Australian Chinese Millionaire's Shortbread

Ingredients

This Australian Chinese adaptation of Millionaire's Shortbread incorporates flavors and spices commonly found in Australian Chinese cuisine, such as ginger and five-spice powder. These additions give the dessert a unique twist and create a fusion of flavors that sets it apart from the traditional Scottish version. We alse have the original recipe for Millionaire's Shortbread, so you can check it out.

• For the shortbread crust: For the shortbread crust:
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the caramel layer: For the caramel layer:
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup 1 tablespoon golden syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• For the chocolate topping: For the chocolate topping:
• 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate, chopped 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 32g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. 4.
   Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
5. 5.
   In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, ground ginger, and five-spice powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color.
6. 6.
   Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set.
7. 7.
   Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
8. 8.
   Refrigerate the Millionaire's Shortbread for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
9. 9.
   Once set, remove from the refrigerator and cut into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Peel and finely grate it before adding it to the caramel mixture.
• Five-spice powder — If you don't have five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced ginger flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger to the shortbread crust.
• To achieve clean and neat cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
• If you prefer a sweeter caramel layer, increase the amount of brown sugar to your liking.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to vary the flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Australian Chinese Millionaire's Shortbread as a dessert at parties, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat after a meal. Pair it with a cup of Chinese green tea or a refreshing lychee mocktail for a delightful combination of flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Millionaire's Shortbread squares on a serving platter, dust them with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, and garnish with a small piece of crystallized ginger for an elegant touch. Serve them on individual dessert plates or in decorative paper liners for a visually appealing presentation.