Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that hits all the right notes, look no further than Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. This vegan and gluten-free delight layers buttery shortbread with vibrant raspberry jelly, rich salted caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping. The result is a heavenly slice that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat—each bite a perfect balance of tart, sweet, salty, and silky textures. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, this recipe is an absolute showstopper that tastes like pure indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple but vital, the ingredients in this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread are carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture that work perfectly together. The base is nutty and crumbly, the raspberry jelly adds a fruity brightness, the caramel brings sweetness and saltiness, and the chocolate topping finishes it all off beautifully.

• Gluten-free all purpose flour: Provides a sturdy yet tender foundation for the shortbread base; you can substitute plain flour if not gluten-free.
• Ground almonds: Adds a lovely nutty flavor and moist texture to the shortbread base.
• Vegan butter: This keeps the base rich and crumbly with plant-based goodness.
• Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances all layers with gentle sweetness.
• Sea salt: Balances the sweetness while enhancing the flavors of the caramel and chocolate layers.
• Fresh raspberries: Give the jelly a vibrant color and fresh-tart taste that brightens the whole slice.
• Lemon juice: Adds acidity to the raspberry jelly, making the flavor pop.
• Agar-agar powder: The vegan gelling agent that sets the raspberry jelly perfectly without gelatin.
• Cashew butter: Forms the creamy base of the salted caramel, offering richness and texture.
• Coconut oil (solid): Helps create the silky consistency of the caramel when blended.
• Full fat canned coconut milk or cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the salted caramel.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and complexity into the caramel layer.
• Vegan chocolate: The final glossy topping that complements every bite with smooth chocolate bliss.
• Freeze-dried raspberries (optional): Provide a delightful pop of texture and an extra raspberry burst on top.

How to Make Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Shortbread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing an 8-inch square pan. Combine the gluten-free flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt in a food processor until the mixture sticks together into a dough. Press this evenly into the pan, prick with a fork, and bake for 15-18 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool completely to create a firm base for the layers ahead.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Jelly

While the base cools, gently cook the fresh raspberries on medium heat until soft and jammy. Blend and strain to remove seeds, then return the pulp to the pan with maple syrup, lemon juice, and agar-agar powder. Bring to a boil and then simmer while whisking for three minutes. Pour the jelly evenly over the cooled shortbread and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes to set firmly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Salted Caramel

In your food processor, combine cashew butter, maple syrup, solid coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blitz until the caramel is smooth and silky. Pour this luscious layer over the chilled raspberry jelly and smooth it out evenly. Return the pan to the freezer for at least four hours or overnight for the best set and texture.

Step 4: Create the Chocolate Topping

Melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining chocolate until completely melted and glossy. Spread this chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer. If you’re using freeze-dried raspberries, sprinkle them over the chocolate for an eye-catching finish. Place the shortbread in the fridge for around 15 minutes to let the chocolate set perfectly.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When it’s time to enjoy, heat a sharp knife in boiling water, dry it thoroughly, and cut the shortbread into even slices. The warm blade glides through the frozen layers easily, giving you neat, clean-edged squares that showcase the beautiful layers of raspberry, caramel, and chocolate.

How to Serve Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds a charming touch and a hint of extra flavor. Fresh raspberries on the side also perfectly echo the jelly layer’s fruity brightness, while a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate helps highlight the salted caramel beneath.

Side Dishes

This shortbread is rich, so it pairs wonderfully with lighter accompaniments like a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A hot cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea also balances the dessert’s sweetness and offers a cozy finish to your treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange these slices on decorative plates, and drizzle some raspberry coulis or caramel sauce artfully around them. You can also layer individual servings in clear glass jars to show off the gorgeous layers, making your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. This makes it perfect to make in advance and enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this shortbread freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing the integrity of the layers.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert with layers, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. To enjoy after freezing, simply thaw slices overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid heating to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! If gluten is not a concern, plain flour works just as well and will give a traditional shortbread texture while keeping the base tender and buttery.

Is the raspberry jelly too sweet?

The jelly strikes a balanced tartness thanks to the lemon juice, which cuts the sweetness from the maple syrup and raspberries. If you prefer it tarter, you can slightly increase the lemon juice, but the recipe as is offers a perfect harmony.

Can I substitute cashew butter in the caramel?

Cashew butter gives the caramel its creamy, smooth texture, but almond or sunflower seed butter can work as alternatives. Just choose a mild-flavored nut or seed butter to keep the caramel flavor luscious.

How do I melt vegan chocolate without burning it?

Use a double boiler method by placing the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stirring gently until melted. This indirect heat prevents scorching and keeps the chocolate smooth and shiny.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

This recipe does rely on nuts in the base and caramel, so making it nut-free would require major substitutions that may affect texture and flavor. Using a nut-free butter base and sunflower seed butter might work, but it would no longer be traditional Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress yourself and others with a showstopping vegan treat, the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread is an absolute winner. It’s luxurious, layered with incredible textures and rich flavors, yet surprisingly straightforward to make. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved favorite to bake and share, perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a little delicious indulgence in your day!