Silky Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Luxurious Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread Recipe for Fall

Decadent layers of creamy pumpkin pie millionaire shortbread dance with seasonal flavors that promise pure indulgence.

Autumn’s warmth radiates through each luxurious bite of this irresistible dessert.

Buttery shortbread forms a golden foundation for silky pumpkin caramel that melts on your tongue.

Smooth caramel ribbons weave between rich pumpkin spice notes, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Dark chocolate crowns this dessert with a glossy, tempting finish that beckons sweet lovers.

The combination of classic pumpkin pie and millionaire shortbread elevates a traditional treat into an extraordinary experience.

One slice will transport you to a world of comfort and delectable pleasure.

Flavorful Twists on Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread

  • Replace white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate for different taste experiences, or drizzle melted chocolate in decorative patterns.
  • Prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience.
  • Sprinkle crushed pecans, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for added texture and visual appeal.
  • If caramel filling appears too runny, continue cooking until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Serve Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread in Style

  • Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange the millionaire shortbread squares on a rustic wooden board with small decorative pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant autumn presentation.
  • Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced chai latte or pumpkin spice coffee to complement the rich, sweet flavors of the shortbread and enhance the seasonal experience.
  • Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper with a twine bow, creating charming homemade edible gifts perfect for thanksgiving gatherings or seasonal celebrations with friends and family.
  • Dessert Enhancement: Garnish each square with a small dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, or a caramel drizzle to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of indulgence.

Keep Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread Fresh

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store your pumpkin pie millionaire shortbread in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain the delicate texture and prevent sticking.
  • Temperature Comfort Tip: Let the dessert sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate layer and enhance the flavor profile. Cold temperatures can make the caramel and chocolate layers too firm.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire recipe 1-2 days before your event. This allows flavors to meld and caramel to set perfectly. The dessert actually improves with a short resting period in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing Friendly Method: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best taste and texture, ensuring the layers remain intact and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes

Calories: 437 kcal

Servings: 13

Make Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread with These Ingredients

For Base Layer:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation with delicate crumb texture, choose unbleached for richer flavor.
  • White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp, golden shortbread base.
  • Cold Butter: Ensures flaky texture, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm, autumnal essence with blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
For Caramel Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates rich, creamy caramel with silky smooth consistency.
  • Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and maintains glossy caramel texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like flavor and enhanced moisture.
  • Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps bind filling ingredients.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Introduces seasonal warmth and subtle earthy undertones.
For Topping Layer:
  • White Chocolate: Provides smooth, sweet finishing layer with elegant appearance.

Tools You’ll Need for Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread

  • Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining base ingredients and mixing.
  • 9 x 13-inch Baking Pan: Essential for creating the perfect shortbread base.
  • Double Boiler: Crucial for gentle heating of caramel and chocolate layers without burning.
  • Spatula: Needed for spreading chocolate and smoothing layers evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for precise cutting of the millionaire shortbread into neat squares.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the dessert.

Instructions for Making Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread

  • Pastry Foundation

Create a buttery base by mixing cold butter, sugar, flour, and pumpkin spice. Press the crumbly mixture into a baking pan, transforming it into a golden canvas. Bake until edges hint at a warm, toasty color.

  • Caramel Heart

Craft a luscious filling by gently simmering sweetened milk, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and pumpkin puree. Stir patiently as the mixture transforms into a rich, silky caramel. Pour the luxurious layer over the cooled base.

  • Chocolate Crown

Melt white chocolate into a smooth, glossy blanket. Drape this creamy topping across the caramel landscape, creating a serene, elegant finish. Let the layers rest and bond at room temperature.

  • Slice and Savor

Carefully cut the dessert into elegant squares using a knife warmed in hot water. Each slice reveals beautiful layers of pumpkin-spiced decadence. Share and delight in the harvest-inspired treat.

Print
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Silky Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Silky Pumpkin Pie Millionaire Shortbread Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Millionaire shortbread embraces pumpkin pie spices in this autumnal dessert fusion. Layers of buttery shortbread, spiced pumpkin caramel, and chocolate create a seasonal treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (220 g / 8 oz) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g / 2 oz) white sugar
  • 1 ½ cups white chocolate, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup corn syrup
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shortbread Base: Combine chilled butter, flour, white sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a food processor, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press the crumbly dough evenly into a lined rectangular baking pan.
  2. Bake Crust: Roast the shortbread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove and allow to cool completely.
  3. Create Caramel Layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, merge sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and pumpkin puree. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, amber color (approximately 10-12 minutes).
  4. Apply Caramel: Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it smoothly and evenly. Allow the layer to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  5. Finish with Chocolate Topping: Gently melt white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until completely smooth. Drizzle and spread the molten chocolate across the caramel layer, creating an elegant finish.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for 1-2 hours until fully set. Use a sharp, heated knife to slice into precise squares, revealing the layers of pumpkin-spiced millionaire shortbread.

Notes

  • Butter Matters: Use chilled, high-quality butter for a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Spice Precision: Measure pumpkin pie spice carefully to balance the warm, aromatic flavors without overpowering the delicate shortbread base.
  • Caramel Vigilance: Maintain low, steady heat while stirring the caramel to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, rich consistency that defines the dessert’s character.
  • Chocolate Technique: Melt white chocolate slowly and gently to preserve its silky texture and prevent unsightly separation or graininess.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 437
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 68 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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