Name: Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread combines the warm flavors of fall with the rich, sweet delight of traditional millionaire shortbread. Imagine sinking your teeth into a layered treat featuring buttery shortbread, creamy pumpkin caramel, and a luscious chocolate topping. Sounds incredible, right? This recipe captures the essence of the season while indulging your sweet tooth. Perfect for gatherings, fall celebrations, or simply when you need a little comfort food, this delightful dessert is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and fun. Plus, sharing it will earn you a few brownie points with friends and family! With each bite, the flavors blend beautifully, offering a comforting taste of autumn. Let’s get baking, and create a delicious Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the ingredients you’ll need for your Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shortbread Base

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Caramel Layer

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Chocolate Topping

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part — making your Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating something fantastic.

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will help you lift the shortbread out later. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Next, mix in the flour and salt. Stir everything until combined. The dough might look a bit dry, but that’s okay! Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. Bake this in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Caramel Layer

While your shortbread cools, it’s time to make the pumpkin caramel layer. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes. You want the mixture to become thick and smooth, almost like a caramel.

Once it’s ready, pour this luscious mixture over the cooled shortbread base. Spread it evenly using a spatula and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This helps the caramel layer firm up slightly.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Topping

Your shortbread and pumpkin layers should now be nicely set. For the chocolate topping, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it’s completely melted and smooth.

Drizzle or pour this melted chocolate over the pumpkin layer, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Now, chill the entire pan in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This will help everything set properly.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, remove the shortbread from the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into squares or rectangles. If you want, you can sprinkle a little sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.

Transfer your Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread squares to a serving plate. They look beautiful and are ready to impress! Don’t forget to share with family and friends; they’ll love it!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread

Making great Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread is all about the details. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dessert comes out perfectly every time:

Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients, especially for the pumpkin. If you can, opt for pumpkin puree without additives for the best flavor.
Do Not Overmix: When making the shortbread, avoid overmixing the dough. This can result in a tough texture instead of a crumbly one.
Keep It Cool: Allow each layer to cool before adding the next. This helps maintain the integrity of the layers.
Store Properly: Keep the shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, but trust me, it won’t last long!

Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are a few ideas to switch things up with your Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread:

Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the shortbread crust for extra crunch.
Spiced Up Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Different Toppings: Experiment with a white chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for decorative flair.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Millionaire Shortbread is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. When you bring this recipe to life, you create a sweet treat infused with the coziness of fall. Each layer complements the next, creating a symphony of flavors that is hard to beat. This delightful dessert will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also leave your family and friends raving. Next time you need a comforting treat or something special for a gathering, keep this recipe in mind. Happy baking!