Millionaire's Shortbread

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F (177C) and line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Using an electric mixer, beat butter until well creamed.

Step 3

Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add egg yolk and vanilla extract and stir well, pausing to scrape down the sides and mixing until ingredients are well-combined.

Step 5

Add flour, gradually (about 1/2 cup at a time), pausing to scrape down sides of bowl. Halfway through the addition of the flour, sprinkle in the salt with the beater still running.

Step 6

Don't over-beat the dough, you want it to be slightly crumbly to make it easier to press into the pan.

Step 7

Drop dough over prepared pan and gently, firmly, evenly, press dough into the bottom of the pan.  To make it easier, I usually lay a piece of wax paper over the dough and use the palm of my hand to smooth the surface (and then discard wax paper).

Step 8

Bake on 350F (177C) for 20-25 minutes -- edges should be lightly golden brown.

Step 9

Allow to cool while you prepare your caramel topping.

Step 10

Combine condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 11

Stir frequently until butter is melted and ingredients are well-combined. Continue to stir constantly until mixture begins to boil (this could take several minutes, but you don't need to increase the heat).

Step 12

Once mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer (slowly bubbling), still stirring constantly.  Continue to stir 10-15 minutes until mixture turns a rich caramel color and has thickened (should begin pulling away from the sides of the pot as you stir).

Step 13

Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 14

Pour evenly over prepared shortbread, use a knife to spread evenly if needed.

Step 15

Allow to cool at room temperature for several hours or in the refrigerator for 1 hour before topping with chocolate.

Step 16

Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 17

Stir frequently until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.

Step 18

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.  Allow chocolate to cool just slightly for about 5 minutes, and then evenly spread over prepared caramel layer.  Wait several minutes and then sprinkle with sea salt.

Step 19

Allow chocolate to harden (I recommend placing in refrigerator for about 30 minutes -- my family prefers these treats refrigerated anyway) before cutting and serving.