One bite into these No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread bars and you’ll understand why they are a must-try! Their rich layers of caramel and chocolate over a crumbly base make them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. This recipe is not just indulgent; it’s also incredibly simple, allowing everyone to enjoy this dessert without the fuss of baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With no baking required, anyone can whip up this treat with minimal effort.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of almond flour, caramel, and chocolate delivers an irresistible taste experience.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat at home.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making them ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd Pleaser: With their rich flavors, these bars are sure to impress family and friends!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking dish (9×9 inches)
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: Helps to evenly spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- Baking dish: Provides the perfect shape for your bars while they set.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 200 g almond flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 75 g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer
- 100 g brown sugar
- 75 g unsalted butter
- 300 g condensed milk
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 200 g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 50 g white chocolate (chopped)
- 125 g heavy cream
How to Make No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Pour in melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, and condensed milk.
- Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the caramel over the prepared base, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Prepare Chocolate Ganache Topping
- In another saucepan, heat heavy cream until just boiling.
- Remove from heat and add chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
- Once chilled, cut into squares or bars and drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Enjoy your deliciously rich No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread!
How to Serve No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
No-bake millionaire’s shortbread is a decadent treat that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve your millionaire’s shortbread with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness and a touch of tartness.
A Dollop of Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast that complements the rich chocolate and caramel layers beautifully.
Ice Cream Scoop
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The cold ice cream balances the richness of the bars perfectly.
Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting treat.
Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
- A light drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top adds an extra layer of sweetness, making every bite even more luxurious.
Chocolate Shavings
- Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. It not only looks appealing but also intensifies the chocolate flavor.
How to Perfect No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
Creating the perfect no-bake millionaire’s shortbread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve dessert perfection.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure your butter and cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Chill Between Layers – Allow each layer to set in the fridge before adding the next one. This helps maintain distinct layers and prevents them from blending together.
Choose Quality Chocolate – Use high-quality dark chocolate for ganache. It makes a significant difference in flavor.
Cut Cleanly – Use a hot knife to cut through the shortbread bars. This prevents crumbling and ensures clean edges.
Store Properly – Keep your bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and texture.
Best Side Dishes for No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
When serving no-bake millionaire’s shortbread, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its richness perfectly.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and contrasts nicely with the sweet bars.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, especially creamy Brie or sharp cheddar, can create an interesting flavor pairing with the sweetness.
Chocolate Mousse – Light and airy chocolate mousse can enhance your dessert spread while maintaining a rich chocolate theme.
Pistachio Ice Cream – The nutty flavor adds complexity, contrasting beautifully with the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Coconut Macaroons – Chewy coconut macaroons offer another texture that pairs well with millionaire’s shortbread, adding tropical notes.
Espresso Shots – Strong espresso shots serve as an excellent palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the overall experience.
Caramel Sauce Dip – An additional caramel dip allows guests to indulge even further, making each bite more decadent.
Mint Tea – A soothing mint tea can refresh your palate after enjoying a rich slice of millionaire’s shortbread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread can be simple, but a few mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using the wrong type of chocolate: It’s crucial to use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache. Opt for at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor.
- Not chilling long enough: Patience is key! If you don’t let the layers set properly in the refrigerator, they may not hold together when sliced.
- Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. Don’t skip this step when making your shortbread or caramel.
- Overmixing the crust: Mix just until combined to keep your shortbread crumbly and tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Ignoring serving size: These bars are rich! Cutting them too large can overwhelm, so stick to smaller portions for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until slightly warm.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking frequently to avoid melting.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, placing the bars on a heat-safe dish. Heat gently until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use different nuts instead of almond flour?
Yes! You can substitute almond flour with other nut flours or even oat flour if you prefer a gluten-free option.
How do I make caramel from scratch?
To make homemade caramel, cook sugar until it melts and turns golden brown, then add cream and butter. Stir until smooth before layering it on your shortbread.
How thick should the layers be?
Aim for approximately 1/4 inch thickness for both the caramel and chocolate layers so that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Can I customize my No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like sea salt, nuts, or even coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread is an indulgent dessert that combines rich flavors and textures with minimal effort. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or flavors. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread
Indulge in the decadent layers of No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread—a delightful treat that combines a buttery almond crust, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, this no-bake dessert is not only simple to prepare but also crowd-pleasing. With just a few easy steps, you can whip up these rich bars that are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing for stress-free entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 200 g almond flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 75 g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g brown sugar
- 75 g unsalted butter
- 300 g condensed milk
- 200 g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 50 g white chocolate (chopped)
- 125 g heavy cream
Instructions
- For the base, combine almond flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Press into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- To make the caramel layer, heat brown sugar, butter, and condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Pour over the base.
- For the chocolate ganache topping, heat heavy cream until boiling. Stir in chopped dark chocolate until smooth and pour over the caramel layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until set before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
