Decadent Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread with Butterscotch Caramel

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Growing up, our weekends were filled with the sweet aroma of baking, and one of our favorite treats was the classic millionaire's shortbread. Lauren has always had a soft spot for the rich, buttery layers, while Cassidy couldn't resist the gooey caramel center. Over time, we experimented and added our twist to this beloved dessert, leading to the creation of our Butterscotch Millionaire's Shortbread.

This version is a delightful blend of a tender shortbread base, a luscious butterscotch caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate topping. It's the perfect indulgence for those moments when you want to treat yourself or impress guests with a homemade delight. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of tea or sharing it at a gathering, this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around.

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Base:

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (50g) ground almonds
1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter, softened
Pinch of sea salt

For the Butterscotch Caramel Filling:

1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed coconut milk
1/4 cup (60ml) coconut cream (scoop the solid part from a chilled can)
1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar
1/4 cup (60g) vegan butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

7 oz (200g) vegan chocolate (milk or dark, based on preference)
1 tbsp (15g) vegan butter

Instructions:

Prepare the Shortbread Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine the flour, ground almonds, maple syrup, softened vegan butter, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until the mixture forms a dough.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a fork to prick the surface to prevent bubbling.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Make the Butterscotch Caramel Filling:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed coconut milk, coconut cream, caster sugar, vegan butter, and vanilla extract.
Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and turns a rich golden color (about 10-15 minutes).
Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly. Allow it to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping:

In a heatproof bowl, melt the vegan chocolate and vegan butter together over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature. Once firm, cut into squares using a sharp knife.

This Butterscotch Millionaire’s Shortbread holds a special place in our hearts because it reminds us of quiet weekends spent together — just the two of us, a cozy kitchen, and the scent of caramel filling the air. It's more than just a dessert; it’s a little piece of nostalgia, crafted with love and patience. We truly believe the best treats are the ones that are made not just for the taste, but for the memories they create.

When we make this recipe, we imagine it being part of your celebrations too — maybe a small afternoon tea with friends, a birthday surprise, or just a treat to make an ordinary day feel a little more special. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming, and every bite feels like a little moment of happiness. We can't wait for you to experience the same cozy joy we do every time we share it. Happy baking from our kitchen to yours!