Vegan Millionaire's Shortbread

Total time2 hr 55 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time30 min

4.7

(8)

Few treats feel as indulgent as a classic millionaire's shortbread, and this version proves you don't need a single animal product to nail every luxurious layer. The base is a buttery, crumbly shortbread made with vegan butter and just enough powdered sugar to keep it tender without being sweet. The caramel is where the real magic happens — full-fat coconut milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vegan butter are cooked low and slow until they transform into a deep amber, ribbon-thick layer that tastes genuinely rich and complex. A silky vegan chocolate top, finished with optional flaky sea salt, seals the whole thing into something that looks straight out of a patisserie window. Store-bought versions of this classic almost always contain dairy at every layer, so making it from scratch gives you full control without any compromise on flavor or texture. The recipe yields 16 bars, which makes it perfect for sharing at a gathering or stashing in the fridge for a week of very satisfying snacking. Just warm your knife before slicing and press straight down — those clean, layered edges are half the appeal.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

16 servings

For the shortbread

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ tsp fine salt
½ cup vegan butter, cold and cubed

For the caramel

1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
½ cup packed light brown sugar
3 tbsp vegan butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
¼ tsp fine salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate layer

7 oz vegan chocolate, finely chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil

For serving

flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to use as handles.
2
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed vegan butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse, damp sand and just begins to clump together when pressed, about 2–3 minutes.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!