Cookie and caramel cake

The biscuit and caramel cake is a dessert that combines the crunchy texture and sweet taste of caramel, reminding us of the famous chocolate bars. This recipe, known as the 'millionaire's biscuit,' is perfect for moments when you want to impress friends or family with a delicious and sophisticated dessert. Whether you serve it at a party or simply as a sweet snack, this cake will surely become everyone's favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Number of servings: 16 squares

Necessary ingredients:

For the biscuit base:
- 250 g salted butter (8 oz)
- 250 g flour (8 oz)
- 125 g cornstarch (4 oz)
- 125 g powdered sugar (4 oz)

For the caramel:
- 75 g butter (2.6 oz)
- 75 g brown sugar (2.6 oz)
- 600 g condensed milk (21 oz)

For the glaze:
- 300 g dark chocolate (10.5 oz)
- 1 cube of butter (about 10 g)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the biscuit base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, add the diced salted butter, flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar. If you have a mixer, use it to mix all the ingredients until you obtain a smooth, fine-textured mixture. If not, you can use a spatula or a whisk.
Once you have a homogeneous dough, transfer it to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, smoothing the surface well with a spatula. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The base will be slightly golden and crunchy.

2. Preparing the caramel
While the base is baking, take care of the caramel. In a saucepan, add the butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk. Boil the ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The caramel is ready when it turns a golden color and has a thicker consistency, similar to syrup. You can tell it’s done when it starts to bubble slightly.

3. Assembling the cake
Once the biscuit base has cooled slightly, pour the warm caramel over it, spreading it evenly. Let the cake cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to firm up the caramel. This step is essential for achieving a perfect-textured cake.

4. Preparing the glaze
After the caramel has set (the suggestion is to wait at least an hour), you can prepare the glaze. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the cube of butter. If you want a special flavor, add a small cup of coffee to enhance the aroma. Mix well until you obtain a smooth glaze.

5. Finishing the cake
Pour the chocolate glaze over the cooled caramel layer, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Put the cake back in the refrigerator and wait until the next day for it to set properly. Once the glaze has hardened, you can cut the cake into squares or long strips, similar to Twix bars.

Chef's tip:
For an extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of salt over the chocolate glaze before putting it in the refrigerator. This will create a delicious contrast between the sweet caramel and the bitter chocolate.

Nutritional information:
Each serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories. The biscuit and caramel cake provides a good source of energy due to the healthy fats from the butter and the proteins from the condensed milk. It is an indulgent dessert, so enjoy it in moderation!

Possible variations:
- Replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
- You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the caramel for a crunchy texture.
- Experiment with vanilla or almond extracts in the caramel to change the flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be different.
2. What can I do if the caramel doesn’t thicken?
Keep cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Replace the brown sugar in the caramel with a natural sweetener or reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the base.

Serving:
The biscuit and caramel cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a flavored tea. You can serve it at a special event or simply as a snack on relaxing afternoons.

Enjoy every bite of this decadent dessert, which is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a true culinary work of art!