Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

The Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread is the perfect blend of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate topping — a truly indulgent treat. Each layer complements the next beautifully: the crisp base gives way to a sweet, creamy middle and finishes with a silky chocolate top.

What Is Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread?

Mary Berry’s Millionaire Shortbread is a three-layer dessert consisting of a buttery biscuit base, a thick, golden caramel filling, and a glossy chocolate topping. The name “millionaire” reflects its rich, decadent taste and texture. Mary’s version is reliable and perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, but wonderfully satisfying.

Other Mary Berry Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Key Lime Pie
• Mary Berry Soda Bread
• Mary Berry Coconut Cake
• Mary Berry Cheese Scones
• Mary Berry Meringues

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Three layers of perfection – Buttery base, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate.
• Simple to follow – Uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Make-ahead friendly – Stores beautifully for days.
• Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for gifting, parties, or afternoon tea.
• Classic Mary Berry balance – Sweet but not overpowering, with the right texture in every bite.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread

For the shortbread base:

• Plain flour – 225g
• Butter – 150g (cold, diced)
• Caster sugar – 75g

For the caramel layer:

• Butter – 150g
• Light brown sugar – 150g
• Condensed milk – 397g (1 can)
• Golden syrup – 4 tbsp

For the chocolate topping:

• Milk chocolate – 200g (chopped)
• Dark chocolate – 100g (chopped)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil (optional, for glossy finish)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• 9-inch (23cm) square baking tin
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan (heavy-bottomed)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Offset spatula or knife for smoothing
• Sharp knife for cutting squares

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Line your square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the shortbread base

Add flour, butter, and sugar into a bowl. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the lined tin.

Step 3: Bake the shortbread

Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 4: Prepare the caramel filling

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, and golden syrup together over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat slightly and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring continuously until thick, smooth, and golden.
To test if it’s ready, drag your spoon through the mixture—if it leaves a clear trail on the bottom, it’s perfect.

Step 5: Spread the caramel

Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it set at room temperature for at least 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the fridge) until firm.

Step 6: Melt and spread the chocolate

Melt both chocolates together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in 20-second microwave bursts. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour over the caramel layer, tilting the tin to spread evenly or using an offset spatula.

Step 7: Chill and cut into squares

Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for a glossy finish, or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for faster setting. Once firm, cut into squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, warm the knife slightly before slicing.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Caramel too runny – I didn’t cook it long enough; cooking for 6–8 minutes thickened it perfectly.
• Chocolate cracked when slicing – I let it set at room temperature instead of in the fridge next time.
• Base too crumbly – Pressed it more firmly and used cold butter.
• Layers separating – Allowed each layer to cool fully before adding the next.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Millionaire Shortbread

• Use dark chocolate only for a less sugary topping.
• Replace part of the butter in the caramel with coconut oil.
• Use oat flour or wholemeal flour for added fiber.
• Cut into smaller squares to enjoy in moderation.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread

• Golden syrup – Swap for honey or light corn syrup.
• Butter – Use vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Condensed milk – Try coconut condensed milk for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate – Experiment with white chocolate or salted caramel chocolate.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread

• Cup of tea or coffee – The ideal pairing for this sweet treat.
• Whipped cream – Lightens the richness when served as dessert.
• Vanilla ice cream – Turns it into a decadent plated dessert.
• Hot chocolate – Complements the caramel-chocolate flavor perfectly.
• Fresh berries – Adds a refreshing, tangy balance.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread

• Stir the caramel constantly – Prevents burning and ensures even texture.
• Cool each layer completely – Avoids melting or mixing between layers.
• Use quality chocolate – Enhances flavor and sets with a glossy finish.
• Score the chocolate before fully set – Makes cutting cleaner and neater.
• Avoid overbaking the base – Light golden, not brown, keeps it tender.
• Line the tin properly – Ensures easy removal without damaging layers.
• Keep the caramel smooth – If it splits, add a tablespoon of hot water and stir gently.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread

• Salted caramel version – Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel before adding chocolate.
• Nutty twist – Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the chocolate layer.
• White chocolate swirl – Swirl melted white chocolate over dark for a marbled look.
• Espresso caramel – Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the caramel for a mocha flavor.
• Festive version – Top with crushed candy canes or gold dust for holidays.
• Peanut butter layer – Spread a thin layer of peanut butter between caramel and chocolate.

Storing Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread the Right Way

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate – Keeps for up to 10 days, but may lose some crunch in the base.
• Freeze – Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.
• Thawing – Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread (If Needed)

This dessert is best served at room temperature. However, if chilled too long, leave it out for 10–15 minutes before slicing to soften the chocolate slightly for cleaner cuts.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~370 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

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FAQs

How do I stop the caramel layer from being too runny?

To avoid runny caramel, cook it over low heat for about 6–8 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns golden. You’ll know it’s ready when it leaves a clear trail on the bottom of the pan. Let it cool and firm up before adding the chocolate layer.

Why does the chocolate crack when cutting Millionaire Shortbread?

Chocolate often cracks if it’s too cold or set too hard. To prevent this, let the shortbread sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing, and use a warm knife for clean, smooth cuts without breaking the layers.

How do I keep the layers of Millionaire Shortbread from separating?

Allow each layer to cool completely before adding the next. Press the caramel gently onto the shortbread, and make sure it’s firm before pouring on the melted chocolate. This helps all three layers stick together perfectly.

Can I use condensed milk straight from the can for the caramel?

No, condensed milk needs to be cooked with butter, sugar, and golden syrup to turn into caramel. Heating it gently transforms it into a thick, creamy filling that sets beautifully once cooled.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread is the ultimate indulgent bake, combining rich caramel, buttery shortbread, and silky chocolate in one delicious bite. It’s surprisingly easy to make, looks impressive, and keeps beautifully—making it a perfect choice for sharing, gifting, or simply treating yourself. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to homemade luxury treat.