Gluten Free Millionaire’s Shortbread

This Gluten Free Millionaire’s Shortbread dessert features a shortbread crust, an almond caramel filling and chocolate ganache topping. There are many versions of a millionaire’s dessert recipe, and this is one of our favorites. The dessert is made with nutrient-rich almond butter, much less sugar and is insanely delicious!

What is a millionaire’s shortbread?

This decadent dessert is a three layer rich Scottish dessert — a shortbread crust, a filling and a chocolate topping. Another recipe you may enjoy is the Gluten Free Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Squares.

The gluten free dessert recipe uses only 10 ingredients and is super easy to make.

This filling layer is made with almond butter, pure maple syrup and butter. This allowed me to cut back on the sugar and extra butter you would typically use in the classic millionaire’s recipe.

To keep the shortbread crust gluten free, I combined a gluten free flour blend with almond flour, giving the crust a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The ganache topping is made simply with gluten free chocolate chips and cream. 

notes on ingredients

butter – if you would like to keep this dessert dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil

light brown sugar can be easily replaced with granulated sugar

all-purpose gluten free flour – any flour blend with xanthan gum will do. If your blend doesn’t have xanthan gum add 1/4 teaspoon

almond butter – you can use any nut butter you like, such as peanut butter, hazelnut butter, chestnut butter or walnut butter

maple syrup – date syrup, or agave syrup are good substitutions

gluten free semi-sweet chocolate chips – to keep this dessert dairy-free, use vegan chocolate chips

cream for ganache – replace it with coconut oil or coconut cream

tools you will need

8 x 8 inch baking dish

Parchment paper

Measuring cups and spoons

1 medium mixing bowl

Spatula

Double boiler

Saucepan

With these few tools, you can whip up a gluten free millionaire’s shortbread dessert in no time! 

Does the Millionaire’s Shortbread have to be refrigerated?

Yes, the Millionaire’s Shortbread should be refrigerated. This dessert contains butter, which can turn rancid if left at room temperature for too long. Refrigerating the shortbread will help to keep it fresh tasting.

What to do with seized chocolate?

The millionaire’s shortbread dessert has a chocolate ganache topping made by melting chocolate with cream. 

If you’ve ever seized chocolate while making melted chocolate or chocolate ganache, you know how frustrating it can be. 

The cocoa butter separates from the cocoa solids, leaving you with a clumpy, grainy mess. But it’s not the end of the world, and there are still ways to fix it.

The first thing to keep in mind is that chocolate is sensitive to high temperatures. Never heat dark chocolate over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or it will become thick and grainy. This is why a double boiler is the best way to melt chocolate. 

If you are unsure of the chocolate’s temperature, I recommend using a candy thermometer.

One way to fix seized chocolate is by adding more chocolate to cool the temperature. First, remove the chocolate sauce from the heat, then add more chocolate and keep stirring until the chocolate has melted.

Another way is to add extra fat like butter, ghee or coconut oil. Again, first, remove the chocolate sauce from the heat, then add the fat. Keep stirring until the chocolate becomes smooth.

And NEVER add water to melted chocolate. Even a couple of drops will turn your chocolate sauce into a muddy texture.

Can you make the dessert vegan?

Yes, you can make this classic Scottish dessert vegan! To do so, substitute butter for coconut oil, and use a plant-based cream. You will also need to use vegan chocolate or chocolate chips. 

With these substitutions, you’ll still get that delicious shortbread texture and all the deliciousness without animal products.

How to store Gluten Free Millionaire’s Shortbread

Here are some tips on how to store it: 

Keep it in an airtight container. This will help keep the shortbread moist and prevent it from drying.

Store it in the refrigerator so that it doesn’t become rancid. It will keep up to ten days.

If you need to store it for more than a few days, you can freeze it: Wrap it tightly in cling film before placing it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy it, put it in the refrigerator the night before.

I hope you enjoy this three layer, gluten free millionaire’s shortbread dessert. It’s a real treat, and it is suitable for a gluten free diet.

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx