If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, tangy cherry jam, and a creamy almond topping, then the Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight Recipe is about to become your new favorite creation. Each slice is a symphony of textures and flavors that promise a truly decadent experience. This recipe takes classic Bakewell tart inspiration and elevates it with layers that melt together beautifully, delivering pure bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients right is key to capturing the delightful balance of rich, crunchy, and fruity notes in this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect shortbread base to that irresistible silky caramel and almond topping.
- 150 g unsalted butter (softened): This is the foundation of your shortbread, providing richness and a tender crumb.
- 75 g caster sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps create a crisp texture in the base.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract): Introduces a fragrant note that livens up the dough and fillings.
- 200 g plain flour (or gluten-free flour): The essential dry ingredient that holds your shortbread together.
- 1 pinch salt (sea salt recommended): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 50 g flaked almonds (or crushed cookies/seeds): Provides a subtle crunch and traditional Bakewell essence.
- 100 g butter: The rich base of the caramel layer, giving it that luscious consistency.
- 200 g granulated sugar (light or dark): Sweetens the caramel while contributing to its golden color.
- 100 g golden syrup (or honey): Adds a deep, caramel flavor to the sticky layer.
- 397 g condensed milk: Brings creaminess and thickness to the caramel filling.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Amplifies the almond notes in the caramel for that classic Bakewell twist.
- 200 g white chocolate (or milk chocolate): The crowning glory providing a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Raspberry jam (or any berry jam): Delivers the tangy cherry flavor that makes this dessert unmistakably Bakewell-inspired.
- Glace cherries (chopped for decoration): Adds a pop of vibrant color and fruity sweetness on top.
- Flaked almonds (for garnish): A final touch of nutty crunch that finishes each slice beautifully.
How to Make Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla or almond extract for that essential aroma. Gradually add the plain flour and a pinch of sea salt to form a soft dough. Press this mixture evenly into a lined baking tin and sprinkle the flaked almonds on top to give an extra hint of texture and flavor. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. This shortbread base provides the perfect buttery foundation for all the layers to come.
Step 2: Spread the Raspberry Jam Layer
Once the shortbread base has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread a generous layer of raspberry or berry jam over it. This layer gives the bars a bright fruity burst and beautifully complements the caramel and almond topping. Make sure to spread it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Almond Layer
To make the irresistible caramel topping, combine the butter, granulated sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in a teaspoon of almond extract if you like that extra depth of flavor. Pour this luscious caramel evenly over the jam layer and sprinkle additional flaked almonds on top before letting it set slightly.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
Once the caramel has firmed up but is still slightly soft, melt the white (or milk) chocolate gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula to create a glossy finish. Before the chocolate sets completely, decorate with chopped glace cherries for an irresistible cherry Bakewell look and a pop of color that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let all the layers set fully. Once chilled, carefully slice into 16 generous squares. The resulting squares reveal stunning cross-sections of buttery shortbread, vibrant jam, gooey caramel, and velvety chocolate, making them perfect for sharing or indulging all to yourself.
How to Serve Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, dust your slices lightly with icing sugar just before serving. You can also add a few extra flaked almonds around the plate or a dollop of fresh whipped cream alongside. The combination of crunchy nuts and the soft cream cuts through the sweetness and adds another layer of texture.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more decadent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm custard—the creamy sides soak perfectly into the layers and elevate the indulgence factor tenfold.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine for beautiful gifts or party favors. Alternatively, stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a show-stopping centerpiece at your next gathering. Adding fresh berries or edible flowers alongside will boost the visual appeal and complement the cherry and almond flavors naturally.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight Recipe keeps fantastically well. Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost, leave them to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While this dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can warm a slice briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer a softer chocolate top and gooier caramel layer. Just be careful not to overheat or the chocolate may become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! Swapping plain flour for a gluten-free alternative works well, but be sure to use a blend designed for baking to ensure the shortbread base maintains its proper texture and structure.
Is it necessary to use golden syrup in the caramel?
Golden syrup helps achieve that classic caramel flavor and smooth texture, but you can substitute honey or corn syrup if that’s what you have on hand. Just note the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this dessert nut-free?
To make it nut-free, simply omit the flaked almonds and replace them with crushed seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or crushed cookies for added crunch. This will maintain texture without compromising taste.
How long does it take for the caramel to set?
The caramel usually firms up within 1 to 2 hours in the fridge. Patience is key here because a fully set caramel layer ensures clean slicing and that perfect chewy texture.
What’s the best chocolate to use for the topping?
White chocolate gives a creamy sweetness that balances the other layers nicely, but milk chocolate or even a mix of both is a fantastic option if you want a richer finish. Choose good quality chocolate for the best melting and flavor results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how much joy making and sharing the Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight Recipe brings. Each bite offers a little celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for cozy afternoons or impressive dessert tables. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and treat yourself to this remarkable slice of indulgence. You deserve it.
Print
Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Indulgent Cherry Bakewell Millionaire Shortbread Delight is a decadent layered treat featuring a buttery shortbread base, a rich and nutty almond caramel filling, a smooth white chocolate topping, and a garnish of raspberry jam, chopped glace cherries, and toasted flaked almonds. Perfect for special occasions or when you crave a luxurious dessert bar with a mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened
- 75 g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 200 g plain flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 50 g flaked almonds (or crushed cookies/seeds)
Almond Caramel Filling
- 100 g butter
- 200 g granulated sugar (light or dark)
- 100 g golden syrup (or honey)
- 397 g condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Topping and Decoration
- 200 g white chocolate (or milk chocolate)
- Raspberry jam (or any berry jam).
- Glace cherries, chopped (for decoration)
- Flaked almonds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the shortbread base: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the plain flour, salt, and flaked almonds, mixing until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a greased or lined baking tray to form the base.
- Bake the base: Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the tray.
- Make the almond caramel filling: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the granulated sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk. Stir continuously to combine and dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and turns a golden color, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract if using.
- Assemble the caramel layer: Pour the almond caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread evenly. Allow this layer to cool and set; you can speed up the process by refrigerating it for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the topping: Melt the white chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Layer the topping and garnish: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam evenly over the set caramel layer. Pour the melted white chocolate over the jam layer and smooth out to cover completely. Decorate with chopped glace cherries and sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Chill to set: Place the entire tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate topping to set firmly.
- Serve: Once fully chilled and set, slice into 16 even squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- Almond extract enhances the almond flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Golden syrup can be substituted with honey if unavailable.
- Ensure the shortbread base is completely cool before adding the caramel to prevent melting or sogginess.
- To toast flaked almonds, spread them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then cool before garnishing.
- Store the bars refrigerated and consume within 5 days for best freshness.
