No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert
Imagine a dessert that combines the buttery crunch of shortbread, the luxurious silkiness of caramel, and the rich depth of chocolate, all without ever turning on your oven. This No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna is that dream come true. It is an incredibly decadent treat that layers all the classic flavors of the beloved British confection into a stunning, shareable pan dessert. Furthermore, its no-bake nature makes it the perfect solution for hot summer days or for times when you need an impressive dessert without the fuss.
The name “Millionaire’s Shortbread” perfectly captures the feeling of indulgence this dessert provides. Traditionally, it consists of a shortbread base, a soft caramel middle, and a chocolate topping. Our lasagna version reinterprets this trio into easy-to-assemble layers that are both visually striking and deeply satisfying. Each spoonful delivers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, from the crumbly base to the gooey caramel and the smooth chocolate finish. Consequently, this dessert is guaranteed to become a star at any potluck, family gathering, or holiday feast.
Creating this masterpiece is surprisingly straightforward. Essentially, you will build the dessert in a baking dish, much like you would a savory lasagna, but with sweet, delightful layers. The process involves minimal active time, relying mostly on the refrigerator to work its magic and set the layers firm. Therefore, even novice bakers can achieve a professional-looking and tasting result. This No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna is the ultimate easy dessert for anyone craving something truly special.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: This dessert boasts a sophisticated balance of sweet, salty, and rich notes. The buttery shortbread base provides a savory foundation, while the creamy caramel layer offers a deep, toffee-like sweetness. Finally, a semi-sweet chocolate ganache topping introduces a slight bitterness that perfectly cuts through the richness.
- Texture: Experience a delightful textural journey with every bite. The crushed shortbread cookies create a firm yet crumbly base, contrasting beautifully with the soft and chewy caramel layer. Moreover, the smooth, silky chocolate ganache on top melts in your mouth, creating a truly luxurious sensation.
- Aroma: As you assemble this no-bake dessert, your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting scent of melted butter and brown sugar from the caramel. Additionally, the aroma of pure chocolate from the ganache layer adds a deep, comforting fragrance that promises a decadent treat.
- Visual Appeal: When sliced, this lasagna reveals stunning, distinct layers that are sure to impress. The golden-brown shortbread base, the rich amber caramel, and the dark chocolate top create a beautiful striped effect. For this reason, it looks as incredible as it tastes.
- Skill Level Needed: This recipe is specifically designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced home bakers. There is no complex baking or tempering required. Instead, the process focuses on simple mixing, melting, and layering techniques.
- Special Equipment: You will need a standard 9×13 inch baking dish to build your lasagna. Otherwise, basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, mixing bowls, and a spatula are all that’s required. A food processor can speed up crushing the cookies but is not essential.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: We classify this No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna as an easy dessert. The steps are simple and sequential, involving no technical baking skills. The primary challenge is patience, as you must allow adequate time for each layer to set in the refrigerator. Ultimately, the hands-on work is minimal and very manageable.
- Category: This dish falls squarely into the dessert category, perfect for concluding a meal or serving at a party. It can also be considered a no-bake treat or a fridge cake, making it versatile for various occasions. Its richness means it is best enjoyed in smaller portions.
- Cuisine: While the inspiration comes from the classic British Millionaire’s Shortbread, this lasagna format is a modern, Americanized twist on the concept. It embraces the convenience and shareable nature of pan desserts popular in American potlucks and family gatherings.
- Cost: This is a relatively affordable dessert to make, especially when considering the impressive yield. The main costs are the butter, chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk. Fortunately, these ingredients are pantry staples for many, and the recipe uses them efficiently to create a high-value result.
- Season: This no-bake dessert is truly a year-round champion. It is perfect for summer when you want to avoid heating the kitchen. Conversely, its rich, comforting flavors also make it a hit during the fall and winter holidays.
