Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

If you’re craving a decadent treat that combines the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and vibrant raspberry jelly, you’re in for a real delight with this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe. Rich, yet refreshingly fruity, this layered dessert is a showstopper for any occasion, blending textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen adventurer, this recipe delivers a gluten-free, vegan-friendly indulgence that feels both luxurious and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color for this shortbread masterpiece.

• 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour: This gluten-free option forms the sturdy and tender base of the shortbread crust, giving it structure without sacrificing flavor.
• 1 cup ground almonds: Adds a subtle nuttiness and moist richness that complements the crisp shortbread layer.
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter: Provides that classic buttery flavor and flaky texture without dairy.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances depth and warmth to the dough and other layers.
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness while intensifying flavors.
• 4 cups fresh raspberries: Brings vibrant color, tartness, and freshness to the fruity jelly layer.
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Sweetens the raspberry jelly just right, without overpowering the natural berry taste.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a zingy brightness that lifts the raspberry flavor beautifully.
• 2 ½ teaspoons agar-agar powder: The vegan-friendly setting agent used to make the raspberry jelly firm and sliceable.
• 1 cup cashew butter: The heart of the caramel layer, lending creamy richness and a hint of nuttiness.
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup: Sweetens the caramel naturally and adds a lovely glossy finish.
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil (solid): Helps create the silky caramel texture and makes the layer firm up smoothly.
• 2 tablespoons full fat canned coconut milk: Adds creaminess and depth to the caramel layer, making it truly luxurious.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel’s warm and comforting notes.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Perfectly balances the sweet caramel and adds complexity.
• 7 oz vegan chocolate: The crowning glory, melted and spread in a glossy, decadent top layer.
• ¼ cup freeze dried raspberries (optional): These add a lovely pop of tartness and a beautiful visual contrast when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Shortbread Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing your 8” square pan. Creating a solid shortbread base starts with mixing the gluten-free flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt in your food processor until a dough forms that sticks together nicely. Press this dough evenly into the pan and gently prick it with a fork. Baking it until just golden is crucial to build that buttery, crumbly foundation that supports all the luscious layers to come.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Jelly Layer

While the base cools, get your fresh raspberries simmering gently until they soften and turn jammy. Blending them smooth and straining out the seeds ensures a silky jelly texture. Adding maple syrup, lemon juice, and agar-agar before bringing the mixture back to a simmer ensures it will set perfectly. Pour this jewel-toned layer over the cooled shortbread and pop it in the freezer to firm up confidently.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Caramel Layer

Next, the dreamy caramel comes together quickly in a food processor where cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla, and salt transform into a smooth, luscious topping. Spreading this over the chilled raspberry jelly adds a dreamy creaminess that perfectly contrasts with the sharp tartness beneath. Another trip to the freezer gives it time to set firmly, creating those satisfying layers we all adore.

Step 4: Finish with Chocolate and Freeze

Melting vegan chocolate gently over a double boiler lets you achieve that shiny perfect glaze. Stirring in some extra chocolate once off the heat tempers it just beautifully, preventing bloom and ensuring a crisp set. Pour this over the caramel and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries if you like a berry burst of texture and color. A quick chill in the fridge sets the chocolate gloss, prepping your masterpiece for slicing and sharing.

Step 5: Slice Like a Pro

To get those picture-perfect slices, heat your knife under boiling water and dry it well before cutting. This simple trick helps the warm blade glide through the layers without cracking the chocolate or crushing the delicate layers underneath, giving you those neat squares that look as incredible as they taste.

How to Serve Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe with a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a charming touch. Fresh raspberries on the side not only look gorgeous but also enhance the fruity notes, balancing the richness of the caramel and chocolate perfectly.

Side Dishes

This indulgent slice pairs beautifully with a simple dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert experience. A cup of rich espresso or a fragrant herbal tea also complements the layers of sweetness and tartness, creating a delightful treat for afternoon tea or after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, consider presenting your millionaires shortbread on a wooden board with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for a stunning display. Cutting them into bite-sized squares or even mini bars can make serving at gatherings effortless and elegant. You can also layer them with alternating raspberry and caramel sauces in clear jars for a playful, deconstructed take on the classic dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread squares store best in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep their perfect texture and rich flavors for 3 to 5 days. Keeping them cool ensures the chocolate topping stays crisp while the layers beneath remain soft and luscious.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these treats well in advance, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they maintain their layered integrity and deliciousness for up to two months – perfect for busy weeks or special occasions planned ahead.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen slices, simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crisp chocolate and smooth caramel layers. Serving them chilled highlights the flavor contrasts beautifully and keeps the textures just right.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free for this recipe?

