Cookbook:Caramel Squares

| Desserts | Cuisine of the United Kingdom

Caramel squares (alternatively: caramel slices, caramel shortbread, or millionaire's shortbread) are a wonderfully rich and classic treat, very popular all over Britain and Ireland. They can often be found in cafes, served with morning coffee or afternoon tea. They're perfect for picnics, lunches and your guests will love them! They have a crunchy base with a creamy caramel filling, topped off with chocolate.

Base

 * 350 g self-raising flour
 * 225 g unsalted butter
 * 110 g caster sugar

Filling

 * 225 g caster sugar
 * 225 g unsalted butter
 * 5 Tablespoons golden syrup
 * 400 ml full-fat condensed milk

Topping

 * 340 g good-quality chocolate (milk or dark), melted

Base

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 4; 350°F). Rub flour, butter, and caster sugar together until it resembles breadcrumbs.
 * 2) Press into a 25 x 38 x 4 cm Swiss roll pan.
 * 3) Bake for 20 minutes or till golden.
 * 4) Cool.

Filling

 * 1) Melt butter in a heavy-based saucepan over a low heat; add sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk.
 * 2) Stir continuously for 40–50 minutes. It should be golden brown in colour when ready to eat. To test, drop a little blob into a bowl of cold water; it should firm up.
 * 3) Pour this caramel mixture over the base, and let it cool.

Topping

 * 1) Pour melted chocolate over the top.
 * 2) Spread the chocolate evenly, and let set.