Mary Berrys Irresistible Caramel Shortbread Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide

Indulge in the luxurious textures and flavors of Mary Berry's Caramel Shortbread, a dessert that has won the hearts of many with its buttery biscuit base, gooey caramel, and chocolate topping. This delectable treat, often known as Millionaire's Shortbread, offers a three-layered extravaganza that combines simple ingredients in a sophisticated way. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through each step of the process to recreate this classic British delight in your own kitchen.

🧈 The Perfect Base: Making the Shortbread

Creating the ideal shortbread base is crucial as it sets the stage for the layers to come. Here’s how to get it right:

Ingredients:

• 225g plain flour
• 175g unsalted butter, softened
• 75g caster sugar
• Pinch of salt

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=shortbread ingredients" alt="Shortbread ingredients"> </div>

Method:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). You want your oven to be hot but not overly so to ensure the shortbread stays tender.

2. Combine your ingredients: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough begins to form.

3. Press into the tin: Line a square or rectangle baking tin with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the dough evenly into the base, ensuring it's level for consistent baking.

4. Bake: Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The shortbread should still look pale as it will continue cooking a bit after being removed from the oven.

<p class="pro-note">🎯 Note: Do not overbake; the base should be pale for the best texture. If it's too brown, it might become hard once the other layers are added.</p>

🥄 Crafting the Caramel: Smooth and Sweet

The caramel layer is where this dessert really shines. Here's how to make a rich, buttery caramel:

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 100g light brown sugar
• 397g can of sweetened condensed milk

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=caramel ingredients" alt="Caramel ingredients"> </div>

Method:

1. Make the caramel: In a saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, and condensed milk over medium heat, stirring constantly.

2. Cook the caramel: Once the sugar has dissolved, keep stirring until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden color. This can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Cool slightly: Let it cool for a few minutes off the heat to thicken further before pouring over the shortbread base.

4. Spread: Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread, smoothing it out with a spatula.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: Constant stirring is key to prevent burning. If you stop, the caramel could cook unevenly.</p>

🍫 Top it Off: The Chocolate Finale

The final touch of melted chocolate not only adds flavor but also a lovely aesthetic appeal to Mary Berry’s Caramel Shortbread.

Ingredients:

• 200g dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=chocolate layers" alt="Chocolate layers"> </div>

Method:

1. Melt the chocolate: Use either a double boiler or the microwave to melt the chocolate. If using a microwave, do so in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even melting.

2. Pour over caramel: Once melted, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.

3. Chill: Allow the shortbread to cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least an hour to set the chocolate and caramel layers.

4. Cut into squares: After chilling, remove from the tin, peel away the parchment, and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.

<p class="pro-note">❄️ Note: If the caramel sticks to your knife, heat it slightly with hot water to cut more cleanly through.</p>

🍬 Serving Suggestions and Storage

• Serve: These treats are delightful served at room temperature but can be chilled for a firmer texture.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to a week but are best enjoyed within 3 days for optimum taste and texture.

Presentation Tips:

• Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for an unexpected flavor contrast.
• Decorate with edible gold leaf for a luxurious touch, especially for special occasions.

The journey to create Mary Berry’s Caramel Shortbread is as delightful as the dessert itself. This three-layered treat, with its buttery base, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate top, is a testament to the art of British baking. Whether it's for a special event or simply to treat yourself, this recipe provides a delectable experience that's sure to impress.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use salted butter for the shortbread?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty shortbread.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I prevent the caramel from burning?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Constant stirring and medium heat are crucial. If it starts to burn, immediately remove from heat and stir vigorously.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can the caramel layer be too thick?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, if the caramel is too thick, it might overpower the other layers. Adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>