Name: Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 18 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)

If you’re on the hunt for a showstopper treat that feels both indulgent and fresh, I can’t recommend this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe enough. I first made this for a casual get-together, and everyone went absolutely bonkers for it—there’s something magical about that trio of crumbly shortbread, tangy raspberry jelly, and silky salted caramel topped with rich chocolate. Trust me, stick with me here because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and you’ll want to make it over and over again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of raspberries pairs beautifully with the buttery caramel and sweet shortbread base.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Friendly: Crafted with adaptable ingredients that work for many dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Impressive Yet Easy to Make: It looks fancy but the steps are straightforward—even if you’re not an expert baker.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance for stress-free entertaining or sweet weekend treats.

The image shows multiple square dessert bars arranged on a piece of brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has four distinct layers: the bottom layer is dark brown chocolate, the second layer is light beige with a smooth texture, the third layer is a bright pink jelly-like layer, and the top layer is dark chocolate covered with small red crumbles scattered evenly. A small wooden bowl filled with coarse pink salt is visible in the top right corner with some salt spilled around it. Two bars are positioned to show their side layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, Raspberry Caramel Shortbread, Raspberry Caramel Bars, Raspberry Shortbread Dessert, Caramel Raspberry Treats

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each part of this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe brings its own unique texture and flavor. Choosing fresh raspberries and high-quality vegan butter will really elevate it, and I always prefer organic maple syrup for that deep natural sweetness that makes all the difference.

Flat lay of a small mound of light beige gluten-free all purpose flour, a heap of pale brown ground almonds, a few chunks of creamy yellow vegan butter, a small white bowl filled with amber maple syrup, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a cluster of fresh bright red raspberries, a small white bowl of pale yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with fine white agar-agar powder, a dollop of smooth pale beige cashew butter, a small white bowl with melted golden coconut oil, a small white bowl of thick white coconut cream, a small white bowl of dark vanilla extract, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a block of shiny dark vegan chocolate, and a small white bowl of vibrant crimson freeze-dried raspberries placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, Raspberry Caramel Shortbread, Raspberry Caramel Bars, Raspberry Shortbread Dessert, Caramel Raspberry Treats

Gluten-free all purpose flour: Using gluten-free flour keeps this treat allergy-friendly; plain flour works well if gluten isn’t a concern.
Ground almonds: Adds a lovely nutty undertone and helps create the perfect shortbread crumb.
Vegan butter: Makes the base tender and flavorful—don’t skimp here, quality matters!
Pure maple syrup: As a natural sweetener, it blends beautifully in all three layers.
Sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, especially important in the caramel layer.
Fresh raspberries: Tart, juicy, and essential for that vibrant jelly layer.
Lemon juice: Brightens the raspberry jelly, adding a fresh zing.
Agar-agar powder: A plant-based thickener to get that perfect jelly set.
Cashew butter: The base for the luscious caramel—silky and rich without dairy.
Coconut oil: Helps firm up the caramel while keeping it smooth.
Full fat canned coconut milk or cream: Brings luxurious creaminess to the caramel layer.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the caramel flavor.
Vegan chocolate: For the glossy chocolate topping that seals the deal.
Freeze dried raspberries (optional): A pretty sprinkle on top that adds a bit of crunch and intense raspberry flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe is super adaptable. Whether you want to swap the raspberries for a different berry or tweak the sweetness level, it’s all doable—and I encourage you to make this recipe your own!

Berry Swap: I’ve had great success substituting blackberries or blueberries for the raspberries—each brings a different but just as delicious twist.
Nut-Free Version: You can swap cashew butter for sunflower seed butter if nuts are a no-go in your household.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce the maple syrup slightly in the caramel if you prefer a less sweet finish; just watch the texture.
Chocolate Topping: Try white vegan chocolate for a pretty contrast or swirl in some sea salt flakes on top for an extra kick.

