If you’re looking to impress friends and family with a dazzling dessert, you’ve landed in the right spot. The no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too.
With vibrant colors and layers of deliciousness, this recipe will make you the star of any gathering without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
No Bake Unicorn Millionaires Shortbread Recipe
Creating No Bake Unicorn Millionaires Shortbread combines rich flavors and vibrant colors effortlessly. Follow these simple steps for an eye-catching dessert that pleases taste buds.
Ingredients
For my no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread, specific ingredients create the unique flavor and vibrant appearance. Gather the following components for each layer of this delightful dessert.
Biscuit Base Ingredients
- 300g shortbread biscuits: Choose any quality shortbread for the best flavor.
- 100g melted unsalted butter: Ensure this ingredient is completely melted for easy mixing.
Caramel Layer Ingredients
- 397g condensed milk: This gives a rich and creamy consistency to the caramel.
- 150g unsalted butter: Incorporate this for added richness.
- 150g light brown sugar: Use this for a hint of caramel flavor and sweetness.
- 350g white chocolate: Select a good quality chocolate for melting and decorating.
- Vegetable oil: This helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Gel food coloring in a variety of pastel colors: Choose your preferred colors for a whimsical look.
- Pretty sprinkles: Use sprinkles for finishing touches and enhanced visual appeal.
Materials
No Bake Unicorn Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients
- For the base:
- 300 g shortbread biscuits
- 100 g melted unsalted butter
- For the caramel:
- 397 g condensed milk
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 150 g light brown sugar
- For the topping:
- 350 g white chocolate
- vegetable oil
- gel food colouring in a variety of pastel colours
- pretty sprinkles!
Instructions
- For the base:
- Prepare a 9 inch by 9 inch square tin by lining it with parchment paper or thick tin foil.
- Crush the shortbread biscuits into crumbs - you can do this using a food processor, or by putting the biscuits into seal-able bag and bashing them with a rolling pin. Melt the butter and stir into the shortbread crumbs, then pour everything into the tin. Use the back of a spoon or your hand to push it down firmly and evenly into the tin. Pop into the fridge to set.
- For the caramel:
- Put the butter and sugar into a large saucepan on a medium heat, until they're melted together. Add the can of condensed milk and put it on the highest heat, bringing everything to a rolling boil. Keep on a high heat for 2-3 minutes while stirring quickly, then remove from the heat and set aside for a couple of minutes.
- Pour the caramel over the base, then pop back into the fridge while you melt the chocolate.
- For the topping:
- You'll need a few small bowls for this - I used mugs, or you can use small tupperware containers too! The first job is to melt 200g of your white chocolate in a heatproof bowl in the microwave (on 20 second intervals before stirring as white chocolate burns FAST). Once it's melted, spread over your caramel layer and set aside.
- Begin making your colourful white chocolate! To make your first colour, put a handful (around 40-50g) of white chocolate chips/chunks into a mug or bowl and melt very carefully in the microwave. Once melted, add a few drops of vegetable oil until it's slick and liquidy, then begin adding gel food colouring until you have a colour you're happy with. Add spoonfuls of that colour to the top of your caramel shortbread.
- Repeat the process with as many other colours as you want - 4 or 5 is manageable. Once all the blobs (see the pictures!) are done, use the end of a knife to swirl them together.
Notes
- If the colourful white chocolate becomes a little stiff and hard to work with, don't panic! We can fix it. Simply add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and heat it up a little more in the microwave, and give it a good stir. It will go back to being glossy and runny.
- Scatter colourful sprinkles over the Millionaire's Shortbread and weep a little at how pretty it is.
- Cut into 15 squares and keep in an airtight tub for up to a week.
This no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread recipe requires a few essential materials to ensure seamless preparation.
Baking Pan
A 9×9 inch baking pan provides the perfect size for this dessert. The square shape allows for even distribution of layers. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting.
