Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

The Sweet Millionaire Shortbread Recipe for Cozy Indulgence

Sweet dreams meet reality when this millionaire shortbread calls your name from the kitchen counter.

Layers of buttery goodness promise pure indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts.

Crisp shortbread forms a golden foundation beneath creamy caramel.

Silky chocolate crowns this decadent treat with luxurious elegance.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Rich ingredients merge into one spectacular dessert guaranteed to impress.

Unwrap deliciousness and let your taste buds celebrate this irresistible confection.

FAQ Guide For Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

  • What ingredients make the shortbread base unique?

Butter, flour, and sugar create a rich, crumbly foundation that melts in your mouth, providing a classic Scottish-style texture.

  • How do I know when the shortbread base is perfectly baked?

The edges will turn golden brown and the surface will look dry, typically taking around 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 180C.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for similar texture and binding properties.

  • Why does the recipe recommend chilling the pastry?

Chilling helps prevent shrinkage, ensures a flakier texture, and makes the dough easier to handle when rolling and shaping.

Why Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe Is A Real Treat

  • Craft a Delectable Fruit Pie: Create a stunning dessert that showcases seasonal blackberries and apples with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors from ginger and cinnamon.
  • Master Impressive Baking Skills: Learn a professional pie-making technique that involves rolling pastry, creating decorative slits, and achieving a golden, crisp crust that will wow family and friends.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend baking projects, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that appeals to all ages.
  • Customize with Seasonal Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping fruits based on what's fresh and available, making it a flexible and exciting baking adventure.

Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Pastry: A versatile dough that forms the base and top of the pie.
  • Apples: A classic fruit that provides a sweet and soft filling for the pie.
  • Blackberries: A juicy berry that adds tartness and rich color to the filling.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Syrup: A sweet combination that creates a rich and glossy filling for the pie.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Ginger, Cinnamon, Sugar: Warm spices and sweetener that enhance the overall flavor and provide a golden finish to the pie.
  • Egg: Used to brush the pastry edges and top, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.

How To Make Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Buttery Shortbread Base

Combine flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture evenly into a lined baking pan. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon to create an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 2: Create Creamy Caramel Layer

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar

Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture turns a rich golden brown and becomes thick and glossy. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Allow to set completely at room temperature.

Step 3: Finish With Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave method. Stir until smooth and completely liquid. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, tilting the pan to ensure even coverage. Use a spatula to create a smooth surface if needed.

Step 4: Chill And Slice

Refrigerate the dessert for at least two hours until the chocolate sets completely. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the millionaire shortbread squares to a serving platter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best enjoyed within 5-7 days for optimal texture and flavor.

Helpful Tips For Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

  • Chill Pastry Perfectly: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender crust that won't shrink during baking.
  • Control Fruit Moisture: Drain blackberries and apples thoroughly to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain a crisp pastry texture.
  • Master Liquid Ratio: Reserve cooking liquid and add sparingly to prevent overwhelming the pie filling, creating balanced moisture.
  • Crimp with Care: Use fingertips to create a decorative edge that seals the pie and prevents filling from leaking during baking.
  • Ventilate Smartly: Cut precise 34 slits on top crust to allow steam escape, ensuring a golden, crisp surface and preventing soggy layers.

Tasty Twists On Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly pastry that maintains the original texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash substitute like aquafaba, and select dairy-free alternatives for a fully plant-based pie.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce syrup quantity, and incorporate more tart berries to balance sweetness while maintaining recipe's core structure.
  • Seasonal Berry Remix: Replace blackberries with seasonal fruits like raspberries, cherries, or mixed forest berries to create unique flavor profiles while keeping original cooking method intact.

Great Pairings With Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

  • Pair Fruit-Forward Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the apple and blackberry flavors in the pie.
  • Enhance with Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone to balance the pie's warm spices and provide a luxurious contrast.
  • Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a ginger or chamomile tea that echoes the ginger notes in the recipe and offers a soothing, aromatic companion to the dessert.
  • Elevate with Aged Spirits: Pour a small glass of apple brandy or calvados to intensify the fruit profile and add a sophisticated touch to the dining experience.

Storing Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread Recipe The Easy Way

  • Store leftover pie in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole pie tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
  • Remove pie from freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luxurious millionaire shortbread combines buttery layers of crumbly shortbread, silky caramel, and rich chocolate for an indulgent Scottish classic. Sweet sensations await when you dive into this irresistible dessert that promises pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Caramel Layer:

  • 1 14-ounce (396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) golden or corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

  1. Refrigerate pastry dough for half an hour while preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a saucepan, combine butter and sugar, then add chopped apples, minced ginger, and golden syrup. Simmer covered for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  3. Gently fold in fresh blackberries and continue cooking uncovered for 5 minutes. Carefully strain the fruit mixture, preserving the aromatic cooking liquid.
  4. Roll out half the chilled pastry dough and carefully line a greased 26cm pie dish, trimming excess edges for a neat presentation.
  5. Spread the fruit mixture evenly across the pastry base, drizzling half the reserved liquid for extra moisture. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden seal.
  6. Roll out the remaining pastry dough and delicately cover the pie, trimming and crimping the edges to create a decorative seal.
  7. Generously brush the top crust with egg wash, then sprinkle with sugar and ground cinnamon. Create 34 decorative slits across the surface to allow steam to escape.
  8. Position the pie on the bottom oven shelf and bake for 55-60 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp.

Notes

  • Chill pastry thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
  • Use cold butter when making the pastry to create distinct layers and a light texture.
  • Drain fruit completely to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain the pie’s structural integrity.
  • Experiment with alternative fruits like pears or mixed berries for unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20–25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 407 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star