The kitchen fills with the sweet scent of nostalgia and festive cheer as I whip up a batch of Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. This irresistible holiday dessert combines layers of buttery shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, and a luscious caramel topping, all cloaked in rich chocolate. It’s not just about indulging your sweet tooth; this delightful treat is an effortless showstopper that will impress your guests, perfectly suited for holiday gatherings and sweet gifting. Plus, it allows for creative variation, meaning you can swap the raspberry for whatever jam tickles your fancy—be it strawberry or blueberry! Ready to discover the magic of this festive indulgence? Let’s dive into the recipe and delight our taste buds! Why Is This Recipe So Appealing? Indulgent Flavor: The rich blend of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and tangy raspberry jam creates a taste sensation that’s truly captivating. Perfect for Sharing: These squares make a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering, inviting smiles and satisfied taste buds. Easy to Customize: Want to switch things up? Feel free to use other fruits or chocolate types for a personal twist! Quick to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time, letting you focus on enjoying the festivities. Beautiful Presentation: The layered design not only tastes amazing but also looks gorgeous on a platter—ideal for impressing guests! This holiday season, why not explore these festive flavors and also check out our guide on holiday dessert ideas for more inspiration? Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Ingredients For the Shortbread Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and structure; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the shortbread’s texture; can substitute with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of the shortbread; gluten-free flour blends can be used for a gluten-free version. For the Filling Seedless Raspberry Jam – Offers tartness and color contrast; can be swapped with other jams like strawberry or blueberry. Sweetened Condensed Milk – Forms the caramel layer, adding sweetness and creaminess; evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for a lighter version. For the Topping Dark Chocolate Chips – Adds richness; you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate based on preference. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. The right temperature is crucial for achieving a perfectly baked base, so ensure your oven is fully heated before moving to the next step. Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. Gradually integrate 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, ensuring a smooth, even layer for your Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Step 3: Bake the Base Slide the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the shortbread, looking for a golden color around the edges—this indicates that it’s ready. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan, which will help it firm up nicely. Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and any remaining butter. Stir continuously for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a lovely golden hue. This step is essential for creating a smooth caramel layer that will complement the raspberry jam beautifully. Step 5: Assemble the Layers Spread a generous layer of seedless raspberry jam evenly over the cooled shortbread base, ensuring a good coverage for a burst of flavor. Next, pour the warm caramel on top of the jam, using a spatula to smooth it evenly across the surface. This layer brings both sweetness and richness to your Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Step 6: Finish with Chocolate In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring between each session until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly to create a glossy finish. Allow the dessert to set at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing, giving it perfect structure for serving. What to Serve with Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Discover the perfect companion dishes to enhance your holiday dessert experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture brings a comforting balance to the rich sweetness of the shortbread. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing contrast, this dish complements the indulgent flavors and adds a burst of freshness to your meal. Hot Chocolate: Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm drink that pairs wonderfully with the dessert’s sweet notes. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or brie, creates a delightful interplay of flavors, enhancing the dessert’s sweetness. Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices of gingerbread not only evoke holiday cheer but also provide a delicious contrast to the tart raspberry layer. Whipped Cream: A dollop on top adds an airy lightness that balances the richness of the chocolate and caramel. Sparkling Cider: Toast with a glass of bubbly cider, which brightens the palate and makes every indulgent bite even more festive. Charcuterie Board: The savory meats and pickles provide a lovely contrast and keep the taste experience exciting between bites of sweet shortbread. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside creates a delightful melting mix with the warm caramel. Expert Tips for Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Smooth Caramel Consistency: Stir continuously when heating the sweetened condensed milk to prevent burning, ensuring a silky caramel layer for your dessert. Layer Cooling Time: Allow all layers to cool completely before assembling. This will help maintain the optimal structure of your Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread. Jam Variation: Feel free to experiment with different fruit jams; just ensure they have a similar consistency to raspberry jam for the best results. Baking Pan Prep: Grease your baking pan thoroughly and consider lining it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking, making for a neat presentation. Chocolate Melting Technique: Melt chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to achieve a silky texture without overheating. Storage Tips for Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Room Temperature: Store your shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious for holiday snacking. Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure the container is airtight to maintain moisture. Freezer: If you want to enjoy these indulgent treats later, wrap pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste. Reheating: If desired, you can gently warm refrigerated squares in the microwave for a few seconds to revive the ooey-gooey caramel and enhance the flavors. Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Variations Get ready to make this festive dessert uniquely yours with these delightful twists! Berry Bliss: Swap the raspberry jam for sweet strawberry or tart blueberry jam for a fruity twist. Citrus Zing: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the caramel for a bright, citrus-infused flavor. Nuts Galore: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the shortbread for an added crunch that complements the smooth layers. Decadent Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or even white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter finish that will please every palate. Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the caramel to evoke cozy holiday vibes. Nut-Free Version: Substitute nut butter in place of the chocolate topping for a nut-free indulgence that’s still rich and satisfying. Gluten-Free Delight: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert accommodating for gluten-sensitive guests. Heat Things Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate topping for a surprising and delicious spicy kick. Each option offers a chance to personalize your Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, making it truly a creation of your own. The holiday season is all about sharing joy, so why not try one of these variations and delight everyone at your table? Don’t forget to check out our guide on holiday dessert ideas to spark even more inspiration! Make Ahead Options These Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the shortbread base up to 3 days in advance, simply press it into your baking pan and refrigerate until ready to use. The caramel layer can also be made ahead; just let it cool completely before refrigerating it for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to assemble, spread the raspberry jam over the shortbread, pour the chilled caramel on top, and finish with melted chocolate. This ensures all layers maintain their deliciously distinct flavors while saving you precious time, allowing for a stress-free holiday celebration! Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread Recipe FAQs What type of jam is best for this recipe? Absolutely! While seedless raspberry jam is used for its tartness and vibrant color, you can easily swap it with other jams like strawberry or blueberry. Just make sure whatever jam you choose complements the sweet caramel layer for a delicious balance. How should I store leftovers? These delicious squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them fresh and perfect for holiday snacking! Can I freeze the Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread? Very! To freeze, simply wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the squares at room temperature for optimal taste. What should I do if my caramel is too thick? If you find your caramel has thickened too much, it might be due to cooking it too long. To fix it, simply add a splash of milk or cream over low heat, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency. This step is crucial for achieving that silky caramel goodness! Can I make this dessert gluten-free? Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the brand for any specific instructions, and you’ll have a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy! Is this dessert suitable for pets? No, I wouldn’t recommend it! Ingredients like chocolate and sugar aren’t safe for pets, particularly dogs. Always keep your holiday confections away from your furry friends to ensure their safety. Indulgent Christmas Raspberry Caramel Millionaires Shortbread A delightful holiday dessert featuring buttery shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate, perfect for festive gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 16 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: ChristmasCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Shortbread1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature1/2 cup granulated sugar can substitute with coconut sugar2 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free flour blends can be usedFor the Filling1 can sweetened condensed milk can substitute with evaporated milk1 cup seedless raspberry jam can swap with other jams like strawberry or blueberryFor the Topping1 cup dark chocolate chips can use milk or white chocolate Equipment 8x8-inch baking panMixing BowlsaucepanSpatulaMicrowave-safe bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until fluffy, then mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. Press it evenly into the baking pan.Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes until golden around the edges. Allow to cool completely in the pan.In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and any remaining butter, stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.Spread a layer of seedless raspberry jam over the cooled shortbread base, then pour the warm caramel on top and smooth it evenly.Melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring in between, then pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.Allow the dessert to set at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure layers cool completely before assembling for optimal structure. Feel free to experiment with different jams. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
