Name: Raspberry Swirled Million Dollar Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the shortbread.; 125g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Creates a flaky shortbread base.; 75g (⅓ cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the shortbread.; ½ tsp (2.5ml) Vanilla Extract: Enhances shortbread flavor.; Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness.; 200g (1 cup) Dark Brown Sugar: Forms the chewy caramel layer.; 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth caramel.; 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the caramel.; 1 tsp (5ml) Orange Zest: Brightens the caramel with citrus.; ¼ tsp (1.25ml) Ground Cardamom: Adds aromatic spice to the caramel.; Pinch of Sea Salt: Enhances caramel sweetness.; 200g (7oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa): Provides a rich chocolate topping.; 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Adds shine to the chocolate.; 2 tbsp (30ml) Raspberry Puree: Creates a raspberry swirl.; 1 tbsp (15g) Toasted Almonds: Adds a crunchy garnish.; 2 Fresh Raspberries: Adds a fresh garnish.

Description

Indulge in Raspberry Swirled Million Dollar Bars, a decadent treat featuring a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel, and a stunning raspberry-infused chocolate topping. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious self-treat.

Ingredients

Scale

250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the shortbread.
125g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Creates a flaky shortbread base.
75g (⅓ cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the shortbread.
½ tsp (2.5ml) Vanilla Extract: Enhances shortbread flavor.
Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness.
200g (1 cup) Dark Brown Sugar: Forms the chewy caramel layer.
120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth caramel.
60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the caramel.
1 tsp (5ml) Orange Zest: Brightens the caramel with citrus.
¼ tsp (1.25ml) Ground Cardamom: Adds aromatic spice to the caramel.
Pinch of Sea Salt: Enhances caramel sweetness.
200g (7oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa): Provides a rich chocolate topping.
30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Adds shine to the chocolate.
2 tbsp (30ml) Raspberry Puree: Creates a raspberry swirl.
1 tbsp (15g) Toasted Almonds: Adds a crunchy garnish.
2 Fresh Raspberries: Adds a fresh garnish.

Instructions

Prepare Pan & Preheat: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a 20x20cm (8×8 inch) pan with parchment paper.
Craft Shortbread Base: Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla and salt, then mix in flour until crumbly.
Press & Bake Shortbread: Press dough into pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until pale golden.
Create Luscious Caramel: Cook brown sugar, butter, cream, orange zest, cardamom, and salt until thickened.
Pour & Set Caramel: Pour caramel over shortbread and let set for 20 minutes.
Melt & Swirl Chocolate: Melt chocolate and butter, stir in raspberry puree.
Top, Swirl & Chill: Pour chocolate over caramel, swirl gently, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Cut, Garnish & Serve: Cut into squares, garnish with almonds and raspberries, and serve.

Notes

For easy removal, ensure parchment paper overhangs the pan. Toasting almonds enhances their flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: raspberry,chocolate,caramel,shortbread,bars,dessert,baking,treat