Name: Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour (use plain flour if not gluten-free); 1 cup (112 g) ground almonds; 4 tablespoons (60 g) vegan butter; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) sea salt; 4 cups (480 g) fresh raspberries; ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice; 2 ½ teaspoons (12.5 g) agar-agar powder; 1 cup (256 g) cashew butter; ¾ cup (177 ml) pure maple syrup; 4 tablespoons (60 g) coconut oil (solid); 2 tablespoons (30 g) full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon (5 g) sea salt; 7 oz (200 g) vegan chocolate; ¼ cup (30 g) freeze-dried raspberries (optional)

Prepare your taste buds for the decadent delight of Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread! This irresistible treat layers a crumbly gluten-free biscuit, a vibrant raspberry jelly, luxurious salted caramel, and a glossy chocolate topping. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, salty, and rich flavors—plus, it’s completely vegan and gluten-free, making it a wonderful crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role, working together to create that unforgettable symphony of flavors and textures unique to this dessert. Don’t worry, nothing is overly fussy—and the results are pure indulgence with minimum fuss!

Gluten-free all-purpose flour (1 cup): It builds the structure of your base, ensuring a tender yet sturdy foundation; feel free to sub regular flour if gluten isn’t a concern.
Ground almonds (1 cup): Adds a delicate nuttiness to the shortbread and helps keep the crumb tender and moist.
Vegan butter (4 tbsp): Brings the richness and melt-in-your-mouth quality you crave in a shortbread base.
Pure maple syrup (2 tbsp for base, 1/4 cup for jelly, 3/4 cup for caramel): Naturally sweet and beautifully aromatic, it layers a subtle complexity into every bite.
Sea salt (1/4 tsp for base, 1 tsp for caramel): A dash in both the base and caramel elevates every flavor with a pop of balance.
Fresh raspberries (4 cups): Their bright, tart flavor shines in the jelly layer, providing contrast to all the sweetness.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Just a hint sharpens the raspberry jelly, making the fruit flavor sing.
Agar-agar powder (2 ½ tsp): The secret to a perfectly set, plant-based jelly—firm enough to slice, but meltingly smooth in your mouth.
Cashew butter (1 cup): Forms a lush, creamy caramel without any dairy, and complements the fruitiness beautifully.
Coconut oil (4 tbsp): This keeps your caramel silky and sliceable, with a gentle tropical note.
Full fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream (2 tbsp): Ultra-creamy and luscious—don’t skip it for maximum richness!
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Backs up the caramel’s sweetness with warmth and floral notes.
Vegan chocolate (7 oz): The finishing touch; choose a good dark or semi-sweet variety so it contrasts just right with the rest of the bar.
Freeze dried raspberries (1/4 cup, optional): For a dramatic sprinkle of tart, crunchy color on top—totally optional, but totally pretty.

How to Make Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

First things first—turn your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease the base and sides of an 8-inch square pan with either a bit of oil or vegan butter, then line it with parchment paper. This not only ensures fuss-free removal later but also helps each beautiful layer stay perfectly even and intact.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Shortbread Base

In your food processor, combine the gluten-free flour, almond flour, vegan butter, maple syrup, and salt until it all comes together in a soft, cohesive dough. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Go ahead—use a spatula or the bottom of a glass to get it really smooth and even. Prick the base a few times with a fork so it bakes evenly, then pop it in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes until it’s ever-so-slightly golden and smells nutty. Let it cool down to room temperature before adding anything on top.

Step 3: Make the Fresh Raspberry Jelly

While the base cools, add your fresh raspberries to a saucepan and heat gently for about 10 minutes. They’ll break down and go all soft and jammy. Blend them until smooth, then sieve out the seeds for a silky puree. Stir in the maple syrup, lemon juice, and agar-agar, then bring it all to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for three minutes as you whisk—this activates the agar so your jelly will set perfectly. After cooling for about 10 minutes, pour this glorious raspberry jelly over the cooled shortbread. Into the freezer it goes for 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Make the Salted Cashew Caramel

While the jelly chills, it’s time to bring on the caramel! Toss your cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk or cream, vanilla, and sea salt into the food processor. Blend until it magically transforms into a thick, shiny, ultra-smooth caramel. Layer it evenly on top of the set raspberry jelly, smoothing it out with your spatula. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if patience allows) to get everything perfectly firm.

Step 5: Chocolate Topper and Finishing Touches

Chop your vegan chocolate and melt two-thirds gently over a double boiler, stirring until glossy. Off the heat, stir in the remaining chocolate until it all melts (this little trick gives you a beautiful, snappy crust). Spread it evenly across the cold caramel, and—if you like—sprinkle freeze-dried raspberries over the top for a pop of color. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes so the chocolate sets, and you’re ready for that final cut!

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy!

For clean, Instagram-worthy slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water, dry it off, then press through the bars gently—the heat helps the blade glide through each stunning layer. Trust me, this simple step makes the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread

Garnishes

A handful of freeze-dried raspberries offers dramatic color and a tart crunch that’s hard to resist. If you want to dial up the indulgence, add a light shimmer of edible gold dust for an elegant touch. For a classic twist, a simple sprinkle of flaked sea salt over the chocolate layer enhances those caramel notes while making each bite visually striking.

Side Dishes

Serve your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a pot of coconut yogurt—the creamy, cool element works gorgeously with the richness of the bars. Lightly brewed tea or an espresso cuts perfectly through the sweet layers, making every bite feel balanced and refined.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond squares: cut your Millionaires Shortbread into slim fingers for a modern dessert platter, or use a small round cutter for dainty, party-ready bites. Layer a couple of pieces in a glass jar with extra raspberries for a beautiful picnic treat, or gift wrapped bars tied with twine for an unforgettable homemade present. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread will keep perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. The layers maintain their structure and flavor, making it ideal for casual snacking or last-minute coffee guests. Place parchment paper between slices so the chocolate stays pristine and glossy.

Freezing

If you want to keep a stash for later, these bars freeze beautifully! Once sliced, layer them between sheets of parchment in a sealed container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready for whenever a craving for something sweet and special strikes. Just thaw individual pieces in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Good news: there’s no need to reheat this treat! Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If your bars have been stored in the freezer, give them a gentle thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temp to preserve the beautiful texture.

FAQs

Can I make Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread without a food processor?

Absolutely! While a food processor gives you a perfectly blended dough and caramel, you can easily use a mixing bowl, sturdy whisk, and a little extra elbow grease. Ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature and your caramel ingredients are well stirred until silky smooth.

What can I use instead of cashew butter for the caramel layer?

Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are good alternatives if you need to avoid cashews. Keep in mind the flavor and consistency may change slightly, but the rich caramel effect will remain delicious.

Can I use frozen raspberries for the jelly layer?

Frozen raspberries work perfectly—simply thaw them and use as you would fresh. Make sure to strain out any extra water before blending to avoid too much liquid in your jelly.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing?

Use a hot, dry knife to slice the bars. Heat up the knife in boiling water and wipe it dry between cuts. This technique helps the chocolate glide smoothly, preventing cracks and keeping those layers picture-perfect.

Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?

To make a nut-free version, use a seed-based flour (like oat or sunflower) in the base and swap out the cashew butter for sunflower seed butter in the caramel. Double-check all your ingredients for hidden nuts if making for someone with severe allergies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for your next show-stopping dessert, look no further than Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread! It’s not just gorgeous to look at—every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Give it a try and let yourself fall in love with the decadent layers and vibrant fruitiness. Happy baking!