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Healthy Millionaire Shortbread (Vegan + Gluten-free)

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This Healthy Millionaire Shortbread is about to rock your world! Picture this: a soft coconut flour shortbread base, a gooey caramel middle layer, and a lusciously rich chocolate top. We’re talking layers of utter decadence, all bundled up in one spectacular bar.

Millionaire bars stacked together on white plate.

These healthy millionaire bars are the perfect solution to that sweet tooth craving. They’re so easy to whip up, you’ll be reaching for them as a midweek treat, a party hit, or simply when you feel like spoiling yourself (and trust me, you’ll want to).

The real kicker here? No one would guess these are actually packed with healthier ingredients. They’re THAT delicious! Once your guests get a taste, they’ll be coming back for seconds, thirds, and probably even fourths, without even realizing they’re reaching for a better-for-you option.

And to all my vegan friends out there, I’ve got your back! These vegan millionaire shortbread bars are made with coconut flour and zero butter, making them 100% plant-based.

Pssst! If you love making healthy dessert bars at home try these Pumpkin Bars and Cranberry Bliss Bars next.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: No cooking required – each layer is a simple mix-and-chill process, which takes the stress out of preparation.
  • Vegan, Dairy, & Gluten Free: These bars utilize wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like coconut oil, dark chocolate, and dates.
  • Perfect Party Pick: Need a sweet treat for a holiday party, a backyard BBQ, or just because? These bars are your go-to. They’re a hit at any gathering and make tasty homemade gifts too!
  • Healthy Twix Copycat: These bars are like a healthier, nutrient-rich twin of your favorite candy bar. Enjoy all the chocolate-caramel goodness, with none of the unnecessary extras!

What is Millionaire Shortbread

Millionaire Shortbread, also known as Millionaire’s Bars or a caramel slice, is a traditional British dessert that’s much like a homemade candy bar. It’s a tri-layered treat typically made up of a shortbread cookie base, a caramel middle, and a chocolate topping.

Fun fact: The name “Millionaire’s Shortbread” comes from the richness of the ingredients, implying that it’s a treat fit for a millionaire. However, there are many variations of this recipe, including healthier versions like this one.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Healthy Millionaire Shortbread:

Ingredients for Millionaire shortbread arranged in individual containers.

Ingredient Notes

Coconut Flour: Bob’s Red Mill is a great brand that is easy to find.

Maple Syrup: Make sure that it is 100% pure maple syrup.

Coconut Oil: You can use either refined or unrefined. Measure the oil after it has been melted.

Dark Chocolate Chips: Enjoy Life Chips are a great vegan and dairy free brand if you have dietary preferences.

Coconut Milk: Use full-fat canned coconut milk, and only use the hardened white part on top when measuring.

How to make Healthy Millionaire Shortbread: Step by Step

Shortbread Layer

Step 1:  Mix together the coconut flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a mixing bowl. 

Step 2:  Spread mixture in a thin layer onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Set in fridge for about fifteen minutes while you prepare the next layer. 

Shortbread layer being pressed into a white pan.

“Caramel” Layer

Step 1: Prepare the “date caramel” layer by blending together the pitted dates, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut milk, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a high powered blender  or food processor. 

Caramel layer being mixed together in a food processor.

Step 2:  Spread the caramel mixture onto the prepared shortbread layer that was chilling in the fridge. Chill in the fridge for another 15 minutes. 

Caramel layer being pressed into the white baking pan.

Chocolate Layer

Step 1: Melt together the chocolate chips, coconut oil, and sea salt using a double boiler and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.

Melted chocolate in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Spread the top layer onto the prepared pan that was chilling in the fridge. 

Melted chocolate being spread into white baking pan.

Step 3: Allow entire pan to cool in fridge for another 20-30 minutes. Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares.

Millionaire shortbread on parchment paper cut into squares.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Chilling is Key: Make sure each layer is adequately chilled before adding the next. This ensures each layer sets properly and doesn’t mix into the next.

Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line your pan for easy removal of the bars. Leave some overhang on the sides to use as handles.

Blend Well: For the “caramel” layer, make sure your dates are well blended to get a smooth, creamy consistency. If your blender struggles with the dates, try soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes before blending.

Storage & Freezing

Storage: Once your Healthy Millionaire Bars are cut into squares, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to a week when stored this way. Separating layers of bars with parchment or wax paper can help keep them from sticking together.

Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, these bars can also be frozen. To freeze, place the cut bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once they’re fully frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of bars to prevent sticking.