- Occasion: This lasagna is ideal for large gatherings like potlucks, birthdays, and holiday parties. It is also a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy hosts. Furthermore, it serves as a wonderful treat for a family movie night or a special weekend indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, the taste and texture of this No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna are utterly irresistible. The combination of crunchy, creamy, and smooth elements creates a complex mouthfeel that is deeply satisfying. Each layer complements the next, with the salty shortbread balancing the sweet caramel, and the dark chocolate providing a sophisticated finish. This dessert feels incredibly luxurious, as if from a high-end patisserie, yet it is made in your own kitchen. The flavor profile is rich and buttery, with deep caramel notes that linger pleasantly on the palate.
From a practical standpoint, the convenience of this recipe is a major win. Because it requires no baking, you eliminate the risk of over-browning or undercooking. This makes it an incredibly reliable dessert for any cook. The preparation is also very straightforward, involving simple techniques like melting and mixing. You can easily prepare it in stages, fitting it into a busy schedule. For instance, you can make the base one day and add the caramel and chocolate layers the next. This flexibility is a huge advantage for planning.
While this is an indulgent treat, understanding its components can be helpful. The shortbread base provides a source of carbohydrates for energy, and using a high-quality butter offers some fat-soluble vitamins. The caramel layer, made from dairy, contributes calcium and protein. Dark chocolate, notably, contains antioxidants and can be a source of iron and magnesium. Of course, this is a dessert to be enjoyed in moderation, but it is made from real, whole ingredients without any artificial additives often found in store-bought versions.
The social and entertaining value of this dessert cannot be overstated. Its stunning visual appeal makes it a true centerpiece on any dessert table. When you bring this No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna to a gathering, it always draws compliments and requests for the recipe. It serves a crowd effortlessly, eliminating the need to make multiple batches of individual treats. It is a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes any host look like a culinary genius.
Finally, this dessert is remarkably cost-effective. Creating a dessert this impressive at a fraction of the cost of a store-bought version is incredibly rewarding. The ingredients are basic and accessible at any grocery store. You likely have many of them in your pantry already. By making it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients, such as using real butter and good chocolate, which elevates the final product far beyond any pre-packaged alternative.
Historical Background and Cultural Significance
The origin of Millionaire’s Shortbread is somewhat debated, but it is firmly rooted in British and Scottish baking traditions. The classic shortbread cookie itself has a long history in Scotland, dating back to the 12th century. It was considered a luxury item due to its high butter content. The addition of caramel and chocolate layers is a more modern innovation, likely emerging in the 20th century as sugar and chocolate became more affordable and widely available. The name “Millionaire’s” is thought to reflect the decadently rich nature of the treat, making the eater feel wealthy.
Culturally, Millionaire’s Shortbread holds a special place as a staple in British bakeries and home kitchens. It is a common sight at bake sales, school fetes, and afternoon tea spreads. The dessert represents a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Its popularity spread across the Commonwealth and into the United States, where it is often known as caramel shortbread. The dessert’s enduring appeal lies in its perfect textural contrast and universally loved flavor combination.
The evolution of the recipe from individual bars to a lasagna-style pan dessert is a testament to its adaptability. The lasagna format speaks to modern desires for shareable, make-ahead desserts that feed a crowd. This no-bake interpretation is a direct response to the need for convenience without sacrificing flavor or quality. It takes the core elements of the traditional confection and reimagines them for contemporary eating habits, where communal desserts and visual appeal are highly valued.
Regional variations of this concept exist around the world. In Australia, for example, a similar dessert might include a layer of desiccated coconut. Some American versions incorporate a layer of peanut butter or salt flakes on top of the chocolate. In France, a “Twix” tart mimics similar flavors. This No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna is part of that ongoing evolution, a delicious and practical variation that honors the classic while embracing modern ease.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Let’s start with the shortbread cookies. Traditional shortbread is made from flour, sugar, and a high proportion of butter. For this no-bake dessert, using pre-made shortbread cookies saves immense time and ensures a consistent, crumbly base. Shortbread has a distinct, buttery flavor that is less sweet than other cookies, which provides a crucial savory balance to the sweet layers above. When selecting cookies, look for a brand that uses real butter for the best flavor. For a gluten-free version, several brands offer excellent gluten-free shortbread cookies that work perfectly.