Mixing Bowls
Use at least two mixing bowls for efficient preparation. One bowl is ideal for combining the biscuit base ingredients while another accommodates the caramel layer. Opt for medium to large bowls to allow ample mixing space without spills.
Spatula
A silicone spatula is essential for smooth mixing and scraping down the sides of bowls. This tool aids in spreading the layers evenly in the baking pan. Choose a heat-resistant spatula for added versatility during preparation.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create a colorful and delicious no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread.
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Prepare a 9 inch by 9 inch square tin by lining it with parchment paper. Crush 300g of shortbread biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing the biscuits in a sealable bag and bashing them with a rolling pin. Melt 100g of unsalted butter and mix it with the biscuit crumbs. Pour the mixture into the lined tin. Press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or your hand. Refrigerate the base until set.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
In a large saucepan, combine 150g of unsalted butter and 150g of light brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until melted. Add 397g of condensed milk and increase the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the chilled biscuit base in the tin. Spread it evenly. Place the tin back in the refrigerator to allow the caramel to set while preparing the topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Melt 350g of white chocolate in a heatproof bowl using the microwave on 20-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning. Once melted, spread the white chocolate over the layer of caramel. For the colorful chocolate, melt around 40-50g of white chocolate chips in small bowls, adding vegetable oil for a smooth consistency. Mix in gel food coloring to achieve desired colors. Spoon dollops of the colored chocolate onto the white chocolate layer, then use a knife to swirl them together.
Step 5: Chill the Dessert
After decorating with colorful chocolate, scatter sprinkles on top. Refrigerate the dessert again until completely set. Once ready, cut into 15 squares and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing the no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread with complementary items enhances the overall dessert experience. Consider the following suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor and color. The tartness balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Ice Cream: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla or rainbow sherbet. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of rich coffee or herbal tea. The warm beverage provides a delightful connection to the dessert’s indulgence.
- Themed Parties: Use the dessert as a centerpiece for unicorn-themed parties. Arrange on a decorative platter surrounded by other colorful treats for visual appeal.
- Gift Packaging: Package in clear cellophane tied with pastel ribbons for gifting. This presentation elevates the dessert, making it a lovely present for special occasions.
- Layered Dessert Cups: Serve in clear cups for individual portions. Layer pieces of the shortbread with whipped cream and sprinkles to create a fun and engaging presentation.
- Savory Pairings: Include a light cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast. Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese complement the dessert’s sweetness.
Utilizing these serving suggestions adds versatility and enhances the overall enjoyment of your no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread?
No bake unicorn millionaires shortbread is a colorful and visually appealing dessert made from layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and creamy white chocolate, all topped with vibrant gel food coloring and sprinkles. It requires no baking, making it a simple yet impressive treat for various occasions.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
For this dessert, you need crushed shortbread biscuits, melted unsalted butter, condensed milk, light brown sugar, white chocolate, gel food coloring, and decorative sprinkles. These ingredients come together to create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
How do I prepare the biscuit base?
To prepare the biscuit base, crush 300g of shortbread biscuits and mix them with 100g of melted unsalted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a lined 9×9 inch baking pan and refrigerate until set before adding the caramel layer.
What is the process for making the caramel layer?
The caramel layer is made by combining 150g of unsalted butter, 150g of light brown sugar, and 397g of condensed milk in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly, then let it cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled biscuit base.
How do I create the colorful topping?
To make the colorful topping, melt 350g of white chocolate and mix in gel food coloring in pastel shades. Swirl the colored chocolate before spreading it over the caramel layer, then decorate with sprinkles for a fun finishing touch.
How long should I chill the dessert?
After assembling the layers, chill the no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until set. This allows the layers to firm up properly, making it easier to cut into squares.
How should I store the dessert?
Store the no bake unicorn millionaires shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, ensuring you enjoy this delightful dessert for several days.
What are some serving suggestions?
Pair the dessert with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, ice cream, or a warm beverage like coffee. It also works well as a centerpiece for unicorn-themed parties or can be beautifully packaged for gifting or individual servings.