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    Home » Sweets » No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Shortbread Bars

    No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Shortbread Bars

    Published: Mar 18, 2021 · Modified: May 3, 2021 by Kaylie Grace · 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the affiliate disclosure here. 

    No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Shortbread Bars, also known as Caramel Slice or Caramel Squares, are a delicious layered dessert! The shortbread cookie crust is topped with a gooey caramel center and rich chocolate topping. This recipe is a healthier take on the original Scottish treat, made without condensed milk and no refined sugar. These dessert bars are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. Made with 7 ingredients and secretly healthy!

    three no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars stacked on a white plate

    If you are a lover of chocolate and caramel, this is the perfect treat for you! Millionaire shortbread bars contain these two mouthwatering flavors plus a crumbly shortbread crust. Think: Twix candy bars in a fresher, softer, homemade form.

    This dessert is so rich and sweet – anyone who tries it will be totally surprised to find out it’s actually quite healthy. We’ll use wholesome ingredients, like almond flour, nut butter, and real maple syrup, instead of processed ingredients. The bars come together pretty simply, as each layer takes just 5 minutes to make. Instead of baking each layer, this dessert is stored in the freezer to chill. There is no oven needed for this easy no-bake dessert!

    These millionaire shortbread bars are:

    • Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and refined sugar-free
    • Made with 7 ingredients
    • A low carb dessert
    • Can be adapted into a keto-friendly dessert
    • Freezer-friendly
    • Great for sharing with friends for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations!
    a stack of three no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars on a white plate beside a bowl of peanut butter and chocolate chips

    What are millionaire shortbread bars?

    Millionaire shortbread bars are a Scottish treat also known as caramel slice, caramel shortbread, and caramel squares. This popular dessert bar contains three layers: a shortbread crust, caramel center, and chocolate topping.

    The typical millionaire shortbread recipe is made with unhealthy ingredients, like sweetened condensed milk, flour, eggs, and refined sugar. However, this recipe is a healthy twist on the original. It contains wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Not only is it a no-bake dessert, it also contains no refined sugar, no flour, no eggs, and no condensed milk.

    flatlay image of no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars on a square of brown parchment paper, surrounded by bowls of ingredients including chocolate chips and peanut butter

    Ingredients in vegan millionaire shortbread bars

    • Almond flour: Almond flour is made with blanched ground almonds. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. In particular, it’s rich in vitamin E and manganese.
    • Nut butter: You may use any type of nut butter for this recipe, but I recommend peanut butter or almond butter. Other options include cashew butter, tahini, and sunflower seed butter.
    • Coconut oil: Use refined coconut oil for a flavorless and odorless option. If you don’t mind a subtle coconutty flavor, you can use unrefined coconut oil.
    • Maple syrup: This dessert recipe is refined sugar-free. Instead, it’s naturally sweetened with real maple syrup.
    • Chocolate chips: Melted chocolate chips are used for the rich chocolate topping.
    • Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is included in the vegan caramel recipe.
    • Salt: A pinch of salt always makes a difference in sweet treats.
    white bowls filled with peanut butter, almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract on a blush colored backdrop

    How to make these no-bake chocolate caramel shortbread bars

    For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

    Prepare the no-bake shortbread crust

    First, line a square baking dish (7×7 or 8×8) with parchment paper. This will help you easily remove the bars from the baking dish later on, so don’t skip this part!

    In a bowl, combine almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Mix together until dough forms. Transfer the dough to the baking dish. Using a spatula or clean hands, press the dough across the base of the dish in an even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes while you prepare the caramel layer.

    vegan shortbread cookie dough inside a white bowl with a wooden spoon
    no-bake shortbread crust pressed across the base of a square baking dish

    Prepare the vegan caramel recipe

    Combine the nut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Mix together until smooth.

    peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil inside a white bowl
    a wooden spoon mixing healthy vegan peanut butter caramel in a white bowl

    Next, remove the baking dish from the freezer. Spread the caramel across the shortbread in a smooth layer. Return baking dish to the freezer for 10 minutes.

    a wooden spoon spreading healthy vegan caramel across shortbread crust in a square baking dish
    healthy vegan caramel spread across a square baking dish

    Melt vegan chocolate in the microwave

    Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until chocolate chips are melted. Do not burn the chocolate – this should only require 2 or 3 intervals.

    Then, spread the melted chocolate over the caramel in a smooth layer. Return to the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate sets.

    a puddle of melted chocolate on top of a chilled caramel layer in a square baking dish
    melted chocolate spread across a square baking dish

    After the chocolate sets, slice the millionaire shortbread into 16 bars. Enjoy!

    Pro tip: to get perfect, clean-cut slices, run your knife under hot water for 10 seconds. Then, use a paper towel to wipe the knife dry. Immediately slice the bars.

    squares of no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread laid out on a square of brown parchment paper

    Freezing vegan millionaire’s shortbread bars

    Got leftovers? Store these dessert bars in a sealed, airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, let the bars dethaw for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

    three stacks of no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars on a white plate surrounded by ingredients

    How to make these caramel slice bars keto friendly

    This millionaire shortbread can easily be enjoyed as a keto dessert. Many of the ingredients are already keto-friendly, such as almond flour, nut butter, and coconut oil. If you are following a strict keto diet, be sure to use keto maple syrup and keto chocolate chips. In other words, choose sugar-free or low-carb brands.

    I love using stevia-sweetened chocolate chips and stevia-sweetened maple syrup. Since the texture and consistency of keto maple syrup can vary between brands, you may need to slightly adjust the amount of almond flour in the shortbread crust recipe.

