar, cornstarch and salt; process until well combined and no lumps of brown sugar remain. Add the butter and pulse until a coarse meal forms. Add the ice water and egg yolk and blend until moist clumps form. Dump the dough into the prepared pan and press with your fingers into an even layer (dust your fingers with flour if the dough is too sticky). Pierce the dough all over with a fork and bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, vanilla and salt together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and boil gently, whisking constantly, until the caramel is thick and the temperature registers 225 degrees F, about 6 minutes. Pour the caramel over the warm crust; cool for about 15 minutes, or until caramel is set.
• Place the chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is about 75% melted. Stir, allowing the residual heat in the bowl to melt the remaining chocolate, until smooth (if necessary, place the chocolate back in the microwave for a few more; just be sure not to overheat or the mixture will curdle). Spread the chocolate over the caramel layer. Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is set, at least 1 hour. Using the foil overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into small squares and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Note: The shortbread layer will crumble a bit when you cut it; that's just the nature of it.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: These can be frozen for up to 3 months. After they are completely cooled, double-wrap them securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.

PERFECTED MILLIONAIRE'S SHORTBREAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) then butter and line an 8-inch (or 9-inch) square pan. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, using an electric handheld mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add in the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together. Press into the pan until leveled.
• Bake for roughly 32-35 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Set aside to cool completely.
• Place the sweetened condensed milk and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat while whisking constantly.
• Continue to simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens and turns into a light amber color, about 15-20 minutes (See above video). Remember to whisk all the time so the caramel won't stick t the bottom of the pot and burn.
• Pour the thick golden caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly. Allow to fully cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours.
• Melt the chocolate and pour over the caramel. Smooth until leveled. Allow setting at room temperature for the chocolate to harden and cut into 16 squares using a warm knife. Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for 5 days.

CARAMEL SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
• In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, white sugar, and flour until evenly crumbly. Press into a 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
• In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over baked crust (warm or cool). Cool until it begins to firm.
• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir and continue to heat and stir at 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly to cover completely. Chill. Cut into 1 inch squares. These need to be small because they are so rich.

DECADENT CARAMEL SHORTBREAD SQUARES (MILLIONAIRES SHORTBREAD)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees; make sure there's a rack in the center.
• For the shortbread, sift the flour, salt and sugar into a bowl.
• Add butter to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until combined into a soft ball. Gently pat dough into a 9-inch square baking pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and dry. Set aside to cool.
• For the caramel, combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Swirl, DO NOT STIR, occasionally until the sugar has melted. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, still swirling occaisionally, until it turns a dark amber color. DON'T LET IT GET overly dark, as it will taste burned.
• As soon as the sugar reaches the right color, remove from the heat and carefully add the cream, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up furiously as you do this, so be careful. Whisk in the butter a piece or two at a time until melted in and then add the crème fraiche. Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• When the caramel is cool enough to touch, pour it evenly over the shortbread. Tap pan gently on the counter to remove any bubbles. Refrigerate while making ganache.
• To make the ganache, bring the cream just to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat, and whisk in the chocolate chips until smooth and shiny. Let cool until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes), and pour evenly over the caramel, again tapping it against the counter to remove bubbles. Let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate starts to firm up a little (15 minutes or so), then sprinkle the top with salt and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until quite firm. Cut into small squares and serve while still chilled.