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If you’ve ever craved the ultimate indulgence that pairs buttery shortbread with luscious toffee and rich chocolate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe. This delightful treat layers tender, crumbly shortbread with a uniquely spiced apple-infused toffee caramel and a silky chocolate topping, bringing a fresh twist to a classic favourite. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself, these bars bring together comforting autumnal flavours with a vegan-friendly touch that doesn’t compromise on richness or satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe is simpler than it sounds. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether enhancing the texture, infusing flavour, or adding that gorgeous caramel colour that makes every bite irresistible.
- Plain flour (1 ½ cups): The essential base that gives your shortbread its tender, buttery crumb.
- Vegan butter (3.53 oz + 5.3 oz + 1 oz + 1 tsp): Adds richness and helps bind the layers together beautifully.
- Light brown sugar (2 tbsp + 1 cup light soft brown sugar): Brings deep molasses notes essential for toffee sweetness.
- Apple puree (2 tbsp + ½ cup): Adds natural fruit sweetness and moisture while keeping things vegan and fresh.
- Fresh grated apple (2 tbsp): Introduces a subtle texture and embellishes the caramel’s apple flavour.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms the recipe with that wonderful hint of spice, perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
- Sea salt (¼ tsp + ½ tbsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavours.
- Cornflour (¼ cup): Creates a silky smooth texture in the caramel layer by thickening it just right.
- Sweetened condensed coconut milk (11.25 oz): The vegan magic making the caramel decadent and luscious.
- Vegan chocolate (6.3 oz): For that irresistibly rich and glossy topping everyone loves.
- Caster sugar (¾ cup): Provides the foundation for crisp, crunchy caramel shards.
- Golden syrup (2 ½ tbsp): Enhances the caramel’s smoothness and shine with its sweet, buttery notes.
- Apple cider vinegar (½ tsp): Adds a slight tang, balancing sweetness and rounding out flavours perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease an 8″ square pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Combine all the base ingredients in a food processor—plain flour, vegan butter, light brown sugar, apple puree, fresh grated apple, cinnamon, and sea salt—and blend until it comes together into a dough that sticks when pressed. Press this dough evenly into the pan, smooth it out with a spatula, and prick the surface lightly with a fork. Pop it in the oven for about 15-18 minutes until it’s a gentle golden brown. Once out, let it cool completely to room temperature while you get ready for the caramel.
Step 2: Make the Apple Toffee Caramel
In a small bowl, whisk the ½ cup of apple puree with cornflour to form a smooth paste. Set this aside. Next, warm this paste along with sweetened condensed coconut milk, light soft brown sugar, vegan butter, sea salt, and fresh grated apple in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent sticking, then carefully attach a candy thermometer. Heat until it reaches 116°C (240°F), the perfect temperature for that chewy yet soft toffee texture. Remove from heat and let the caramel cool for 5 minutes before pouring it evenly over your cooled shortbread base. Allow it to come to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least two hours or overnight to set firmly.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Topping
The final layer is simple yet luxurious. Melt the vegan chocolate and 1 oz of vegan butter together over a double boiler, stirring gently until completely smooth and glossy. Spread this chocolate coating evenly over your set caramel layer. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate has set fully. When you’re ready to cut, warm a sharp knife in boiling water, dry it, and slice—this heated blade will glide through cleanly, giving you beautiful squares every time.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Shards
For a stunning finishing touch, grease a baking tray with oil. In a saucepan, combine caster sugar, golden syrup, apple cider vinegar, and vegan butter, melting over medium heat and stirring until silky smooth. Attach the candy thermometer again and heat until it hits 148°C (298°F) for perfectly crisp caramel shards. Pour onto the greased tray and let it set completely at room temperature before breaking into shards to decorate your millionaires shortbread. This crunchy top adds a delightful contrast to the soft layers below.
How to Serve Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
These millionaires shortbread bars look divine with a few elegant touches. Try sprinkling flaky sea salt on the chocolate layer just before it sets to enhance the toffee’s flavour, or top each slice with a shard of your homemade caramel for a beautiful, crunchy accent. Fresh apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon powder can also add a seasonal flair that elevates presentation and taste alike.