The caramel layer is the heart of this dessert, and its key ingredient is sweetened condensed milk. This canned milk product is milk that has had about 60% of its water removed and is heavily sweetened with sugar. When heated with butter and brown sugar, it transforms into a thick, luscious caramel. The magic of sweetened condensed milk in no-bake desserts is its ability to thicken and set without baking. Be sure to use full-fat sweetened condensed milk for the creamiest texture; low-fat versions can result in a less rich caramel.
Butter is the workhorse ingredient, appearing in every layer. In the base, it acts as the binding agent for the crushed cookies. In the caramel, it contributes to the silky mouthfeel and rich flavor. For the chocolate ganache, it adds shine and a velvety texture. Using a high-quality, unsalted butter is recommended because it allows you to control the salt level. The flavor of your butter will directly impact the flavor of the entire dessert, so don’t compromise here.
Chocolate is the crowning glory. For the ganache layer, semi-sweet chocolate is ideal as it provides a balance between sweetness and cocoa intensity, which cuts through the richness of the caramel. You can use chocolate chips or a baking bar chopped into small pieces. The quality of chocolate matters significantly. A chocolate with a cocoa content between 50-60% will yield the best results. Avoid using chocolate that is too dark, as it can become bitter and overpower the other layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not crushing the cookies finely enough. If the shortbread pieces are too large, the base will not hold together properly when sliced. Aim for a consistency similar to coarse sand for a firm, cohesive foundation.
- Rushing the setting time. This is the most common error. Each layer needs sufficient time to chill and set before adding the next. If you add warm caramel to the base, it will make the base soggy. Similarly, warm ganache will melt the caramel layer.
- Overheating the caramel mixture. When making the caramel, you only need to heat it until the butter is melted and the ingredients are combined. Boiling it can cause the mixture to separate or become grainy, ruining the smooth texture.
- Using the wrong type of chocolate for the ganache. Milk chocolate can make the top layer overly sweet when combined with the already sweet caramel. Semi-sweet chocolate provides the necessary balance. Also, ensure your heavy cream is hot enough to properly melt the chocolate.
- Skimping on the butter in the base. The melted butter is what binds the crushed cookies together. Using too little will result in a crumbly base that falls apart when you try to serve the dessert.
- Spreading the caramel layer on a warm base. Always ensure the base has been chilled until it is completely firm. A cool base provides a stable platform for the soft caramel.
- Not lining the pan with parchment paper. This dessert is very rich and can stick to the pan. Leaving an overhang of parchment paper creates “handles” that allow you to lift the entire lasagna out for clean, easy slicing.
- Cutting the dessert before it’s fully set. Impatience leads to messy slices. For the cleanest layers, allow the fully assembled dessert to chill for the full recommended time, or even overnight.
Essential Techniques
The first crucial technique is creating a proper crumb crust. You must crush the cookies to a fine, even consistency. A food processor is the most efficient tool for this, but you can also place the cookies in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The goal is a texture that resembles coarse sand. This ensures that when mixed with the melted butter, the crumbs will pack down into a dense, firm layer that can support the weight of the caramel and chocolate. An uneven crust with large chunks will be difficult to slice neatly.
Mastering the no-cook caramel is simple but vital. The process involves gently heating the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan. The key is to heat it only until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, stirring constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Once smooth, you remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled base. This cooling step is important; it thickens the caramel slightly, preventing it from being too runny and soaking into the shortbread base.
Creating a flawless chocolate ganache is the final technical step. Ganache is a simple emulsion of chocolate and cream. You pour hot heavy cream over chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring. This gentle melting process prevents the chocolate from seizing and ensures a glossy, smooth finish. Stir slowly from the center outward to create a stable emulsion. If the ganache is too thin, it will run over the caramel layers. If it’s too thick, it will be difficult to spread. The ratio in this recipe is designed for a perfect spreading consistency that sets firm.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna
- For an extra flavor dimension, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel layer. The salt will heighten the caramel’s sweetness and add a sophisticated touch.
- Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to firmly press the shortbread crust into the pan. A tightly packed base is essential for clean slices.
- To prevent a skin from forming on the caramel as it cools, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto its surface before refrigerating.