    How to make them paleo friendly

    Great news! All of the ingredients in this dessert recipe are already paleo-friendly. However, make sure you use almond butter instead of peanut butter. Since peanuts are technically legumes, peanut butter is not compliant with a paleo diet.

    a stack of no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars on a white plate with a bite taken out of the top bar

    More healthy no bake desserts

    • No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • No Bake Coconut Brownies
    • No Bake Vegan Chocolate Tart
    • No Bake Cookie Dough Brownies (Healthy, Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • No Bake Cookie Dough Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    If you try these No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Shortbread Bars, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

    Print
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    a stack of three no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars on a white plate beside a bowl of peanut butter and chocolate chips

    No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Shortbread Bars

    ★★★★★ 4.8 from 5 reviews
    • Author: Kaylie Grace
    • Prep Time: 45 minutes
    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 16 bars 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: No-bake
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Shortbread Bars are also known as Caramel Slice or Caramel Squares. This delicious dessert contains three layers: a crumbly shortbread crust, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate topping. It’s a healthier twist on the original Scottish treat, made without condensed milk and no refined sugar. They are secretly healthy, dairy-free, paleo, and keto-friendly!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Shortbread Crust

    • 2 cups almond flour*
    • ¼ cup melted coconut oil**
    • 3 tbsp maple syrup
    • ¼ tsp salt

    Caramel Layer

    • 1 cup nut butter (such as peanut or almond)
    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil**
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ tsp salt

    Chocolate Topping

    • 1 ½ cup chocolate chips
    • 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil

    Instructions

    1. Prepare baking dish: Line a square baking dish (7×7 or 8×8) with parchment paper.
    2. Prepare shortbread crust: Add almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt to a bowl. Mix together until dough forms. Transfer dough to the baking dish. Using a spatula or clean hands, press the dough across the base of the dish in an even layer. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the caramel layer.
    3. Prepare caramel layer: Add nut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt to a bowl. Mix together until combined. Remove baking dish from the freezer. Spread caramel across the shortbread layer. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
    4. Prepare chocolate layer: Remove baking dish from the freezer. Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until chocolate chips are melted. Do not burn the chocolate. This should only require 2 or 3 intervals. After, pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Spread in a smooth layer. Place baking dish in the freezer for 5 minutes or until the chocolate sets.
    5. Slice: Once the chocolate sets, lift the parchment paper out of the baking dish to remove the bars. Slice into 16 squares. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *I recommend using superfine blanched almond flour. I love Bob’s Red Mill Superfine Almond Flour.

    **For the shortbread crust and caramel layer, use melted coconut oil. To melt coconut oil, microwave it for 30 seconds. Then, measure and proceed with the recipe instructions.


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bar
    • Calories: 357
    • Sugar: 13g
    • Fat: 25g
    • Carbohydrates: 15g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 8g

    Keywords: no-bake vegan millionaire shortbread bars, chocolate caramel slice

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @purelykaylie on Instagram and hashtag it #purelykaylie

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Raymond Wheeler

      December 21, 2021 at 11:23 am

      Brilliant recipe. So easy to make as it is no bake. Very rich and tasty.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        December 21, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        Thank you, Raymond! I am so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    2. Ghazal

      October 25, 2021 at 5:20 am

      Hiii🥰🥰🥰
      Can I use honey instead of agave?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        October 25, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Hey, Ghazal! You can use honey instead of maple syrup, but I strongly suggest using maple syrup as the recipe is written. The flavor and consistency is much better with maple syrup!

        Reply
    3. Amy P

      September 25, 2021 at 10:33 am

      These are setting in the freezer right now. How long do they keep and should they be kept in freezer or fridge? Thanks.

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 26, 2021 at 11:16 pm

        Hey, Amy! They should be kept in the refrigerator. They will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Maureen

      June 16, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      Okay, these should be illegal: wholesome ingredients, no bake, so easy to make, AND totally decadent?!? They’re too much of a good thing! My whole family loved them. My four 1/2 year old asked me to make them again after his first bite, and my husband said, “these don’t taste healthy.” Thanks so much for this incredible recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 17, 2021 at 11:47 am

        Haha, I love this comment! Thank you so much, Maureen! I am so happy to hear you all loved this dessert 🙂 Thanks for sharing! xo

        Reply
    5. Anna

      March 31, 2021 at 1:32 am

      Hi! Do you think I could substitute coconut oil with vegan butter? I don’t have refined coconut oil and my family is not a fan of the taste of coconut.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        April 01, 2021 at 8:01 pm

        Hey, Ana! I do not recommend using vegan butter instead of coconut oil. I do suggest grabbing some refined coconut oil for this recipe instead! Personally, I don’t find the flavor of unrefined coconut oil to be super powerful though. You may find you can hardly taste it at all. The chocolate and caramel flavors are far more significant in this dessert. Enjoy! xo

        Reply
    6. Michelina Ippoliti

      March 22, 2021 at 4:45 pm

      Holly Sugar! I just made them, they are delicious!!! I tried almond butter, so good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        March 22, 2021 at 6:41 pm

        “Holy sugar” haha! I have never heard that one before but I will definitely start using it 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you loved these millionaire bars. Thank you, Michelina! xo

        Reply
    7. Violet

      March 19, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      i really want to try this but i unfortunately have no almond flour can i substitute?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        March 19, 2021 at 1:30 pm

        Hey, Violet! I have not tested this recipe with another flour. If possible, I highly recommend picking up/ordering a bag of almond flour to get the best results! Oat flour or coconut flour would be the best substitute, but I have not tried them in this recipe yet. These flours have a different texture/moisture level compared to almond flour. Therefore, you may need to adjust the amount of coconut oil and maple syrup in the shortbread crust. All-purpose flour will not work because it cannot be used in no-bake recipes. So don’t try that one. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hello, I’m Kaylie!

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