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Unforgettable Gluten-Free Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

Deliciously indulgent gluten-free millionaire shortbread with a crumbly base, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

With a crumbly, buttery biscuit base, a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth caramel layer, and a smooth, silky chocolate topping, they’re a classic treat everyone loves.

These gluten-free millionaire shortbread squares really are little cubes of heaven.

Whenever I need a bit of indulgence or a touch of luxury to brighten my day, this is exactly what I reach for.

Whether it’s packed for lunch or shared at a party, these delicious squares make sure no one misses out on something really special.

Honestly, what more could you ask for? Let’s get stuck in and whip up something truly wonderful together!

What you’ll love about this recipe

• It’s genuinely indulgent without the gluten, so you can enjoy all the classic flavours without worry or compromise.
• The three-layer combination, the crumbly biscuit, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate, is a perfectly balanced treat that hits every sweet spot.
• It’s surprisingly straightforward to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
• This recipe is wonderfully versatile; you can easily add your own twists like nuts, coffee, or citrus to make it uniquely yours.
• Each bite feels like a little moment of luxury, perfect for those times when you just want to treat yourself.

Ready to make some magic in the kitchen?

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 caster 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 caster 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 325°F (Gas 3).

Now for the shortbread base. Cream together the softened butter and caster 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 flavors 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 flavors and textures.

Are you ready to try my gluten-free millionaire shortbread recipe? Then let’s get started:

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Gluten-free Millionaire Shortbread Recipe tips

Ready to take on this recipe yourself? Check out my tips before you get started:

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 flavor 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 flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate for added texture and flavor.

Recipe troubleshooting

• Caramel not setting properly: If your caramel is too runny, it might not have cooked long enough, or the heat was too low. Make sure to cook the caramel mixture at a gentle boil for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens and darkens in colour. Using a sugar thermometer can also help ensure it reaches the right temperature, around 110°C (230°F).
• Chocolate cracking or not setting smoothly: If the chocolate cracks or doesn’t set properly, it could be due to excess moisture or heat. Melt the chocolate gently using a bain-marie, ensuring no water gets into the chocolate. Also, let the chocolate cool slightly before pouring, and avoid placing it in a cold environment immediately after pouring; room temperature is best for setting.
• Base too crumbly or sticky: If your shortbread base is too crumbly, you might not have added enough butter or pressed it firmly into the tin. Conversely, if it’s sticky and difficult to work with, add a little more flour and chill the dough before pressing it into the tin to help it hold together better.
• Caramel bubbling over or burning: Stirring continuously is key here to prevent burning. Also, keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to avoid overflow or burnt caramel. Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.
• Chocolate topping not holding shape: If the chocolate remains soft or melts too easily, it may need longer to set or be cooled in a cooler environment. Once poured, leave the tray in a cool place or the fridge until fully set, and avoid stacking or disturbing it during this period.

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 my millionaire shortbread?

Yes!

• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer just before it sets to add that irresistible sweet-salty contrast.
• Nutty Upgrade: Mix finely chopped toasted pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds into the shortbread base or sprinkle them over the chocolate topping for a lovely crunch.
• Orange Zest Delight: Add a touch of finely grated orange zest into the caramel or chocolate topping to bring a bright, citrusy zing that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Coffee Kick: Stir a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the caramel to add a subtle coffee flavour, giving your millionaire shortbread a grown-up twist.
• Dark Chocolate and Coconut: Swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate and sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut over the top for a richer, tropical-inspired version.

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 celiacs?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free, this dessert is safe for those with celiac disease.

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  Mikko Gayle replied on April 10, 2025:

  
  Hands down the best sweet treat I’ve made at home—the caramel layer is perfectly gooey and the shortbread is buttery and crisp.

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