As I bit into the first layer of my Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, I couldn’t help but smile—this treat isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Featuring a gluten-free shortbread foundation, zingy raspberry jelly, decadent salted caramel, and a soothing chocolate layer, this delightful morsel is sure to impress both your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Not only is it perfect for special occasions, but it’s also wonderfully simple to whip up, making it a fantastic option for everyday indulgence. And with its plant-based goodness, you can savor each layer guilt-free. Ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Let’s dive into this layered wonder!
Why is This Millionaires Shortbread Irresistible?
Layers of Delight: Each bite reveals a unique combination of flavors and textures, from the crisp shortbread base to the luscious chocolate topping.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: With wholesome ingredients, this recipe is entirely vegan and gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy a decadent dessert without compromise.
Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional desserts, this stunning treat can be prepared with simple steps and minimal fuss, making it perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether serving at a dinner party or a casual gathering, your guests will rave about this impressive dessert that rivals high-end bakeries.
Customizable Options: Feel free to swap out the raspberry jelly for other fruits or nut butters, creating a new treat each time! For those seeking more flavorful inspirations, don’t miss out on my delicious Salted Caramel Apple or Caramel Pecan Pumpkin recipes.
Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Adds structure and forms the shortbread base; can substitute with regular flour for a non-gluten-free option.
- Ground almonds – Provides a nutty flavor and texture, maintaining a 1:1 ratio with flour for dough consistency.
- Vegan butter – Creates a rich taste and texture; can be swapped with solid coconut oil for a different flavor.
- Pure maple syrup – Acts as a natural sweetener, enhancing flavor while adding nutrition; agave syrup is an alternative option.
- Sea salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors, which is essential for desserts.
For the Raspberry Jelly
- Fresh raspberries – Adds vibrant color and flavor; frozen raspberries can substitute but may require adjustments due to moisture.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the raspberry flavor and adds zest to the jelly.
- Agar-agar powder – A vegan alternative to gelatin for setting the jelly; ensure to use powdered form for proper consistency.
For the Salted Caramel Layer
- Cashew butter – The main component for a rich, nutty flavor; can swap for almond or peanut butter for a different taste.
- Coconut oil – Provides structure to the caramel layer; solid form keeps it from melting.
- Full-fat coconut milk – Used to achieve creaminess in the caramel; requires chilling to separate fat from liquid.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth to the dessert’s flavor profile.
For the Chocolate Topping
- Vegan chocolate – Either dark or vegan milk chocolate works perfectly for the topping; choose your favorite!
- Freeze-dried raspberries – An optional garnish that adds flavor and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the overall presentation.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). While the oven warms up, grease an 8″ square pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your delicious Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread once baked.
Step 2: Make Shortbread Base
In a mixing bowl, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt. Use a spoon or your hands to blend the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Once ready, press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pricking the surface with a fork. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
Step 3: Prepare Raspberry Jelly
In a saucepan, simmer fresh raspberries over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they become soft and jammy. Once cooked, blend the raspberries until smooth, then strain the mixture to remove seeds. Return the liquid to the saucepan, adding lemon juice, maple syrup, and agar-agar powder. Boil the mixture for a minute before reducing heat and simmering for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Set Raspberry Layer
After simmering, allow the raspberry jelly to cool slightly, before pouring it over the baked shortbread layer in the pan. Spread evenly and then place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the jelly to set firmly.
Step 5: Construct Salted Caramel Layer
While the raspberry jelly sets, blend cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, full-fat coconut milk, and vanilla extract in a food processor until creamy. Once the raspberry layer is set, spread the caramel mixture over it, ensuring it covers all edges. Freeze this layer for at least 4 hours or overnight for the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Topping
After the caramel has set, melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the remaining chocolate, which will help to temper it and create a glossy finish. Spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, and if desired, sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries for a beautiful garnish.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the chocolate has set, carefully slice the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread into squares using a heated knife for clean edges. Keep your treats in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze any leftovers for longer storage. Enjoy this decadent dessert with loved ones!
Expert Tips for Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread
Perfect Texture: Ensure you press the shortbread dough firmly into the pan; this prevents it from crumbling and helps achieve a crisp yet tender base.
Jelly Consistency: Stir the raspberry jelly mixture continuously as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the pan, ensuring a smooth layer in your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread.
Layer Setting Time: Don’t rush the freezing times between layers. Allow them to set properly; this ensures each layer holds its shape and provides that delightful crunch.
Chocolate Melting: When melting chocolate, do it slowly to avoid burning; stirring in the remaining chocolate afterward helps achieve that glossy finish.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture; this is key for keeping your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread delicious longer.
Slicing Secrets: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife heated in boiling water and wiped dry, which will help maintain the integrity of the layers when slicing.