Side Dishes
While these bars shine on their own, pairing them with warm beverages takes the experience to the next level. A creamy oat milk latte or a spiced chai tea perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple notes in the shortbread. For a refreshing contrast, a bright apple cider or sparkling water with a wedge of lemon works beautifully to cut through the sweetness and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or want to impress friends, consider layering pieces in a clear glass trifle bowl with whipped coconut cream and chopped toasted nuts for textural contrast. Or arrange individual portions on a rustic wooden board interspersed with fresh fruit and edible flowers to bring an inviting, festive vibe to your dessert spread. Either way, the stunning layers of this Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe will dazzle your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cut, store your Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge is a better option to preserve the texture of the toffee and prevent the chocolate from softening too much.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it ideal for batch baking. Freeze the shortbread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and serving to maintain the perfect chewy texture and chocolate shine.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, place them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Warming enhances the gooey caramel and softens the shortbread, creating an almost freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chocolate lose its gloss and the texture a bit uneven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the apple puree?
If you don’t have apple puree, unsweetened applesauce works well as an alternative. It has a similar texture and mild sweetness that suits the caramel perfectly. Avoid using sweetened versions to keep the balance of flavors just right.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the plain flour for an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help the dough hold together, and watch the baking time closely since gluten-free flours can sometimes brown faster.
How do I know when the caramel has reached the right temperature?
A candy thermometer is your best friend here. For the perfect chewy toffee, the caramel should reach approximately 116°C (240°F). This ensures it sets properly without becoming too hard or too soft. If you don’t have a thermometer, test a small drop in cold water—if it forms a soft ball, you’re in the sweet spot.
Can I use regular condensed milk instead of coconut condensed milk?
For a strictly vegan recipe, coconut condensed milk is essential. However, if you aren’t restricted by vegan preferences, regular sweetened condensed milk will work, but the dessert won’t be vegan anymore. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices without cracking?
Heating your knife before slicing is the trick. Dip it in boiling water, dry it quickly, then cut the bars gently. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the edges neat, and you’ll have perfect squares with smooth chocolate tops and intact caramel layers every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about vegan treats that show just how indulgent plant-based baking can be, and this Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe is a shining example. From the delicate shortbread base to that apple-spiced caramel and a silky chocolate crown, every layer is a delightful gift for your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for vegans, dessert lovers, or just your own sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a treasured favourite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into creating these show-stopping squares—you won’t regret a single bite.
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Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in this Vegan Toffee Apple Millionaires Shortbread, a luscious twist on the classic treat featuring a buttery shortbread base, a silky apple-infused caramel layer, and a rich vegan chocolate topping, finished with crunchy caramel shards. Perfect for indulgent gatherings or a special vegan-friendly dessert.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 ½ cups plain flour
- 3.53 oz vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple puree (unsweetened apple sauce)
- 2 tablespoons fresh apple (grated)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Apple Caramel Layer
- ½ cup apple puree (unsweetened apple sauce)
- ¼ cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 11.25 oz sweetened condensed coconut milk
- 1 cup light soft brown sugar (light muscovado)
- 5.3 oz vegan butter
- ½ tablespoon sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 6.3 oz vegan chocolate
- 1 oz vegan butter
Caramel Shards
- ¾ cup caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 2 ½ tbsp golden syrup
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegan butter
Instructions
- Prepare Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease an 8″ square pan with oil or vegan butter, then line it with parchment paper. Add all base ingredients to a food processor and blend for 30-60 seconds until the mixture sticks together to form dough. Press the dough evenly into the pan, smooth with a spatula, and prick several times with a fork.
- Bake Base: Bake the dough for 15-18 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make Caramel Paste: In a small bowl, combine apple puree and cornflour, whisking until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- Cook Caramel: In a saucepan, add the apple puree cornflour paste along with the condensed coconut milk, light brown sugar, vegan butter, and sea salt. Melt over medium heat while stirring continuously to prevent burning. Insert a candy thermometer and heat the mixture to 116°C (240°F). Once reached, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Let it come to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: Melt the vegan chocolate and 1 oz vegan butter together over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer. Allow to set at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Slice Shortbread: Heat a sharp knife by placing it in boiling water, then dry it thoroughly. Use the warm knife to gently cut the shortbread into portions, allowing the heat to smoothly cut through the layers.
- Make Caramel Shards: Grease a baking tray with cooking oil. In a separate saucepan, combine caster sugar, golden syrup, apple cider vinegar, and vegan butter. Melt over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Attach a candy thermometer and heat until 148°C (298°F). Remove from heat and pour into the greased tray.
- Finish Caramel Shards: Let the caramel cool and harden completely at room temperature, then chop into shards. Decorate each millionaires slice with caramel shards on top for added crunch and decoration.
Notes
- You can substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour if desired.
- Ensure the knife is warmed each time before slicing for clean cuts without cracking the chocolate.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To avoid caramel burning, stir constantly and control the heat carefully while cooking.
- Vegan butter and chocolate brands may vary in melt points—adjust gently on a double boiler to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
