Recipe
Homemade Scottish Caramel Shortbread
Decadent Highland Delight: Homemade Scottish Caramel Shortbread
4.8 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of Scotland with this homemade Scottish Caramel Shortbread recipe. This delightful treat combines a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel filling, and a velvety layer of chocolate on top, creating a heavenly dessert that will transport you to the Highlands.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
1 hour and 55 minutes
Yields
12 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Halal, Kosher
Allergens
Milk, Wheat
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Ingredients
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For the shortbread: For the shortbread:
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1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
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For the caramel filling: For the caramel filling:
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
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1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
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2 tablespoons golden syrup or corn syrup 2 tablespoons golden syrup or corn syrup
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the chocolate topping: For the chocolate topping:
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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): 47g, 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.2g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9x9-inch (23x23cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
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2.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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3.Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
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4.Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and prick it all over with a fork.
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5.Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
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6.
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7.In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and golden syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color.
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8.Remove the caramel mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool and set completely.
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9.
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10.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.
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11.Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
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12.
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13.Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the Scottish Caramel Shortbread from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Cut it into squares or bars and serve.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
- Sweetened condensed milk — Use a good quality brand for a rich and creamy caramel filling.
- Dark chocolate — Opt for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- For a more intense caramel flavor, you can substitute the golden syrup with treacle or molasses.
- To achieve clean and neat cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
- If you prefer a sweeter shortbread base, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the dough.
Serving advice
Serve the Scottish Caramel Shortbread at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Presentation advice
For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the shortbread with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish each piece with a small piece of chocolate or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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