Unforgettable Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread Recipe
Cubes of heaven, this gluten-free millionaire shortbread is a classic. A delicious crumbly biscuit base, a smooth caramel middle, and a silky chocolate topping.
This delicious treat is a true indulgence, It’s perfect for those moments when you need a bit of luxury in your life.
Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or bringing a treat to a party, these little squares of heaven will ensure you never feel left out.
What more could you want?
So, let’s dive in and create something truly special!
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
- Three delicious layers: A crumbly biscuit base, smooth caramel middle, and silky chocolate topping.
- Completely gluten-free: Safe for coeliacs to enjoy without worry.
- Versatile treat: Great for lunchboxes, parties, or just a special indulgence at home.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and clear instructions make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
- Customisable: You can experiment with different chocolate toppings for variety.
Ingredients
Base: We’ll use 300g of gluten-free plain flour as the foundation. If you like, you can add 1/4 tsp of xanthan gum for better texture, but it’s optional. We’ll also need 100g of castor sugar and 200g of softened butter for our shortbread base.
Caramel: For our gooey middle layer, we’ll need 185g of butter, 35g of golden castor sugar, 65g of golden syrup, and a 397g tin of condensed milk.
Topping: To create that classic finish, we’ll use 200g of gluten-free milk chocolate. For an extra special touch, we’ll add 35g of gluten-free white chocolate to create a pretty swirl pattern.
Instructions
Let’s start by prepping our tin. Line a 9-inch square tin with non-stick baking paper. Leave some excess hanging over the sides to make removal easier later. Preheat your oven to 160°C fan (180°C conventional).
Now for the shortbread base. Cream together the softened butter and castor sugar until light and fluffy. Add the gluten-free flour (and xanthan gum if using) and mix until it looks like crumbly sand. Press this mixture into your tin, making sure to get right into the corners. Prick all over with a fork and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely.
Time for the caramel! Put all the caramel ingredients into a saucepan and melt together, stirring continuously. Once melted, turn up the heat and let it bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel should thicken and darken in colour. Pour this over your cooled shortbread base and leave to set for 2 hours.
For the final touch, melt your chocolates separately using a bain-marie method. Boil a pan of water with a bowl on top for the chocolate to melt in. Pour the milk chocolate over the set caramel, then drizzle the white chocolate on top. Use a skewer to create a pretty swirl pattern. Leave to set completely before removing from the tin and cutting into squares.
What to serve with Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread
These Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread squares are absolutely delicious on their own, but why not elevate them even further? Try serving them with a steaming cup of your favourite tea or coffee. The rich, sweet flavours of the shortbread pair beautifully with the warmth of a hot beverage.
For a truly indulgent dessert, consider serving your millionaire shortbread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cool, creamy ice cream and the rich, layered shortbread is simply divine.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, why not create a dessert platter? Arrange your millionaire shortbread squares alongside some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. This not only looks impressive but also offers a lovely balance of flavours and textures.
Are you ready to try my gluten-free millionaire shortbread recipe? Then let’s get started:
Unforgettable Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 9 inch square baking tray
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Roll of baking paper
Ingredients
- 300 g Gluten-free plain flour (for the base)
- 1/4 tsp Xanthan gum (for the base (optional)
- 100 g Castor sugar (for the base)
- 200 g Butter softened (for the base)
- 185 g Butter (for the carmel)
- 35 g Golden castor sugar (for the caramel)
- 65 g Golden syrup (for the caramel)
- 397 g Tin of condensed milk (for the caramel)
- 200 g Gluten-free milk chocolate (for the top)
- 35 g Gluten-free white chocolate (for the top)
Instructions
- Line your 9-inch (20cm) square tin with non-stick baking paper, make sure you have excess to make removing it from the tin easier. Preheat the oven to 160c Fan (180c).
- Cream together the softened butter and castor sugar until light and fluffy.
- Once fully combined, add the gluten-free plain flour and xanthan gum( if you are using it). Bring the mixture together it should look like crumbly sand. You can use your hands if you wish.
- Next press the dough into your tin, make sure you press it right into the corners. Prick it all over with a fork then bake in the oven for 20-22 minutes until golden. Leave to cool.
- Now make your caramel. Put all the ingredients into the saucepan and melt together stirring continuously, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. Turn up the heat and the mixture will start to bubble. Keep stirring it for around 5 minutes. The caramel should go a bit thicker and a darker brown colour.
- Pour the caramel over the biscuit base and leave to set for 2 hours.
- Once cooled, melt the chocolate in separate bowls. Use a bain-Marie (put a bowl on top of a saucepan full of boiling water and add chocolate). Melt the milk chocolate first and pour onto the shortbread, next add the white making a swirly pattern and leave to set.
- Once chocolate is set remove from the tin and slice into squares.
Nutrition
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Gluten-free Millionaire Shortbread Recipe tips
Choose the Right Gluten-Free Flour
- Use a high-quality gluten-free flour that is a measure-for-measure substitute to ensure the shortbread holds together well.
- Some recipes may require xanthan gum to help with texture, especially if using a gluten-free plain flour.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
- Opt for high-quality, grass-fed butter for a richer flavour in the shortbread crust.
- Use dark chocolate for the ganache to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel Preparation
- Whisk the caramel mixture constantly as it cooks to prevent burning.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the correct temperature (around 225°F) for a smooth, thick consistency.
Layering and Coating
- Allow each layer to cool or set before adding the next. This helps prevent the layers from mixing together.
- Chill the chocolate ganache until it is set before slicing the shortbread for clean cuts.
Baking the Shortbread
- Press the shortbread dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake until lightly golden; overbaking can make the shortbread too hard.
Optional Variations
- Consider using different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as milk or white chocolate, for a lighter flavour.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate for added texture and flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gluten-free flour should I use?
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour that is a measure-for-measure substitute to ensure the shortbread holds together well. Some recipes may require xanthan gum for better texture, especially if using a gluten-free plain flour.
How do I prevent the shortbread from becoming too crumbly?
Ensure the butter is well-creamed with sugar before adding the gluten-free flour. Pressing the dough evenly into the pan helps maintain structure.
What is the best way to make the caramel layer?
Whisk the caramel mixture constantly as it cooks to prevent burning. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct temperature (around 225°F) for a smooth consistency.
Can I customize the chocolate topping?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk, white, or dark chocolate, to create various flavor profiles.
How should I store gluten-free millionaire shortbread?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can I make no-bake gluten-free millionaire shortbread?
Yes, you can use pre-made gluten-free shortbread biscuits or create a no-bake version using alternative ingredients like coconut cream and chocolate.
Is gluten-free millionaire shortbread suitable for coeliacs?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free, this dessert is safe for those with coeliac disease.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments
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Hands down the best sweet treat I’ve made at home—the caramel layer is perfectly gooey and the shortbread is buttery and crisp.