Millionaire's Shortbread with Ganache Topping

This is a fully loaded treat if ever I saw one. Utter decadence on a plate - I must admit that I only make these occasionally due to their richness and for fear that gobbling too many might induce a sugar coma!

Whoever originally decided to combine buttery shortbread, sweet, gooey caramel and chocolate to create this recipe is a genius in my book. My version of this ever popular goodie has a good layer of fudgy caramel on top of the shortbread base and is all smothered with a layer of velvety dark chocolate ganache. Extravagant but oh so delectable! 

You can also find this recipe in my ebook "Cookie Jar" which is free to download if you click HERE. What are some of your favourite classic cookies and treats?

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MILLIONAIRE'S SHORTBREAD with GANACHE TOPPING

Makes 25 blocks

For the shortbread base:

225g flour

80g castor sugar

175g butter, cubed

For the caramel:

150g butter

1 x 385g tin condensed milk

100g golden syrup

For the ganache:

100g dark chocolate, chopped

2 tbsp cream

Step 1.) Preheat your oven to 170°C. Grease a 20cm square tin and line the base with baking paper. 

Step 2.) Make the shortbread by putting the flour, castor sugar and butter into a bowl. Rub together until the mixture comes together into a dough. 

Step 3.) Press the dough into the prepared tin in an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool. 

Step 4.) Prepare the caramel by mixing the butter, condensed milk and golden syrup in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Stir until the butter has melted and the ingredients are combined. Allow to simmer gently for 6 minutes while stirring until the caramel has thickened and darkened in colour. 

Step 5.) Remove the caramel from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread and spread in an even layer. Chill in the fridge for one and a half hours. 

Step 6.) To make the ganache combine the dark chocolate and cream in a small saucepan. Stir over a low heat until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Spread the chocolate over the chilled caramel and leave to set. 

Step 7.) Cut the millionaire's shortbread into squares and carefully remove from the tin. Store in an airtight container.