Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I rummaged through my pantry, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, recalling the sweet, tangy indulgence of raspberry desserts from my childhood. Inspired by those memories, I embarked on creating a healthier twist with my Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. This delightfully layered dessert features a crunchy gluten-free shortbread base, lush raspberry jelly, creamy salted caramel, and a glossy chocolate finish—all without any guilt! Not only is it a fantastic no-bake treat, making it perfect for warm days, but it’s also dexterously crafted to cater to vegan diets. Whether you’re trying to impress at a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings for dessert without the fuss. So, are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a bite of pure bliss? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is this dessert a must-try? Deliciously Unique: This Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread showcases a delightful blend of flavors and textures, ensuring a memorable dessert experience. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome components like ground almonds and pure maple syrup, it’s a treat that’s good for you too! No-Bake Convenience: With straightforward preparation, you can whip up this indulgence without ever turning on your oven, saving you time and hassle. Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize with different nut butters or berries, allowing you to make each batch distinctly yours. Don’t forget to explore recipes like Lemon Raspberry Cookies for another berry-inspired delight! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, this layered masterpiece is bound to impress friends and family, making it a fantastic showstopper at any occasion. Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Ingredients For the Shortbread Base • Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Provides the structure and base for the shortbread; can swap with regular flour if gluten-free isn’t a priority. • Ground almonds – Adds a nutty flavor and a tender texture; consider using oat flour for a new taste twist. • Vegan butter – Creates a rich texture; solid coconut oil works as a suitable substitute. • Pure maple syrup – Natural sweetener that enhances flavor while keeping it vegan; agave syrup is a lovely alternative. • Sea salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness. For the Raspberry Layer • Fresh raspberries – Essential for that vibrant jelly layer; swap cautiously with frozen raspberries if needed. • Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor of the raspberry jelly beautifully. • Agar-agar powder – A vegan gelling agent crucial for setting the jelly; ensure to use powdered agar-agar for effective gelling. For the Caramel Layer • Cashew butter – Provides a creamy texture and nutty flavor; you can substitute this with almond or peanut butter for a different profile. • Coconut oil – Helps the caramel firm up in the fridge, preventing it from being overly liquid. • Full-fat canned coconut milk – Adds creaminess to the caramel; chill the can first to separate the solid fat from the liquid. • Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor and sweetness in your dessert. For the Chocolate Topping • Vegan chocolate – Choose between dark or vegan milk chocolate based on your preference for topping that adds a glossy finish. • Freeze-dried raspberries (optional) – Use as a decorative and flavor-enhancing garnish to bring extra flair to your dish. This Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread is not just a treat; it’s a feast for your senses, blending delightful raspberry flavor and an irresistible texture in each distinct layer! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch square pan with vegan butter or oil, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This pan will hold the crunchy shortbread base that supports the luscious layers of your Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Step 2: Make the Shortbread Dough In a food processor, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until the mixture forms a cohesive dough, about 30 seconds. You’ll want a consistent texture with no dry bits remaining—this will create the crumbly, tender base that is so essential to this delightful dessert. Step 3: Bake the Shortbread Base Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring a flat surface. Use a fork to prick the dough gently, which helps prevent bubbling. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center feels firm. Once baked, set it aside to cool while you prepare the raspberry layer. Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Jelly In a saucepan over medium heat, add fresh raspberries and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes jammy. Blend the raspberries until smooth, and if desired, strain the puree through a sieve to remove seeds. This vibrant raspberry layer is essential for your Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, bringing a flavorful zing. Step 5: Mix in the Agar-Agar Combine the raspberry puree with lemon juice, maple syrup, and agar-agar powder in the saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, simmering for 3 minutes while constantly stirring to activate the agar-agar. This process will ensure a perfectly set jelly, which you’ll pour over your cooled shortbread base. Step 6: Set the Raspberry Layer Once you’ve removed the jelly mixture from the heat, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the baked shortbread base. Spread it evenly using a spatula, and then place the pan in the freezer to set for about 30 minutes. This cooling time