Name: Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 100 g Dairy free butter (I used Flora Plant, unsalted and softened); 60 g Caster sugar; 150 g Plain flour; 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp Salt; 350 g Dried dates (pitted); 125 ml Dairy free milk (I used almond milk); 25 ml Maple syrup; 150 g Coconut oil; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 200 g Vegan dark chocolate (or other dairy free chocolate)

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Millionaire's shortbread is such a decadent and indulgent treat, this recipe is a fully vegan, and totally tasty version of this popular dessert. They aren't that much different from the regular kind, the base is a delicious shortbread and they're covered in rich dark chocolate. The main change is the caramel which is made from dates and maple syrup, it's still sweet, gooey and super delicious. These yummy little bites are dairy free and egg free, and they can easily be adapted to be gluten free too!

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Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information

Make sure your dairy free butter is at room temperature before you start baking the shortbread.
I used unsalted butter for the shortbread layer. You can use salted butter if you like, it won't make it taste salty, instead it will balance out the sweetness. However, I do prefer to use unsalted butter and add my own salt as then I can control the salt levels.
You must use plain flour (also known as all purpose flour) for the shortbread, self raising flour will make the shortbread rise, which you don't want to happen.
For the caramel I used maple syrup as I love the flavour. To keep it vegan, you can use another sweetener like agave nectar or golden syrup. You could also use honey, but they will no longer be suitable for vegans.
I use almond milk for the caramel layer, you can use any plant milk like oat or soy.
You can use any kind of dairy free chocolate for the topping. I used dark chocolate as it's really easy to find dairy free and vegan dark chocolate. But there are also milk and white chocolates available that are dairy free and vegan.
Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around £12 ($16.50) .
For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.

For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to make Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread

To make the biscuit base, mix the dairy free butter and caster sugar together until creamy. Then add the vanilla extract, plain flour and salt and mix in to form a dough. Press the biscuit dough into the bottom of the tin and bake it for 15 minutes.

For the caramel layer, put the dates, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil and salt into a pan and bring it to the boil for 3 minutes. Take it off the heat, add the vanilla extract, then whizz it into a puree with a hand blender or in a food processor.

Smooth the date caramel on top of the biscuit base and put it into the fridge to set. For the chocolate topping, melt the dark chocolate, pour it on top of the date caramel layer and leave to set, then cut into slices,

For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

What size tin do you need for this recipe?

This recipe is for an 8" or 20cm square tin, it need to have deep sides, at least 2". If you want to use a 9" or 23cm square tin, I would recommend increasing the ingredient amounts by 25%.

What is the best way to line the tin?

I find that greasing the tin very lightly, only just enough to help the baking paper stick to it, then lining with non stick baking paper is the best way to ensure you can remove this bake easily from the tin. You should also leave an overhang of baking paper, about 1" taller than the tin. This is so you can grasp it to pull the shortbread out of the tin.

Do you need an electric mixer to make this recipe?

While it is easier to make the shortbread base in an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, you can absolutely make it by hand with a wooden spoon and some elbow grease! For the caramel layer and chocolate layer, no electric mixer is required.

How should it be stored and how long does it last for?

It can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 weeks (although it never lasts that long in my experience! It gets eaten up too fast!) If the caramel hasn't been boiled for long enough and is too soft, then you may need to store it in the fridge to firm it up.

How should you melt the chocolate?

I usually melt chocolate in the microwave as it is the quickest way. Blast the chocolate on high for 30 seconds, then stir it. Then continue blasting it in 10 second bursts, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is melted. You can also melt chocolate in a glass bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bowl is not touching the water when you do this.

Can you freeze Millionaire's Shortbread?

Yes! Wrap it well in cling film, or place in a freezer bag or tupperware container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. It is bet freeze it sliced, then you can easily defrost a piece or two at a time. Place small squares of baking paper between each square to stop them from sticking together. Defrost at room temperature, I usually leave it on the kitchen counter for an hour or so.

How do you slice Millionaire's Shortbread neatly?

This can be one of the most daunting parts of this bake! But I am here to help! The best way I've found to slice it is to firstly make sure that the chocolate has fully set and that it is at room temperature. If the millionaire's shortbread is cold, the chocolate is very likely to crack as you slice it. Secondly, use a very sharp knife that is longer than the shortbread. This means you can slice through it in one motion. If you like you can gently score the chocolate on top to work out the sizes of the squares first. Then, with an even pressure, gently rocking and sawing the knife, push the knife slowly through the chocolate, caramel and shortbread. It's as simple as that! Don't worry if they are not perfectly neat if it's the first time making this recipe, as with everything, practice makes perfect. Sounds like a good reason to make a few more batches right?!

More tips for making the Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread:

This shortbread would also be amazing topped with a dairy free white chocolate. Or you could do a feathering pattern with a mix of dark and white chocolate!
Make these gluten free by swapping the flour our for a gluten free flour blend.

Troubleshooting

My number one tip for getting the best results is to read through this whole page of tips and recommendations before starting, and follow the recipe exactly. If you have any questions about this recipe, or if something went wrong and you need help, please use the comment form below and I will get back to you. You can also get in touch with me on my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!

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