- For a decorative finish, you can sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or crushed shortbread crumbs over the wet ganache before it sets.
- When cutting, dip your sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. This will give you impeccably clean layers.
- For the ultimate clean slices, chill the entire assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
- If your kitchen is very warm, let the dessert sit at room temperature for just 5-10 minutes before slicing to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
Variations and Adaptations
There are numerous ways to put a personal spin on this classic. For a regional twist, consider adding a layer of peanut butter mixed with a little powdered sugar between the caramel and chocolate, mimicking an American candy bar. Alternatively, stir some desiccated coconut into the shortbread base for a tropical flair. For a festive touch during the holidays, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the chocolate ganache layer.
Seasonal adaptations are easy to implement. In the autumn, incorporate a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the shortbread crust. During the winter holidays, you can sprinkle crushed candy canes over the set ganache. For a summer berry version, you can add a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the shortbread and caramel layers, introducing a fruity tang that cuts through the richness.
Dietary modifications are straightforward. For a gluten-free dessert, simply use your favorite certified gluten-free shortbread cookies. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk alternative. Ensure your chocolate is also dairy-free. For a vegan version, follow the dairy-free guidelines and use a vegan shortbread cookie. The structure and method remain exactly the same.
Serving and Presentation Guide
Plating this dessert correctly elevates it from simple to spectacular. For the cleanest presentation, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire lasagna out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Wipe a long, sharp knife with a hot, damp cloth before each cut to ensure pristine layers. Serve squares on individual plates, perhaps with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder for a restaurant-quality finish.
Garnishing ideas are simple but effective. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each slice just before serving enhances all the flavors. A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a fresh berry on the side adds color and a light, fresh contrast. For a more elegant look, you can pipe rosettes of whipped cream onto each plate before placing the square of lasagna.
Traditional accompaniments are minimal, as the dessert is rich enough on its own. However, a cup of strong black coffee or an espresso is the perfect partner, as the bitterness balances the sweetness. A glass of cold milk is also a classic and beloved pairing. For a dessert wine pairing, a sweet sherry or a late-harvest Riesling would complement the caramel notes beautifully.
Wine and Beverage Pairing
Choosing the right wine can enhance your enjoyment of this rich dessert. A sweet, fortified wine like a Tawny Port is an excellent choice. Its nutty, caramelized flavors mirror the notes in the dessert, and its sweetness level matches that of the lasagna without overpowering it. Alternatively, a French Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling from Germany or Washington State offers honeyed apricot flavors that harmonize beautifully with the caramel and provide a bright acidity to cleanse the palate.
For non-alcoholic alternatives, consider a dark roast cold brew coffee. Its deep, slightly bitter notes provide a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness. A chai tea latte, with its warm spices of cinnamon and cardamom, is another wonderful pairing that adds complexity. For a simpler option, a glass of cold, whole milk is a timeless and comforting choice that helps balance the richness.
If you prefer coffee or tea, the serving temperature is key. Serve coffee hot and strong, or well-chilled as cold brew. The bitterness acts as a palate cleanser. A black breakfast tea like English Breakfast or Earl Grey also works well, as the tannins cut through the fat from the butter and cream. Avoid adding too much sugar to your beverage, as the dessert provides plenty of sweetness on its own.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the texture and flavor of your No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna. Always store it covered in the refrigerator. You can cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. The cold environment keeps the layers firm and prevents the ganache from softening. Properly stored, this dessert will keep well for up to 5 days.
Be aware of signs of spoilage. While the high sugar content acts as a natural preservative, you should discard the dessert if you notice any off odors, such as a sour smell. Visible mold is another clear indicator it is no longer safe to eat. The texture may soften slightly over time, but this does not mean it has spoiled. Separation of the layers is also a quality issue, not a safety one.
This dessert is not ideal for reheating, as the layers are designed to be served cold. However, if you find it too hard straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to slightly soften the caramel and chocolate. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Wrap the whole pan or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Make Ahead Strategies
This dessert is a champion of make-ahead preparation. In fact, it benefits greatly from being made a day in advance. This extended chilling time allows the layers to fully set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can follow the recipe exactly as written, simply preparing it the day before you plan to serve it. Cover it tightly and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.