allows the jelly to firm up nicely, creating a perfect layer for your caramel. Step 7: Create the Creamy Caramel While the raspberry layer sets, prepare the caramel filling. In a high-speed blender, combine cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, full-fat canned coconut milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated for the indulgent caramel that will top your Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Step 8: Assemble and Freeze Carefully spread the caramel layer over the set raspberry jelly, smoothing it out to create an even surface. Return the pan to the freezer and allow it to set for at least 4 hours. This freezing time is crucial for achieving a firm and delectable caramel layer that complements the tangy raspberry jelly beautifully. Step 9: Melt the Chocolate Topping After the caramel has set, gently melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave at 30-second intervals. Stir in the remaining chocolate until you have a smooth and glossy mixture to pour over the caramel layer, adding a delightful finish to your Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Step 10: Final Touch and Serve Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel, and if desired, sprinkle with optional freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color and flavor. Let the dessert set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, then use a warm knife to slice into squares for clean cuts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy this delicious treat! What to Serve with Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread The perfect complement to your indulgent treat lies in balancing flavors and textures for a delightful meal experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and refreshes the palate, contrasting beautifully with the rich layers of shortbread. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream elevates the dessert’s tropical vibe, offering a creamy offset to the sweetness of the raspberry caramel. Herbal Iced Tea: Infused with mint or lemon verbena, iced tea provides a refreshing sip while the herbal notes harmonize with the tart raspberry flavor. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola on the side introduces a satisfying crunch, enhancing the texture play in every bite of this decadent treat. Dark Chocolate Espresso: A cup of dark chocolate espresso or coffee pairs seamlessly, bringing out the rich chocolate topping while enhancing the overall flavor profile. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vegan ice cream serves as an excellent cool accompaniment, balancing the sweetness and richness of the shortbread while providing a delightful contrast. Cheese Platter: If you’re feeling adventurous, a cheese platter featuring vegan cheese varieties provides a savory counterpoint, creating an enticing sweet-savory experience. Let these delightful pairings elevate your Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread experience into a full feast! Make Ahead Options These Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shortbread base and raspberry jelly up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to setting the jelly, allowing it to cool slightly before storing it covered in the refrigerator. For best quality, assemble the caramel layer and chocolate topping right before serving, ensuring everything stays fresh and delicious. If you want to save even more time, you can make the caramel and chocolate components up to 3 days ahead; just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to indulge, it only takes a few final steps to assemble and enjoy this decadent dessert! Storage Tips for Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Fridge: Store the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days to maintain its freshness. Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the slices in a single layer, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before enjoying. Reheating: For the best taste, enjoy the bars cold right from the fridge. If desired, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Layer Integrity: To prevent the layers from sticking together, place parchment paper between the slices or use a container with dividers before refrigerating or freezing. Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Variations Get ready to customize your delightful dessert with these fun and tasty twists! Nut-Free: Swap ground almonds for sunflower seed flour to create a nutless version that’s equally scrumptious. Berry Bliss: Experiment by substituting fresh raspberries with blueberries or blackberries for a different fruity vibe. Each berry brings its own distinct sweetness! Coconut Whip: Top your slices with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the rich layers. It’s a perfect pairing that elevates your dessert experience. Chocolate Play: For a richer chocolate flavor, mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the melted chocolate topping. The espresso will enhance the chocolate notes delightfully! Maple Magic: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a new sweetener twist. This small change can alter the taste profile beautifully while keeping it silky smooth. Crunchy Texture: Add a layer of crushed nuts or granola between the raspberry jelly and caramel for an additional crunch. This adds an exciting textural element that makes each bite more satisfying. Minty Freshness: For a refreshing twist, incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the chocolate layer. It’s a delightful surprise that pairs wonderfully with the raspberry! Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper into the caramel for a surprising heat that contrasts with the sweet and tangy layers. It’s sure to be a conversation starter! As you dive into your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, let your creativity flow! And if you’re itching for more berry-inspired goodies, be sure to check out my delicious Lemon Raspberry Cookies. Each variation brings a new adventure to the table! Expert Tips for Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Keep It Cool: Ensure your coconut milk is refrigerated overnight for a creamy caramel layer. This will also help with the texture of your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Watch the Heat: Stir constantly while simmering the raspberry jelly to prevent sticking and burning. This ensures a smooth, luscious layer that’s essential for flavor. Clean Cuts: Use a knife warmed under hot water to slice the dessert for clean edges and a neat presentation. Cool Before Topping: Allow the caramel layer to set completely in the freezer before adding the chocolate to ensure the layers remain distinct and beautiful. Storage Matters: For optimal freshness, store the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container and consume within 3-5 days. Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe FAQs What type of raspberries should I use? Absolutely! Fresh raspberries are ideal for creating a vibrant and flavorful jelly layer in your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. However, if fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen raspberries—just be cautious as they contain extra moisture, which can affect the jelly’s consistency. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using. How should I store the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread? To maintain its freshness, store your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the slices wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper for up to 3 months. Always defrost in the fridge before enjoying! Can I modify the recipe for allergies? Very! If you’re concerned about nut allergies, consider using sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of cashew butter for the caramel layer. Ensure to also choose gluten-free flour alternatives if gluten is a concern, and double-check all labels for any hidden allergens. What should I do if my jelly layer doesn’t set? If your raspberry jelly isn’t setting, it could be due to insufficient cooking or cooling time for the agar-agar powder. To remedy this, gently reheat the jelly mixture, ensuring it reaches a simmer while constantly stirring. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring over the shortbread base; then, place it back in the freezer to set properly. Can I freeze the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread? Absolutely! To freeze your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight, keeping the flavors intact. What’s the best way to cut the bars? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water. This quick tip helps prevent the chocolate topping from cracking and allows for beautifully presented slices of your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Enjoy the neat edges and impressive presentation! Decadent Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Bliss This Vegan Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread combines layers of crunchy shortbread, vibrant raspberry jelly, creamy caramel, and chocolate for a guilt-free dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 18 minutes minsFreezing Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 48 minutes mins Servings: 16 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: VeganCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Shortbread Base1 cup Gluten-free all-purpose flour1/2 cup Ground almonds1/2 cup Vegan butter1/4 cup Pure maple syrup1/4 teaspoon Sea saltFor the Raspberry Layer1 cup Fresh raspberries1 tablespoon Lemon juice2 teaspoons Agar-agar powderFor the Caramel Layer1/2 cup Cashew butter1/4 cup Coconut oil1/2 cup Full-fat canned coconut milk1 teaspoon Vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon Sea saltFor the Chocolate Topping1 cup Vegan chocolate1/4 cup Freeze-dried raspberries optional Equipment Food processorsaucepan8-inch Square Panhigh-speed blenderHeatproof bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease an 8-inch square pan with vegan butter or oil, lining it with parchment paper.In a food processor, combine gluten-free flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt. Pulse until a cohesive dough forms.Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and prick it with a fork. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly browned.In a saucepan, simmer fresh raspberries over medium heat for about 10 minutes until jammy. Blend until smooth.Mix the raspberry puree with lemon juice, maple syrup, and agar-agar in the saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring.Let the jelly cool slightly before pouring it over the baked shortbread. Spread it evenly and freeze for about 30 minutes.Blend cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.Spread the caramel over the set raspberry jelly and return to the freezer for at least 4 hours to set.Melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate in a heatproof bowl and stir in remaining chocolate until smooth. Pour over the caramel.Sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries if desired. Set in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, then slice into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg NotesFor optimal texture, keep coconut milk refrigerated overnight and use a warm knife for clean cuts. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
