Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread | Vegan Recipes

Last Updated: 06/03/2023

Vegan Millionaires Shortbread | Myvegan

Where Did Millionaire’s Shortbread Come From?

Shortbread originated in 12th century Scotland and was first made using oat flour. The simple combination of flour, sugar and butter meant it was a popular and accessible recipe. However, it didn’t become popular to add sweet toppings like chocolate, candied fruit or almonds until the 1800s.

It’s unclear exactly where the name ‘Millionaire’s Shortbread’ came from, but it likely developed because the chocolate and caramel made it ‘richer’ than plain shortbread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This twist on the classic Millionaire’s Shortbread uses a sweetened peanut butter filling instead of caramel. It’s also completely vegan!

The added protein powder in the base makes this shortbread well-rounded and extra filling, and gives it a delicious vanilla flavour. And you won’t need any fancy equipment either – just a baking tray and a couple of mixing bowls.

How To Make Vegan Millionaire’s Shortbread

To make a vegan millionaire’s shortbread you need a soft crumbly base, a sweet centre filling, and some smooth dark chocolate to spread on top. The ingredients are separated by layer to make this recipe as straightforward as possible.

This recipe will make approximately 20 Millionaires Shortbread bites when cut into pieces, depending on the size of baking tin used.

Equipment You’ll Need

Two mixing bowls
Non-stick rectangular baking tray
Small saucepan and glass bowl (optional – see step 5)

Ingredients

For the base:

30g oat flour
60g Vanilla Vegan Protein Blend
80g agave nectar
40g Organic Peanut Butter

For the centre:

30g coconut oil
160g Organic Peanut Butter
80g agave nectar

For the chocolate topping:

10g coconut oil
100g vegan dark chocolate
Flaky sea salt (optional)

Method

Combine the base ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Add to a lined baking tray and bake in the oven at 180°C for 8 minutes.
Mix together the ingredients for the centre filling.
Wait until the base has cooled then drizzle the filling on top, and freeze for 20 minutes.
Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth – heat it gently in the microwave, or in a glass bowl over a saucepan on the hob.
Pour the melted chocolate over the bites and pop them back in the freezer for another 20 minutes (or until the chocolate has hardened).
Sprinkle with sea salt crystals, slice into 20 pieces, and enjoy!

Vegan Millionaires Shortbread | Myvegan

Baking Tips

If you don’t have oat flour you can just blend rolled oats in a food processor
Vegan protein powder is much more absorbent than non-vegan powder so you may need to add a little more plant milk if the base is too dry
Soy milk is the best alternative if you don’t have (or don’t want to use) almond milk because soy milk has a high protein content and mild flavour.

Storage

Store your vegan millionaire’s shortbread in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. If the chocolate starts to melt, move it to the fridge.

Nutrition Information

	Per serving
Calories	146 kcal
Fat	8.6g
Carbohydrates*	11g
*Of which Sugars	8.4g
Protein	4g

Take Home Message

We hope you enjoyed making this Vegan Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe – and maybe learned some baking history along the way!

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FAQs

Why is it called a millionaire’s shortbread?

Shortbread with caramel and chocolate is known as millionaire’s shortbread because it is more rich and indulgent than plain shortbread. Some people add extra ingredients like nuts, fruit or coffee and call it ‘billionaire’s shortbread’ because it is even richer than the original.

Should you keep millionaire’s shortbread in the fridge?

You can keep millionaire’s shortbread in an airtight container in any cool, dry place. But if the room is warm enough that the chocolate might melt, it’s best to keep it in the fridge.

How do you get a millionaire’s shortbread out of a tin?

Lining or greasing the tin before adding the millionaire’s shortbread layers will make it easier to get out after baking. Use a plastic or silicone spatula to get the shortbread out without scratching the tin.

How can you best cut a millionaire’s shortbread without it cracking?

Using a mixture of melted chocolate and coconut oil will make the chocolate topping richer and less likely to crack than using chocolate alone. You should also take the millionaire’s shortbread out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you want to serve it, so the chocolate has time to soften slightly.

Does a millionaire’s shortbread freeze well?

Yes! You can cut the tray into small bars or pieces, then wrap and freeze them individually for a super easy sweet treat.

Jenessa

Writer and expert

Jenessa is Myvegan's Senior Content Executive with a penchant for brutal HIIT classes and thick post-workout smoothies. She spends the majority of her spare time getting creative with plant-based recipes, in the gym or enjoying the odd spot of yoga, and is passionate about making healthy and sustainable lifestyles approachable and accessible for all – no matter one’s background or budget.