No Nasties Millionaire Shortbread
This healthy but equally incredible version of Millionaire's Shortbread is one of my absolute favourite recipes. Its vegan, gluten free and has no refined sugar (and minimal natural sugar). Keeping your blood sugar balanced is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself in Menopause. So, no nasties in this recipe but still tastes like an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
BASE
3 cups (360g) almond flour
1/2 cup (110g) coconut oil
1 tbsp flax or 1/4 tsp xantham gum (to bind)
2/3 tbsp water
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla powder
1 tsp honey (or keto syrup alternative to taste)
CARAMEL
1/4 cup (30g) dates
1/4 cup (45g) coconut cream
2 tbsps (25g) coconut oil
1 tbsp (12g) almond butter
1/2 tsp salt flakes
CHOCOLATE TOPPING
1 cup (220g) melted cacao butter or coconut oil
¼ cup (25g) carob powder
¼ cup (55g) coconut cream
1 tbsp (12g) almond butter
1/2 tsp salt flakes
1 tsp honey (or keto syrup alternative to taste)
Method
BASE
Preheat the oven to 200c (180 fan)
Mix together the dry ingredients for the base
Melt the coconut oil and stir into the base, add honey if using for sweetener and water to bind
Line and grease a square or rectangular pan approximately 4-5 cm deeps and 23x23cm or 33x23cm (depends how thick you want the millionaire shortbread to be)
Spoon in the base mixture and press it down with the back of the spoon until smooth and compact
Bake at 180 for 15 minutes
Remove from oven and allow to cool
CARAMEL
In a high speed blender mix all ingredients apart from the salt and blend to a smooth paste
Pour over cooled base and spread evenly
Sprinkle with sea salt flakes
Cover and put in freezer to set for 30 minutes
CHOCOLATE TOPPING
Melt the cacao butter in a pan and pour into bowl, allow to cool to tepid but not harden
Add in remaining ingredients and whisk
Pour over caramel and return shortbread to freezer for another 30 mins
Score the shortbread into equal squares with a hot knife (dip in boiling water)
Gently cut the shortbread along the lines and store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze
Enjoy!