You can also prepare it in stages over two days. For example, you can make and chill the shortbread base on day one. On day two, prepare the caramel layer, pour it over the base, and let it chill. Later that day, add the chocolate ganache. This breaks the recipe into manageable chunks of time, which is perfect for busy schedules. The quality will be identical to making it all at once.
When making it ahead, consider adding any fresh garnishes, like whipped cream or berries, only at the moment of serving. These elements do not hold up well in the fridge for extended periods and can weep moisture onto the dessert. The main components—base, caramel, and ganache—are all perfectly stable and will only improve with a longer, undisturbed chill.
Scaling Instructions
This recipe scales very well for different occasions. To make a smaller batch, simply halve all the ingredients and use an 8×8 inch square baking pan. The preparation method and chilling times remain exactly the same. This is perfect for smaller families or when you don’t need a full 12 servings.
Doubling the recipe is also straightforward for feeding a large crowd. Double all ingredients and use a standard large rimmed baking sheet (approximately 13×18 inches). This will create a thinner dessert but will yield a very large quantity. Be sure to mix the caramel in a large enough pot, as the volume will be significant. The chilling time may need to be extended by an hour or two to ensure the center sets completely due to the larger mass.
When scaling, the only equipment adjustment you might need is a larger saucepan for the caramel. The timing for each step (mixing, melting) remains largely unchanged. The most important consideration with scaling is the chilling time. A larger, thicker dessert will take longer to set through the center. Always rely on the firmness of the layers as your guide rather than a strict timer.
Nutritional Deep Dive
This No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna is an indulgent dessert, and understanding its nutritional profile helps with mindful enjoyment. A single serving provides a significant amount of energy, primarily from carbohydrates and fats. The carbohydrates come from the sugars in the cookies, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and chocolate. These provide a quick source of energy. The fats are derived from the butter, cream, and cocoa butter in the chocolate, which contribute to the dessert’s rich, satisfying mouthfeel and help slow the absorption of sugars.
In terms of micronutrients, the dairy ingredients provide calcium and vitamin D. The dark chocolate can be a source of iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese, as well as antioxidants like flavonoids. However, these beneficial components are present alongside high levels of saturated fat and added sugar. Consequently, this is a dessert best savored in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
For those managing their weight, portion control is key. The recipe is designed to yield 12 generous servings. Cutting the pan into 16 smaller squares is an easy way to reduce the calorie count per portion while still allowing for a taste of this decadent treat. Pairing a small slice with a serving of fresh fruit can also help create a more balanced dessert plate, adding fiber and volume.
Dietary Adaptations
Creating a gluten-free version is incredibly simple. The only ingredient that typically contains gluten is the shortbread cookies. Fortunately, many excellent gluten-free shortbread cookies are available on the market. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free brand in a 1:1 ratio. Ensure all other ingredients, like the chocolate, are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern. The method and results will be identical to the original recipe.
For a dairy-free adaptation, you will need to make a few smart swaps. Use a high-quality vegan butter substitute for the butter in all three layers. For the sweetened condensed milk, look for a sweetened condensed coconut milk product, which is now available in many health food stores and online. For the heavy cream in the ganache, use a full-fat, plain, unsweetened coconut cream. Finally, choose a dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chip or bar. The final dessert will be slightly different in flavor but still deliciously rich.
A vegan version builds on the dairy-free adaptations. Follow all the dairy-free guidelines for butter, condensed milk, cream, and chocolate. The final check is to ensure that the shortbread cookies you use are also vegan, as some brands contain butter. Many simple butter cookie recipes are naturally vegan or can be easily made so. With these swaps, you can create a fully plant-based dessert that retains all the luxurious texture and layered appeal of the original.
Troubleshooting Guide
If your base is too crumbly and doesn’t hold together, the most likely cause is insufficient butter. The melted butter is the glue that binds the cookie crumbs. Next time, ensure you are using the correct amount and mixing it thoroughly so all the crumbs are moistened. If you’ve already made it, there’s no way to fix it after the fact, but it will still taste delicious eaten with a spoon.
