There is something utterly irresistible about a dessert that combines buttery, crumbly shortbread with luscious caramel, a vibrant fruity raspberry twist, and a silky chocolate topping. The Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe is exactly that—a decadent treat that will quickly become your go-to for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. Rich layers meet bright flavor in a bar that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a true crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating its signature texture and flavor. From the sturdy, buttery base to the smooth caramel melded with tart raspberry preserves, every component is thoughtfully chosen to deliver pure satisfaction.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation for both the shortbread and caramel, it adds richness and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the shortbread while helping achieve that perfect golden crust.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the crumbly texture characteristic of classic shortbread.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness across layers.
- Raspberry preserves or seedless jam: Delivers a fresh, fruity contrast that lifts the caramel’s richness beautifully.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to creamy, luscious caramel without fuss.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note to the caramel’s flavor.
- Light corn syrup: Helps keep the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: Provide a rich, glossy finish that perfectly complements the sweet and tart layers beneath.
- Butter or coconut oil (for chocolate topping): Adds silkiness to the melted chocolate, making spreading effortless and smooth.
How to Make Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender shortbread. Then stir in the flour and salt until the dough just comes together into crumbs. Press this crumbly dough evenly into your pan, forming a firm base. Bake for about 20–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool completely before moving on—this base sets the stage for the luscious layers on top.
Step 2: Make the Raspberry Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and then stir in brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to avoid burning, and cook it for 6–8 minutes until it thickens to a beautiful golden caramel. Remove from heat and gently whisk in the raspberry preserves until smooth, ensuring that lovely fruity ripple spreads through your caramel. Pour this luxurious mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour until firm.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Topping
Melt chocolate chips along with butter or coconut oil in a heatproof bowl, either over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to achieve that perfect glossy finish. Spread the melted chocolate with a spatula evenly over the firm raspberry caramel layer. Chill the entire dessert for another 30 to 60 minutes until the chocolate sets firmly. For the cleanest slices, warm your knife under hot water before cutting into squares. Your Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on top make charming, inviting accents. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts or flaky sea salt on the chocolate layer before it sets. These little details not only enhance taste but also add a lovely contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
Pairing these rich, buttery bars with a cup of strong coffee or a lightly brewed black tea is delightful—both beverages balance sweetness and clean the palate beautifully. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also turns this bar into a decadent dessert experience worthy of any celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert platter, arrange the Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe squares alongside fresh berries and mint leaves. You can also serve them on pretty dessert plates drizzled with a little extra warm raspberry sauce or caramel drizzle for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, these bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the integrity of the chocolate and caramel layers, preserving that perfect bite each time.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of a special occasion, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to retain their delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating
While these bars are typically enjoyed chilled, if you prefer a softer chocolate layer, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the chocolate unevenly or alter the caramel texture.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit jams instead of raspberry preserves?
Absolutely! While raspberry preserves create a delightful tart contrast, you can experiment with other seedless jams like strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot to customize the flavor to your liking. Just ensure they are seedless for a smooth caramel texture.
Is it possible to make the shortbread base gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.
How do I avoid the caramel from burning during cooking?
Constant stirring over medium heat is key—don’t rush the process by increasing the heat too much. Patience ensures the caramel thickens perfectly without scorching or becoming grainy.
Can I prepare this recipe without corn syrup?
If you don’t have corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or golden syrup, but the texture of the caramel might be a bit different. Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, so keep an eye on the cooking caramel if making substitutions.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares without cracking the chocolate?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water before slicing each time you cut. Wiping the knife dry between cuts ensures the chocolate layer stays smooth and crack-free, giving you perfect, tidy squares.
Final Thoughts
Making the Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe is like gifting yourself a layered, luxurious treat that’s both nostalgic and adventurous—a lovely twist on a classic you’ll adore sharing with everyone. The interplay of buttery, fruity, caramel, and chocolate flavors is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to try this recipe soon; it’s a guaranteed way to brighten any day and impress with every bite.
Print
Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread is a decadent layered dessert combining a buttery shortbread base, a luscious raspberry-infused caramel center, and a smooth chocolate topping. This British-inspired treat offers a delightful fruity twist on the classic millionaire’s shortbread, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a rich blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the shortbread base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the raspberry caramel:
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves or seedless jam
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean cutting.
- Make the shortbread base: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the raspberry caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter first. Stir in brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden. Remove from heat and mix in raspberry preserves smoothly. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread layer and spread gently. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the caramel sets firm.
- Make the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips along with the butter or coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second bursts with stirring between each. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled raspberry caramel layer and spread carefully to cover the entire surface. Chill again for 30–60 minutes until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Cut and serve: Once fully set, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean, neat slices. Cut into 16 squares and serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use seedless raspberry jam to maintain a smooth caramel texture without seeds.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator to keep the layers firm.
- Before serving, bring the bars to room temperature to enhance the flavors and softness.
- Warming the knife before cutting helps achieve clean edges without cracking the chocolate.