When you’re ready to eat the bars, you can let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. They should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. This is a great way to always have a healthy treat on hand when you’re craving something sweet!

Additions & Substitutions

SUBSTITUTIONS
Different Nut Butter: You can use cashew butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.

Honey or Agave: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar as a natural sweetener. Be aware that this will change the flavor slightly.

Other Flours: If you don’t have coconut flour or prefer not to use it, almond flour or oat flour could also work in the shortbread base. You may need to adjust the quantity though, as coconut flour is more absorbent than most flours.

ADDITIONS
Nuts: Adding chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the caramel layer can add a delightful crunch and extra nutritional value.

Protein Powder: Add some vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the shortbread or caramel layer for a protein boost.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below…I would love to hear how it turned out.

What makes these Millionaire Bars healthy?

When I call these Millionaire Bars “healthy,” what I really mean is that they’re a better-for-you choice compared to the traditional versions of this sweet treat.

Instead of loads of refined sugar, butter, and flour, we’re using some pretty awesome ingredients that pack in more nutrients. Let’s take a look at why these bars can be a part of your balanced lifestyle:

Natural Sweeteners: These bars are sweetened with pure maple syrup and dates. They add more than just sweetness – they bring along some vital nutrients, too!

Whole Foods: I’ve included foods like dates and almond butter, which are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and a bunch of essential nutrients your body needs.

Healthy Fats: The use of coconut oil and almond butter isn’t just about flavor. These ingredients provide the good kinds of fat that your brain and body require, and they’re a healthier swap for the butter you’d typically find in shortbread.

Dark Chocolate: My recipe uses dark chocolate, which isn’t only delicious but also lower in sugar than milk chocolate and packed with antioxidants.

Gluten-Free: By using coconut flour, this recipe is suitable for anyone avoiding gluten.

Dairy-Free: With the help of coconut oil and coconut milk, these bars are dairy-free, which is great if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan.

Millionaire shortbread being held with a bite taken out of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can bake the shortbread layer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes for a firmer, crunchier base, but allow it to cool completely before adding the “caramel” layer.

If you don’t have a double boiler, you can carefully melt the chocolate in the microwave. Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and melted.

Use a sharp knife and make sure the bars are completely set. You might even want to clean the knife between cuts for the neatest squares.

Ensure your dates are well blended to get a smooth, creamy consistency. If your blender struggles with the dates, try soaking them in warm water for 15 minutes before blending.


My Favorite

Healthy Bar Recipes

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Millionaire shortbread stacked on top of each other in white dish.

Healthy Millionaire Shortbread (Vegan + Gluten-free)

This Healthy Millionaire Shortbread is about to rock your world! Picture this: a soft coconut flour shortbread base, a gooey caramel middle layer, and a lusciously rich chocolate top. We're talking layers of utter decadence, all bundled up in one spectacular bar. Vegan, gluten, and dairy-free.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 228kcal

Ingredients

Shortbread Layer

  • 1 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

“Caramel” Layer

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 2 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

Shortbread Layer

  • Mix together the coconut flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a mixing bowl. 
  • Spread mixture in a thin layer onto the bottom of an 8×8 baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Set in fridge for about fifteen minutes while you prepare the next layer. 

“Caramel” Layer

  • Prepare the "caramel filling" by blending together the pitted dates, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut milk, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a high powered blender. 
  • Spread the caramel mixture onto the prepared shortbread layer that was chilling in the fridge. Chill in the fridge for another 15 minutes. 

Chocolate Layer

  • Melt together the chocolate chips, coconut oil, and sea salt using a double boiler. 
  • Remove from heat and allow the chocolate mixture to cool for about 5 minutes before spreading onto the prepared pan that was chilling in the fridge. 
  • Allow entire pan to cool in fridge for another 20-30 minutes. Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into square and enjoy! 

Notes

Make sure each layer is adequately chilled before adding the next. This ensures each layer sets properly and doesn’t mix into the next.
Use parchment paper to line your pan for easy removal of the bars. Leave some overhang on the sides to use as handles.
For the “caramel” layer, make sure your dates are well blended to get a smooth, creamy consistency. If your blender struggles with the dates, try soaking them in warm water for 15 minutes before blending.
Store in refrigerator. 

Nutrition

Serving: 16g | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 27.8g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 13.8g | Saturated Fat: 11.3g | Sodium: 36mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 23.1g

The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data

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