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern, plain all-purpose flour works perfectly and will still yield a tender shortbread base. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different but equally delicious.

Is agar-agar the only option for setting the raspberry jelly?

Agar-agar is a fantastic vegan substitute that works well here, but if you’re not vegan, you can also use gelatin. Make sure to adjust quantities accordingly, as gelatin and agar-agar set differently.

Can I substitute cashew butter in the caramel with another nut butter?

Yes! Almond or sunflower seed butter can work if you need an alternative, though cashew butter offers a particularly creamy and mild flavor that complements the caramel best.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting the shortbread?

The secret is warming your knife before slicing. Running it under hot water and drying it lets the warm blade gently melt the chocolate as you cut, resulting in smooth, clean slices without cracks.

Can I make this dessert nut-free?

This recipe is naturally nut-based due to the ground almonds and cashew butter. To make it nut-free, you’d need to find suitable replacements like seed flours and butters, but the recipe might need adjustments in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe is a true joy for any dessert lover. It’s a brilliant blend of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and refreshingly vibrant all at once. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, this recipe brings satisfaction and smiles with every luscious bite. So dive in, have fun with the layers, and enjoy every delicious moment!

Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

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4.3 from 64 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread is a decadent vegan and gluten-free dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base, a vibrant raspberry jelly layer, and a luscious cashew caramel topping, all coated with rich vegan chocolate and finished with optional freeze-dried raspberries for a delightful crunch. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base

• 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour (use plain flour if not gluten-free)
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Raspberry Jelly

• 4 cups fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 ½ teaspoons agar-agar powder

Cashew Caramel

• 1 cup cashew butter
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil (solid)
• 2 tablespoons full fat canned coconut milk (or coconut cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Topping

• 7 oz vegan chocolate
• ¼ cup freeze dried raspberries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease the base and sides of a square 8″ pan with oil or vegan butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the shortbread dough: In a food processor, combine gluten-free flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt. Process until the mixture sticks together, forming a dough.
3. Press and bake the base: Press the dough evenly into the base of the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula or flat-bottomed glass. Prick the dough with a fork gently in several spots. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the shortbread is lightly browned, then allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. Cook and blend raspberry jelly: Place fresh raspberries in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until they become jammy. Transfer to a blender and blitz until smooth. Sieve to remove seeds and return the puree to the saucepan.
5. Add jelly ingredients and thicken: Add maple syrup, lemon juice, and agar-agar powder to the raspberry puree. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes, whisking continuously to activate the agar-agar.
6. Cool and set jelly: Remove from heat and let the jelly mixture cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Pour the jelly evenly over the cooled shortbread base, then place the pan in the freezer to set for 30 minutes.
7. Prepare the caramel layer: In the food processor, combine cashew butter, maple syrup, solid coconut oil, coconut milk or cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blitz until smooth and silky.
8. Spread caramel and freeze: Pour the caramel evenly over the set raspberry jelly. Spread it smoothly with a spatula. Return the pan to the freezer and let set for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
9. Melt and temper chocolate: Melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate over a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining chocolate until fully melted and glossy.
10. Apply chocolate topping: Spread the tempered chocolate evenly over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries if using. Place the pan in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
11. Slice the shortbread: Heat a sharp knife by placing it in boiling water, then dry it. Use the warm knife to gently slice the millionaire’s shortbread, allowing the heat to create clean cuts through the layers.
12. Storage instructions: Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze unused portions and defrost as needed for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Using gluten-free flour makes this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals, but plain flour can be substituted if gluten is not a concern.
• Agar-agar is a vegan alternative to gelatin and is essential for setting the raspberry jelly layer properly.
• The caramel is made from cashew butter and coconut milk for a creamy vegan consistency without dairy.
• Tempering the chocolate ensures a shiny finish and firm texture that snaps nicely.
• Freezing the layers between steps helps achieve clean, distinct layers in the final bar.
• For best results, allow the dessert to set overnight in the freezer before slicing.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes baking + 15 minutes stovetop + 4 hours freezing
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan