Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread

Indulge in the ultimate Easter treat with these Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread! This decadent dessert layers buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a rich chocolate topping, all sprinkled with crushed Mini Eggs for that perfect crunch and vibrant color. Inspired by the classic millionaire’s shortbread, this version features everyone’s favorite Easter candy, making it a festive and irresistible treat.

Each bite of this millionaires shortbread is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The shortbread base is crisp and buttery, the caramel is smooth and sweet, and the chocolate topping is luxuriously creamy, all complemented by the mini eggs’ crunchy exterior and soft center. It’s an impressive dessert for any occasion, especially Easter, but it’s so delicious that you’ll want to make it year-round. Easy to make and beautifully layered, these Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Easter Treat: Incorporates Mini Eggs, making it the perfect springtime dessert.
2. Three Decadent Layers: Buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, all in one bar.
3. Simple to Make: Despite the multiple layers, it’s easy to prepare with minimal fuss.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike, especially Mini Egg fans.
5. Customizable: Swap the Mini Eggs for other chocolates or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread

• Unsalted butter
• Caster sugar
• Plain flour
• Mini Eggs (crushed)

For the Caramel

• Unsalted butter
• Caster sugar
• Golden syrup
• Condensed milk

For Decoration

• Cadbury’s milk chocolate
• Mini Eggs (crushed)

Variations

• Different Toppings: Instead of Mini Eggs, use other candy like Maltesers, crushed Oreos, or chopped up chocolate bars.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use condensed coconut milk for a vegan-friendly treat.
• Nutty: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the caramel layer for a crunchy twist.
• Dark Chocolate: If you prefer less sweetness, use dark chocolate for the topping instead of milk chocolate.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking tin (about 8×8 inches) with baking paper. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Stir in the crushed Mini Eggs. Press the dough evenly into the base of the prepared tin and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, add the golden syrup and condensed milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and becomes smooth. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly. Place the tin in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in short bursts. Once melted, pour the chocolate over the chilled caramel layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining crushed Mini Eggs for decoration. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once everything is set, carefully lift the shortbread from the tin using the baking paper. Slice into squares or bars, and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill Between Layers: Make sure to allow each layer (shortbread, caramel, chocolate) to cool and set before adding the next for a cleaner cut.
• Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing, use a sharp knife to avoid squishing the layers.
• Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Keep an eye on the caramel while it’s simmering. It should be thick but still pourable. Overcooking can lead to a hard caramel.
• Decorative Touch: Use extra Mini Eggs on top or drizzle some extra melted chocolate for a fancier finish.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter is softened when preparing the shortbread for a smooth, creamy dough.

How to Serve

• As a Dessert: Serve these bars as a rich dessert for special occasions or just a weekend treat.
• With Tea or Coffee: Perfect alongside your afternoon tea or coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
• Easter Celebration: The perfect treat for Easter gatherings or as a gift for loved ones.
• Lunchboxes: Pack these in lunchboxes for a delightful snack during the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also store well in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

Freeze the Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat; these shortbread bars are perfect served at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use different chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like, such as dark, white, or even a chocolate with fillings.

2. Can I make these without Mini Eggs?

Yes, you can replace them with any small candy like crushed chocolates, marshmallows, or even fruit and nut combinations.

3. Can I make the shortbread in advance?

Yes, the shortbread can be made the day before and stored in the fridge until ready to add the caramel and chocolate layers.

4. What can I use instead of condensed milk?

You can substitute with evaporated milk and sugar, though it may not yield the exact same result.

5. Can I make these bars in a larger pan?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan to make thinner or thicker bars, but keep in mind that the cooking time may change slightly.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but butter will provide a richer flavor and texture.

7. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

8. How can I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?

Make sure to simmer the caramel for the recommended time and stir constantly to avoid overcooking.

9. Can I add other flavors to the caramel?

Yes, you can add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, or even some orange zest for extra flavor.

10. Can I decorate with whole Mini Eggs instead of crushed?

Yes, using whole Mini Eggs will look more decorative, but crushed Mini Eggs give a better crunch and mix into the caramel layer more easily.

Conclusion

Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions, especially during the Easter season. With its buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate topping, it’s a dessert that will impress everyone who tries it. The addition of crushed Mini Eggs adds a delightful crunch and color, making this an irresistibly fun twist on a classic. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.

Print