What to Serve with Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread
Indulging in this layered delight is just the beginning; pairing it with complementary flavors will elevate your experience to new heights.
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Creamy Coconut Ice Cream: This luscious scoop adds a sweet, creamy element that perfectly balances the layered textures of the shortbread.
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Fresh Mint Tea: A fragrant cup of mint tea refreshes and cleanses the palate after enjoying the rich dessert, creating a wonderful harmony of flavors.
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Chilled Sparkling Water: A fizzing glass of sparkling water brightens the palate, allowing the decadence of the millionaire shortbread to shine without overwhelming sweetness.
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Light Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh berries and citrus enhances the fruit components in the jelly, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shortbread.
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Dark Chocolate Espresso: This daring pairing adds an intense flavor profile, boosting the overall chocolate experience while cutting through the dessert’s sweetness.
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Homemade Whipped Coconut Cream: Lighter than traditional cream, this fluffy topping enhances the richness while keeping it vegan, making each bite even more luxurious.
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Savory Nut and Seed Mix: A handful of lightly salted nuts provides a crunchy contrast, enhancing the texture of the shortbread while offering a nourishing accompaniment.
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Vegan Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For those who crave a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce amplifies the flavor while creating an indulgent treat that feels extra special.
Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delicious treat to match your taste preferences!
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Nut-Free: Swap almond flour for oat flour to keep the base nut-free but still satisfyingly rich.
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Fruity Twist: Try mixing in pureed strawberries or blueberries into the raspberry jelly for a delightful change in flavor.
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Salted Caramel Alternative: Use sunflower seed butter instead of cashew butter for a nut-free, creamy caramel layer that’s still decadent.
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Chocolate Swap: Experiment with white vegan chocolate for a sweeter topping, adding a new dimension to the dessert.
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Spiced Goodness: Enhance the caramel layer with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for a warm, cozy flavor.
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Coconut Flavor: Infuse the jelly with coconut extract for a tropical twist that perfectly juxtaposes the tangy raspberries.
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Decorative Touch: Garnish with crushed freeze-dried strawberries in addition to raspberries for an eye-catching and flavorful finish.
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Crunchy Layer: Add a layer of toasted coconut flakes atop the chocolate for an extra crunch and toasted flavor.
These variations make this dessert unique every time you whip it up! And for even more delicious ideas, check out my scrumptious recipes for Caramel Pecan Pumpkin or the delightful Caramelized Onion Tart. Enjoy the baking adventure!
How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread
Fridge: Store your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days to maintain its freshness and texture.
Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze uncut bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Reheating: To enjoy a slice after freezing, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. For a slightly warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Slicing Tips: When ready to slice, use a heated knife for clean cuts that preserve the beautiful layers of your dessert masterpiece.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread are a fantastic candidate for meal prep! You can make the shortbread base up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. Additionally, the raspberry jelly can be prepared 24 hours ahead; simply follow the recipe, cool it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble. For the salted caramel layer, feel free to blend and freeze it, allowing it to set overnight for optimal texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply spread the caramel over the chilled jelly, top with chocolate, and let it set in the fridge for 15 minutes before slicing. This not only saves time but ensures your dessert is just as delicious when served!
Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe FAQs
What type of raspberries should I use for the jelly?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries give the best flavor and vibrant color for the jelly. However, if they’re out of season or unavailable, you can use frozen raspberries. Just remember to reduce the quantity slightly as they can be more moist, which may affect the jelly’s consistency.
How should I store Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread?
I recommend storing your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful textures. If you need longer storage, go ahead and freeze them!
Can I freeze this dessert?
Very much so! To freeze, simply wrap the uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
For precise slicing, use a sharp knife heated in boiling water. Wipe it dry before cutting, which will ensure the layers remain intact for a beautiful presentation. It’s all about that perfect cut!
Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
This recipe is generally allergy-friendly, being both vegan and gluten-free. However, if you’re serving these to guests, do consider checking for nut allergies since it contains cashew butter. You can easily substitute with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative!
Can I customize the flavors in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to get creative, try swapping the raspberry jelly for other fruits like strawberries or blueberries. Or, substitute cashew butter with almond or peanut butter for a different flavor profile. The more the merrier when it comes to flavors!
Decadent Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease an 8" square pan, lining it with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt in a bowl until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the pan and prick with a fork. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Simmer fresh raspberries in a saucepan for 10 minutes until soft. Blend until smooth, strain to remove seeds, and add lemon juice and agar-agar powder. Boil for a minute, then simmer for 3 minutes.
- Pour the raspberry jelly over the baked shortbread and evenly spread it. Freeze for about 30 minutes to set.
- Blend cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until creamy. Spread over the raspberry layer and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate, then stir in remaining chocolate for a glossy finish. Spread over the caramel layer and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries if desired.
- Slice the shortbread into squares using a heated knife. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for longer storage.
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