How to Make Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). I like to lightly grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper—it makes releasing the shortbread so much easier later on. In your food processor, combine the gluten-free flour, ground almonds, vegan butter, maple syrup, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture sticks together into a dough. Press this evenly into the pan and smooth the top with the back of a spatula or glass. Poking a few holes with a fork helps it bake evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes until it’s just starting to turn golden brown, then remove and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Jelly Layer

While the base cools, prepare the raspberry jelly. Add fresh raspberries to a saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they turn jammy. Blend the mixture until smooth, then push it through a sieve to get rid of the seeds—this step makes a big difference for that silky smooth texture I love. Return the sieved puree to the pan and whisk in maple syrup, lemon juice, and agar-agar powder. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes, whisking constantly. After that, let it cool slightly—about 10 minutes—before pouring it in an even layer over your shortbread base. Pop the pan into the freezer for 30 minutes so it sets properly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Salted Caramel

Next, it’s caramel time! Toss cashew butter, maple syrup, solid coconut oil, canned coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the food processor. Blitz for a couple of minutes until it’s silky smooth—sometimes you might need to scrape down the sides to get everything mixed evenly. Once the jelly layer is firm, pour the caramel on top and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Back into the freezer it goes, this time for at least four hours or even overnight if you can wait that long!

Step 4: Finish with a Chocolate Coating

When you’re ready for the finale, melt two-thirds of the vegan chocolate using a double boiler —I’ve found this prevents burning and keeps things glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining chocolate until completely melted and smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer, then sprinkle freeze-dried raspberries on top if you’re feeling fancy. Pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes until set.

Step 5: Slice Like a Pro

Now for the trick that saves your presentation every time: heat a sharp knife in boiling water, wipe it dry, and slice gently through the chocolate and caramel layers. The warmth melts the coating just enough for clean cuts without smudging. Store the shortbread in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days—or freeze for later indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

Use Fresh Raspberries: Frozen ones tend to add too much moisture, making the jelly layer weep—fresh makes for a bright, firm set.
Don’t Skip Sieving the Jelly: I discovered this trick after my first attempt was seed-heavy—it creates a smooth, professional finish.
Chill Between Layers: Setting each layer fully before adding the next keeps your bars neat and prevents mixing or sliding.
Use a Warm Knife for Slicing: Heating the knife is a game-changer for clean slices without cracked chocolate or messy edges.

How to Serve Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

The image shows six square pieces of dessert arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two clear layers: a thick bottom layer of smooth, medium brown and a thicker top layer of dark brown chocolate with a shiny texture. On top of the dark chocolate layer are scattered bright red and pink crushed candy pieces, adding a rough texture and colorful contrast. The pieces are cleanly sliced with sharp edges and placed in a neat pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, Raspberry Caramel Shortbread, Raspberry Caramel Bars, Raspberry Shortbread Dessert, Caramel Raspberry Treats

Garnishes

I personally love topping with a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color and that subtle tart crunch—it freshens up each bite. Sometimes, I add a pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate layer for an upscale touch that compliments the caramel perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For a special occasion, I like pairing these bars with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cutting the shortbread into small bite-size squares and placing them on a pretty platter with edible flowers makes for a stunning dessert tray. I’ve also wrapped individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine when gifting—it’s a thoughtful homemade treat that friends adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll happily last 3-5 days. The caramel tends to firm up nicely, and the flavors deepen overnight. Just remember to bring them to room temperature a bit before serving so the chocolate isn’t too hard.

Freezing

This Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe freezes beautifully! I slice the bars before freezing and layer them with parchment paper in a sealed container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours—perfect for prepping in advance for holiday celebrations or unexpected guests.

Reheating

I usually serve these chilled, but if you want to bring back a bit of softness, leaving frozen slices out at room temperature for about 30 minutes works well. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly and make things messy.

FAQs

Can I make this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the cashew butter for sunflower seed butter and ensure your ground almonds are replaced with extra gluten-free flour or oat flour. The texture might be just a touch different, but it’ll still be delicious and allergy-friendly.
How long does the shortbread keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this shortbread stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Keep it chilled and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have agar-agar powder?

Agar-agar is essential for setting the raspberry jelly in this recipe. If you can’t find it, you could try pectin or gelatin (not vegan), but the set may differ slightly. I highly recommend agar-agar for a firm, vegan-friendly jelly layer.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

While it’s possible, frozen raspberries tend to release more water, which can make the jelly layer runnier. If you do use frozen, drain excess liquid first and expect a softer set. Fresh raspberries give the best results for this recipe.
Is this Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The recipe has multiple layers, but each step is straightforward. Just take your time, chill between layers, and use my tips for slicing and setting—it’s easier than it looks and always gets rave reviews.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite desserts to make for friends and family. It strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable—plus, everyone loves it! If you’re craving something a little different from your usual sweets, this is your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to create your own layered dessert masterpiece at home.