This Keto Caramel Slice, also known as Millionaire’s Shortbread, is a luxurious low-carb dessert featuring three indulgent layers: a buttery almond flour shortbread base, a rich sugar-free salted caramel center, and a smooth chocolate topping. Despite its decadent taste, this treat is keto-friendly and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. It’s an excellent choice for special occasions or whenever you crave a delightful dessert.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust:

Super fine almond flour
Oat fiber
Butter
Powdered monk fruit/erythritol sweetener
Egg
Vanilla extract

Caramel Layer:

Keto salted caramel sauce (prepared separately)

Chocolate Topping:

Sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
Butter
Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Note: Exact measurements are provided in the original recipe.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, oat fiber, and powdered sweetener. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 20 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Add the caramel layer: While the crust is baking, prepare the keto salted caramel sauce. Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the caramel sauce over it, spreading evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Prepare the chocolate topping: In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with butter, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
Chill and serve: Sprinkle flaked sea salt over the top, if desired. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until fully set. Once set, cut into small squares using a sharp knife.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 16 servings):

Calories: 307 kcal
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 5g
Net Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 9mg
Potassium: 25mg
Vitamin A: 772 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 29mg
Iron: 1mg

Why Keto Caramel Slice Is a Must-Try Dessert

Keto desserts can sometimes fall short when it comes to texture and flavor, but this recipe stands out because it manages to deliver on both fronts. The shortbread base is crumbly yet firm, creating a solid foundation that holds the caramel and chocolate layers without becoming soggy or overly dense. The caramel is rich, buttery, and slightly salted, providing a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate topping.

One of the key challenges in keto baking is replicating the texture and mouthfeel of traditional baked goods without flour or sugar. This recipe achieves that by using almond flour, which lends a tender crumb and a subtle nuttiness that complements the caramel and chocolate beautifully. Oat fiber is incorporated to add bulk and absorb moisture, helping the crust hold together well. Moreover, the salted caramel layer offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty, which helps prevent the dessert from becoming overly sweet or cloying. The chocolate topping, usually made from sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate chips, melts smoothly and hardens to a glossy finish that snaps when cut.

The Science Behind Keto Baking and Why This Recipe Works

Keto baking differs from traditional baking because it avoids wheat flour and sugar, both of which play significant roles in texture and structure. Traditional sugar caramelizes and contributes to browning and flavor development, but sugar-free alternatives require different techniques to achieve similar results.

Almond flour provides structure with its protein and fat content, but it lacks gluten, which means the dough cannot trap air or rise in the same way as wheat-based doughs. Adding oat fiber helps by absorbing moisture and giving the crust the needed density and firmness. The caramel layer uses a combination of butter, heavy cream, and keto-friendly sweeteners cooked until thickened to mimic the traditional caramel’s texture and taste. The addition of salt to the caramel is crucial, as it enhances the flavor complexity and balances the sweetness, a classic trait of millionaire’s shortbread.

Practical Tips for Making the Perfect Keto Caramel Slice

For those new to keto baking, here are some practical tips to ensure success with this recipe:

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Keto baking is more sensitive to ingredient ratios than traditional baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for almond flour and sweeteners.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a more homogenous dough and improves texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined to prevent a dense, tough crust.
Cook Caramel Slowly: When making the caramel layer, cook the mixture over medium-low heat and stir constantly. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, thick consistency.
Allow Layers to Set Properly: Don’t rush chilling times. Each layer should be fully set before adding the next to maintain clean, defined layers.
Cut with a Warm Knife: Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and then cut the slices. This prevents cracking or breaking of the chocolate layer.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

This dessert is best served chilled to maintain the firmness of the chocolate topping and caramel layer. The slices can be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator or allowed to sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer a softer texture.

Because the Keto Caramel Slice contains perishable ingredients like butter and cream, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve the texture and flavor.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes or dietary restrictions:

Nut Toppings: Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts on top of the caramel layer before pouring the chocolate adds texture and nutty flavor.
Flavored Chocolate: Incorporate keto-friendly flavored chocolates like mint or orange to create unique variations.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream in the caramel to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and a flaxseed or chia egg substitute. Be aware this might slightly alter the texture.
Salt Adjustment: The salted caramel flavor can be dialed up or down based on preference by adjusting the amount of sea salt added to the caramel and sprinkled on top.

Conclusion

The Keto Caramel Slice or Millionaire’s Shortbread is a perfect example of how traditional indulgent desserts can be successfully transformed into keto-friendly treats without compromising on flavor or texture. By using carefully selected low-carb ingredients and sugar substitutes, this dessert offers a rich, satisfying experience that aligns with ketogenic dietary goals.

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