Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that combines rich comfort with a fresh twist, you’ll absolutely adore this Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe. It’s like a nostalgic hug in every bite, layering the buttery crumb of gluten-free shortbread, caramel goodness made from peanut butter and coconut, slices of zesty banana, and a glossy blanket of melting vegan chocolate. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, creamy and crunchy, this treat is a spectacular plant-based indulgence that will wow both vegans and non-vegans alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite for sharing with friends or savoring during a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, but every item plays a pivotal role in creating that dreamy texture and delicious flavor profile. These simple staples come together to build the layers of this enchanting dessert, from the crumbly shortbread base to the luscious caramel and silky chocolate topping.

• Gluten-free all purpose flour: Use this or plain flour to create a tender and sturdy shortbread base that holds everything together.
• Ground almonds: Adds a natural nuttiness and a lovely crumbly texture.
• Vegan butter: Essential for that buttery richness without any dairy.
• Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that infuses the base and caramel with subtle depth.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
• Medium bananas: Fresh and vibrant, these give the classic fruity banoffee element.
• Lemon or lime juice: Prevents the banana slices from browning and adds a refreshing zing.
• Peanut butter: Creates a creamy, nutty caramel layer that feels indulgent but wholesome.
• Coconut oil (solid): Adds smoothness and helps the caramel set beautifully.
• Full fat canned coconut milk (or cream): Intensifies creaminess and keeps everything luxuriously luscious.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and aromatic sweetness in the caramel.
• Vegan chocolate: A rich, glossy finish that ties all the layers together with elegant flair.

How to Make Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing a square 8-inch pan. In a food processor, blend the gluten-free flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt until the ingredients form a cohesive dough. This shortbread base is the foundation of your Millionaires treat — pressed firmly and gently pricked with a fork before baking, it achieves that perfect crumbly, buttery texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Base

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Baking it for about 15–18 minutes allows the base to develop a delicate golden color and a slight crispness at the edges. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely to ensure it sets well for the layers to come.

Step 3: Prepare the Banana Layer

Slice your bananas into neat coins and toss them gently in lemon or lime juice. This simple step prevents browning and adds a bright contrast to the sweet elements. After blotting off any excess moisture, arrange the slices in a single layer over the cooled shortbread base — this fruity layer brings fresh flavor and soft texture that elevate this recipe.

Step 4: Make the Vegan Caramel

Into the food processor goes peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and salt — blend until wonderfully smooth. This luscious mixture is the vegan take on the classic caramel layer, creamy and rich with a hint of nuttiness. Spread it evenly over the banana slices, then pop the entire pan into the fridge to set for at least two hours, or overnight if you want to plan ahead.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping

Gently melt the vegan chocolate using a double boiler method to keep it silky and glossy. Spread this chocolate layer evenly over the chilled caramel. The chocolate not only complements the banana-caramel combo perfectly but also adds a satisfying snap when you bite into the shortbread. Refrigerate for 15 minutes so it can solidify completely.

Step 6: Slice with Care

To get clean slices without smudging, warm your knife in boiling water before cutting. Wipe it dry, then slice carefully, letting the heated blade melt through the layers for smooth cuts. This finishing touch ensures your presentation looks just as mouthwatering as the flavor.

How to Serve Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped roasted peanuts on top can add a lovely crunch and visual appeal. If you want an extra fruity twist, a few fresh banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon pairs beautifully without overpowering the dessert’s richness.

Side Dishes

Serve your Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or chilled coconut yogurt for a refreshing balance. For a beverage pairing, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte will complement the sweet, nutty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try cutting the dessert into bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative platters with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, layer pieces in a clear glass for an impressive banoffee-inspired parfait, showcasing each vibrant layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This lets the flavors meld even more, making each subsequent bite just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

If you want to make this dessert ahead of time or save some for later, freeze leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When properly stored, the shortbread can last up to one month in the freezer — just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Because this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want the chocolate to soften slightly before serving, leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or briefly warm slices between your hands to loosen the layers gently.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter for another nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter works wonderfully here and will add a slightly different nutty flavor while maintaining the creamy texture of the caramel layer. Just use natural, unsweetened nut butters for the best results.

Is it necessary to use gluten-free flour?

Not at all. The recipe works just as well with plain all purpose flour unless you have a gluten intolerance. The gluten-free version simply makes the dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising texture.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overly ripe bananas can be too soft and may become mushy when layered, while underripe ones can be too starchy and lack sweetness.

What’s the best way to melt vegan chocolate?

Melting chocolate gently over a double boiler is ideal to prevent burning. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth and fully melted. This method preserves the rich flavor and texture essential for topping the shortbread.

Can I make the caramel without a food processor?

Yes, you can whisk the ingredients vigorously by hand or use a blender if needed. The key is to blend until completely smooth to achieve that luscious caramel consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this treat promises to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth with its rich layers and comforting charm. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite!

Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

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4.2 from 43 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 33 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

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Description

This Vegan Banoffee Millionaires Shortbread is a decadent, yet plant-based dessert featuring a crunchy gluten-free shortbread base topped with fresh bananas, a creamy peanut butter caramel, and a rich vegan chocolate layer. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while keeping it dairy-free and packed with wholesome ingredients.

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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

Banana Layer

• 2 medium bananas
• 4 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

Caramel Layer

• 1 cup peanut butter
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil (solid)
• 4 tablespoons full fat canned coconut milk (or coconut cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Topping

• 7 oz vegan chocolate

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare 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 to prevent sticking.
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 ingredients come together into a sticky dough.
3. Bake the Shortbread Base: Press the dough evenly into the base of the prepared pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula or the flat bottom of a glass. Use a fork to gently prick the dough several times to prevent bubbling while baking. Bake for 15-18 minutes until it turns slightly brown. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Prepare and Layer Bananas: Slice the bananas into coins and toss them in lemon or lime juice to prevent browning. Blot excess moisture from the slices using kitchen paper or a clean tea towel. Arrange the banana slices evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
5. Make the Peanut Butter Caramel: In the food processor, blend peanut butter, maple syrup, solid coconut oil, canned coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and creamy. Spread this caramel layer evenly over the bananas.
6. Chill to Set Caramel: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to allow the caramel layer to firm up.
7. Melt and Add Chocolate Topping: Melt the vegan chocolate gently using a double boiler. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer using a spatula.
8. Final Chill: Refrigerate the assembled shortbread for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set completely.
9. Slice and Serve: Heat a sharp knife by dipping it in boiling water, wipe it dry, and slowly cut through the slices using the warm knife to create clean cuts without cracking.

Notes

• Use gluten-free flour to keep this recipe gluten-free, or plain flour if gluten sensitivity is not a concern.
• Lemon or lime juice prevents bananas from browning and adds a slight tang.
• Coconut milk should be full-fat canned or coconut cream to achieve the right creamy texture.
• For best results, allow the caramel layer to chill overnight for a firmer set.
• Warm the knife before slicing to get neat, clean pieces without breaking the layers.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan