Delicious Millionaires Shortbread with Gooey Topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetener until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The mixture may be crumbly, but that’s okay.
5. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Bake the shortbread for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar substitute, coarse sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes. You want a slightly thickened syrup, not super thick.
8. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the low-fat milk. Let it cool slightly.
9. Pour the cooled syrup over the shortbread base, tilting the pan to ensure even coverage. Let it cool completely.
10. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts at 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
11. Transfer the melted chocolate to a resealable bag or piping bag. Snip off a small corner and drizzle the chocolate over the cooled topping.
12. Refrigerate the entire dessert until completely set, then slice into 16 squares.
13. Enjoy!

tips:

1. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread dough for a warm spice flavor.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel after it cools for a sweet and salty contrast.
3. Drizzle some melted white chocolate and top with chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.