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Hairy Bikers Millionaires Shortbread

Hairy Bikers Millionaires Shortbread - recipe card
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This Hairy Bikers-inspired dessert features a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, a rich and chewy caramel layer, and a smooth dark chocolate topping. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, with a luxurious texture that melts in the mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Shortbread Base:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • For the Caramel Layer:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon golden syrup or light corn syrup
  • For the Chocolate Topping:
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F / 163°C. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. This ensures even baking and clean cutting later without sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or wooden spoon on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creaming method incorporates air for a tender, crumbly shortbread texture.
  3. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to the butter mixture. Mix with a spatula or your hands just until a crumbly dough forms; do not overmix to avoid toughness. The dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Ensure it’s compact and level for uniform baking. Prick the surface all over with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but not browned. The shortbread will firm up as it cools. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  6. For the caramel, place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and bubbling gently, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon golden syrup. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Boil for 5-7 minutes until the caramel thickens and turns a deep amber color; a candy thermometer should read 240°F / 116°C (soft-ball stage).
  8. Immediately pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread base. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour until set and firm to the touch.
  9. For the chocolate topping, place 4 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl. Melt over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth and glossy. The oil adds shine and prevents seizing.
  10. Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer. Tilt the pan or use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. If desired, create swirls or patterns with a knife for a decorative finish.
  11. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab from the pan. Cut into 4 equal bars with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Cut with a sharp knife for clean edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: millionaires shortbread, hairy bikers recipe, British dessert, caramel shortbread, chocolate caramel bars, homemade shortbread, easy baking, party dessert, sweet treat, layered bars, shortbread base, rich caramel

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/hairy-bikers-millionaires-shortbread/