A runny caramel layer that doesn’t set usually indicates it wasn’t cooled enough before being added to the base, or the dessert hasn’t chilled long enough. The caramel thickens significantly as it cools. Always let the cooked caramel cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, before pouring it over the chilled base. Then, refrigerate until it is completely firm to the touch before adding the chocolate layer.
If your chocolate ganache is grainy or has seized, it means the chocolate was overheated or a small amount of water got into the mixture. Unfortunately, seized ganache is difficult to salvage. To prevent this, ensure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. When making the ganache, pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring to allow the chocolate to melt gently.
Recipe Success Stories
We love hearing from our community of bakers who have tried this recipe. One reader, Sarah from Ohio, shared that she made this for a church potluck and it was the first dessert to disappear. She added a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top and received countless compliments. Another home cook, Mark, reported that his kids loved being involved in the process, especially crushing the cookies and sprinkling the final toppings.
Many readers have successfully adapted the recipe to suit their needs. A common success story involves using gluten-free cookies with great results. One baker created a stunning holiday version by adding crushed peppermint candies to the chocolate layer and drizzling the top with white chocolate. These adaptations show the versatility of the recipe and how it can be a canvas for creativity while still delivering on its promise of a decadent, no-bake treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade shortbread instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely. You can use your favorite homemade shortbread recipe. Simply bake it, let it cool completely, and then crumble it into fine crumbs. You will need about 4 cups of crumbs. The advantage of store-bought is convenience and consistency, but homemade will add a wonderful, personal touch.
Q: My caramel layer is too soft. What did I do wrong?
A: A soft caramel layer is usually due to insufficient chilling time. This dessert requires patience. Ensure each layer is completely firm and cold before adding the next. The caramel can take 1-2 hours to set properly in the fridge. If you are in a warm kitchen, it may need even longer.
Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Yes, this dessert freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the entire pan (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture may be slightly firmer but will be just as delicious.
Q: Is there a way to make this less sweet?
A: To reduce the sweetness, use a semi-sweet or even bittersweet chocolate for the ganache (around 60-70% cocoa). You can also reduce the brown sugar in the caramel layer by a quarter cup, though this may slightly affect the texture and setting ability.
Q: How far in advance can I make this?
A: You can make this dessert up to 2 days in advance. In fact, it often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?
A: While shortbread is traditional for its buttery, not-too-sweet flavor, you can experiment. Graham crackers or digestive biscuits are popular alternatives. Keep in mind that this will change the overall flavor profile, but it will still be a delicious no-bake dessert.
Additional Resources
If you enjoyed the process of creating this No-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna, you might love exploring other no-bake desserts. Consider trying a no-bake cheesecake with a similar crumb crust, or a layered icebox cake for another cool, easy treat. The technique of creating layers in a pan is versatile and can be applied to many different flavor combinations.
For those looking to deepen their dessert skills, mastering a cooked caramel from scratch is a rewarding next step. Understanding the stages of sugar cooking opens up a world of candy and dessert sauces. Additionally, learning about the different types of chocolate and their cocoa percentages will help you become more confident in customizing recipes to your taste preferences.
When it comes to equipment, a good quality 9×13-inch pan is a kitchen workhorse. Look for one with straight sides for the cleanest layers. A digital kitchen scale is also invaluable for baking, as it provides the most accurate measurements, especially when scaling recipes up or down. Finally, a reliable instant-read thermometer is useful for more advanced candy-making, ensuring your sugar syrups reach the perfect temperature.
PrintNo-Bake Millionaire’s Shortbread Lasagna
Description
A decadent, no-bake dessert that layers the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and shortbread into a lasagna-style treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 package shortbread cookies, crushed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Combine crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the base layer.
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a caramel consistency. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour half of the caramel mixture over the shortbread base. Sprinkle with half of the chocolate chips.
- Repeat layers with remaining caramel and chocolate chips. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
I’m Shaykee—born in Morocco, seasoned across continents. From airplane galleys to home kitchens, I share the flavors and stories that shaped my journey.