Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is a decadent, indulgent treat that combines buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate, topped with colorful, crunchy Mini Eggs for that perfect Easter-inspired twist. This dessert is a true showstopper and perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just want to indulge, this version of millionaire’s shortbread takes everything to the next level.
The base is a gluten-free shortbread that’s crumbly and buttery, creating a perfect foundation for the luscious caramel layer. The caramel itself is rich, sticky, and made with golden syrup and condensed milk, resulting in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Topped off with a layer of milk and white chocolate, the addition of crushed and whole Mini Eggs creates an extra burst of flavor and crunch, making every bite even more delightful. This treat is guaranteed to wow your guests and is perfect for gifting or serving at celebrations. Prepare it in advance, as it needs some chilling time to set the layers together, ensuring a beautiful finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free – This recipe is completely gluten-free, making it accessible to a wider range of people.
- Perfectly Balanced – The buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and creamy chocolate work together in perfect harmony.
- Mini Egg Crunch – The addition of Mini Eggs gives a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to every bite.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – This treat is ideal for Easter, birthdays, or any celebration.
- No-Bake Layers – The recipe involves minimal baking and a simple assembly process for a beautiful, impressive dessert.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- Gluten-free plain flour
- Xanthan gum (optional but helps with texture)
- Caster sugar
- Butter, softened
For the Caramel
- Butter
- Golden caster sugar
- Golden syrup
- Condensed milk (1 tin)
For the Chocolate Topping
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate
- Mini eggs (some whole and some crushed)
Variations
- Different Chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a slightly richer topping.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts like hazelnuts or almonds to the caramel layer for added texture.
- Vegan Version: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Decorative Toppings: Swap Mini Eggs for seasonal decorations like sprinkles or other colorful candies.
- Caramelized Layer: For a deeper caramel flavor, cook the caramel for a little longer until it turns a light golden brown.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking tin. In a bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, and caster sugar. Add the softened butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Press it into the base of the tin to form an even layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, golden caster sugar, and golden syrup over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the condensed milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread it evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Melt the milk chocolate and white chocolate separately, either in a microwave or using a double boiler. Once melted, pour the milk chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread it evenly. Drizzle the white chocolate over the milk chocolate and swirl with a spoon for a marbled effect.
Step 4: Add the Mini Eggs
Carefully press whole and crushed Mini Eggs into the chocolate while it’s still soft. Refrigerate for another 1–2 hours or until fully set.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the layers are firm and set, cut the shortbread into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Be patient when making the caramel—don’t rush the simmering step; it helps achieve that perfect smooth texture.
- Ensure the butter for the shortbread is softened for easy mixing.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the shortbread for cleaner cuts.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before adding the chocolate topping to avoid melting the caramel layer.
- If you prefer a thicker base, you can increase the shortbread recipe by 1.5x.
How to Serve
Serve the Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread chilled for the best texture. It’s perfect as a standalone treat or alongside coffee, tea, or milk. This dessert is also a great addition to any Easter dessert table or festive party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The shortbread and caramel layers will stay firm and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cut bars or squares for up to 2 months. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this treat—it’s best served chilled.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Yes, regular plain flour can be used if gluten is not a concern.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark or white chocolate can be used in place of milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
3. Can I skip the xanthan gum?
You can, but it helps with texture in gluten-free baking. If you’re not using it, ensure you have a good gluten-free flour blend.
4. How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel should be thick and golden. If you run a spoon through it, it should leave a trail.
5. Can I use a different candy topping instead of Mini Eggs?
Yes, try using crushed toffee, chocolate chips, or any candy you like.
6. How long does it need to set in the fridge?
Allow at least 2 hours for the layers to firm up completely before slicing.
7. Can I make these without a baking tin?
You can use a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or any container of the right size.
8. Can I make this in a larger pan?
Yes, if you use a larger pan, the layers will be thinner, so adjust baking and chilling times accordingly.
9. Can I make the caramel in advance?
Yes, you can make the caramel ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then reheat it before pouring it onto the shortbread.
10. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate and condensed coconut milk.
Conclusion
Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is the ultimate indulgence for those who love rich, sweet, and creamy desserts. The combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate topped with Mini Eggs makes it a perfect treat for any special occasion—especially Easter. With easy-to-follow steps and a few simple ingredients, this dessert is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightful, colorful, and decadent sweet treat.
PrintMini Egg Millionaires Shortbread
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 16–20 pieces 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is an indulgent treat that combines buttery, gluten-free shortbread with a rich caramel layer, topped with smooth milk chocolate, white chocolate, and crunchy Mini Eggs. Perfect for Easter or any special occasion, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
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300 g gluten-free plain flour
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¼ tsp xanthan gum (optional but helps with texture)
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100 g caster sugar
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200 g butter, softened
For the Caramel:
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185 g butter
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35 g golden caster sugar
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65 g golden syrup
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397 g condensed milk (1 tin)
For the Chocolate Topping:
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250 g milk chocolate
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50 g white chocolate
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200 g Mini eggs (some whole and some crushed)
Instructions
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Prepare the Shortbread Base:
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
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Grease and line an 8-inch square baking tin.
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In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), caster sugar, and softened butter.
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Mix until the dough comes together. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared tin.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
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Make the Caramel:
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In a saucepan, melt the butter, golden caster sugar, and golden syrup over low heat.
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Add the condensed milk and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
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Once it thickens and turns golden, pour over the cooled shortbread base.
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Let it set at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
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Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
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Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave.
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Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
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Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it on top of the milk chocolate.
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Scatter the whole Mini eggs and the crushed Mini eggs over the top. Press them down slightly to ensure they stick.
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Set and Serve:
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Let the shortbread set in the fridge for about 3-4 hours, or until the chocolate is firm.
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Slice into squares and serve!
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Notes
Gluten-Free Option: Be sure to use certified gluten-free products to ensure the entire recipe is gluten-free.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Variation: You can replace Mini Eggs with other chocolate eggs or candy of your choice!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Shortbread, Mini Eggs, Millionaires Shortbread, Easter Dessert