Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

If you’re craving an indulgent treat that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and buttery flavors, let me introduce you to this fan-freaking-tastic Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe! I absolutely love how the layers of crumbly shortbread, vibrant raspberry jelly, luscious salted caramel, and rich chocolate come together—it’s pure magic in every bite. Stick around, because I’m going to share everything you need to know to nail this showstopper dessert right in your kitchen.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive in, I want you to know that these ingredients aren’t just random picks—they blend beautifully to build that classic millionaire’s shortbread feeling, but with a raspberry twist that feels fresh and exciting. When you shop, try to use fresh, ripe raspberries and high-quality vegan chocolate for the best results.

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: You can swap for plain flour if gluten isn’t an issue for you—both work great!
• Ground almonds: Adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the shortbread base.
• Vegan butter: Essential for that rich, buttery crumb—freeze it beforehand for easier processing.
• Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a lovely warm sweetness and depth.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the sweet layers and balances flavors perfectly.
• Fresh raspberries: Freshness is key here for that vibrant jelly layer; frozen can work but fresh is best.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness to your raspberry jelly and helps preserve the color.
• Agar-agar powder: This is the vegan-friendly setting agent to get that jelly layer just right—don’t skip it!
• Cashew butter: I love this for its creamy texture and subtle flavor in the caramel.
• Coconut oil (solid): Helps set the caramel and adds a silky mouthfeel.
• Full-fat canned coconut milk or cream: Brings richness and a creamy touch to the caramel.
• Vanilla extract: A splash elevates the caramel layers tremendously.
• Vegan chocolate: For the glossy topping—the better the chocolate, the better the final bite!
• Freeze-dried raspberries (optional): A beautiful tart garnish that adds a pop of color and texture.

Variations

I love getting creative with this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe. Feel free to make it your own! Some small tweaks here and there can take it in a whole new direction. You’ll find that exploring these options is part of the fun.

• Nut-Free Variation: I once swapped cashew butter for sunflower seed butter and was pleasantly surprised by the equally creamy caramel layer.
• Berry Mix: Try mixing raspberries with strawberries or blackberries for a different jelly flavor—my kids loved the extra bursts of berry goodness!
• Chocolate Variety: Using dark chocolate with higher cocoa content creates a richer top layer, while milk or white vegan chocolate offers a sweeter finish.
• Less Sweet Option: Reduce maple syrup slightly in the caramel to tone down sweetness if that’s your jam.

How to Make Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Make the Buttery Shortbread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your 8” square pan lightly and line it with parchment paper—it’ll make slicing out perfect squares so much easier later. In your food processor, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, pure maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until it comes together like a soft dough that sticks when you press it. I like to chill my vegan butter beforehand; it helps it break down and mix better. Press the dough evenly into the pan and gently prick the surface with a fork—this keeps the base crisp and prevents bubbling during baking. Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until golden on the edges. Let it cool completely before moving on—the last thing you want is a soggy base under your layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Raspberry Jelly

While the base cools, it’s time for the raspberry jelly! Toss fresh raspberries into a saucepan and gently heat over medium heat for around 10 minutes until they break down and become jammy—I promise, the smell alone is worth the wait. Pour this mixture into a blender for a smooth puree, then strain through a sieve to remove pesky seeds (this makes all the difference for a silky texture). Return the seed-free puree to the pan and stir in maple syrup, a splash of lemon juice for brightness, and agar-agar powder—the magic setting ingredient. Bring it to a boil then simmer gently while whisking for 3 minutes. Let this cool for about 10 minutes before pouring over the cooled shortbread base. Pop the whole pan in the freezer for 30 minutes until the jelly firms up nicely. This quick chill step is a game changer that keeps your layers distinct.

Step 3: Whip Up the Salted Caramel Layer

Next, let’s make that dreamy caramel. Add cashew butter, maple syrup, solid coconut oil, canned full-fat coconut milk or cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt into your food processor. Blitz everything for a couple of minutes until it’s super smooth and silky. The texture here is everything—you want it thick enough to hold shape but spreadable. Pour your luscious caramel right over the set raspberry jelly and spread evenly with a spatula. Back into the freezer it goes for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want to prepare in advance. Trust me, this setting time ensures that caramel sets firm without cracking when you slice.

Step 4: The Chocolate Finish

The final flourish is the chocolatier’s touch. Melt about two-thirds of your vegan chocolate gently over a double boiler—be patient and stir frequently. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the remaining third of the chocolate to temper it; this technique keeps your chocolate shiny and snappy. Spread the glossy chocolate layer evenly over the caramel. If you want to add a bit more wow-factor, sprinkle freeze-dried raspberries on top for tart bursts of color and flavor. Chill the pan in the fridge for 15 minutes to let the chocolate shell harden.

Step 5: Slice and Serve Like a Pro

To slice the millionaires shortbread, heat a sharp knife by dunking it in boiling water, dry it thoroughly, then make clean cuts through the chocolate and caramel layers. The warm blade cuts like a dream without cracking the delicate top. Store your finished slices in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3-5 days—or freeze for longer storage.

How to Serve Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberries—they add a bright pop of color and tangy crunch that perfectly counters the rich caramel and chocolate. If you want to get fancy, add a light dusting of edible gold leaf or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving for a sophisticated touch.

Side Dishes

This is a dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicate herbal tea like chamomile. For a special brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve lined a rustic wooden board with parchment and arranged the bars in a neat grid with edible flowers scattered around—always a crowd-pleaser! You can even cut the shortbread into bite-sized squares and serve them on pretty trays with cocktail picks for a classy finger-food dessert at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge, layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—though, honestly, they never last that long in my house.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver with this recipe! I wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. When I want a treat, I just defrost a bar at room temperature for around 20 minutes—it still tastes amazing and holds its texture beautifully.

Reheating

I don’t really heat these bars—they’re best enjoyed cold to keep that chocolate crisp and caramel layers stable. But if you prefer a softer caramel bite, you can leave them out on the counter for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe holds a special place on my dessert shelf because it’s impressive, yet totally approachable. I remember making it for the first time, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness—but when I took that first bite, all my worries melted away. The layers are so luscious and complement each other perfectly, making it a guaranteed hit for family, friends, or just a sweet moment for yourself. Give it a go—you’ll love how each slice feels like a little celebration on your palate.

Print