Millionaire's Shortbread (Healthy/Protein-Packed Version)
Millionaire's Shortbread (Healthy/Protein-Packed Version)
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the "Caramel" Layer
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 1/4 cup honey
For the Chocolate Topping
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
Line an 8x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily remove the shortbread later.
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, water, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down very firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan to create a compact base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure it's tightly packed.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
In a separate small bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter and honey. Mix these two ingredients together until a smooth, caramel-like consistency is achieved. It should be thick but spreadable.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Evenly spread the peanut butter "caramel" mixture over the pressed oat base in the loaf pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface right to the edges.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Break the chopped dark chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
⏱️ 3 min
- 7
Pour the melted dark chocolate over the "caramel" layer, spreading it gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a uniform top coating.
⏱️ 2 min
- 8
Generously sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate topping while it is still wet.
⏱️ 1 min
- 9
Place the loaf pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until all layers are firm and set. This is crucial for clean slicing.
⏱️ 120 min
- 10
Once thoroughly chilled and firm, remove the Millionaire's Shortbread from the pan by lifting the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into 12 individual squares or bars using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, you can warm your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between slices.
⏱️ 4 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Millionaire's Shortbread (Healthy/Protein-Packed Version)
For the Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the "Caramel" Layer
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 1/4 cup honey
For the Chocolate Topping
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
Line an 8x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily remove the shortbread later.
⏱️ 2 min - 2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, water, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down very firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan to create a compact base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure it's tightly packed.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
In a separate small bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter and honey. Mix these two ingredients together until a smooth, caramel-like consistency is achieved. It should be thick but spreadable.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Evenly spread the peanut butter "caramel" mixture over the pressed oat base in the loaf pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface right to the edges.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Break the chopped dark chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
⏱️ 3 min - 7
Pour the melted dark chocolate over the "caramel" layer, spreading it gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a uniform top coating.
⏱️ 2 min - 8
Generously sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate topping while it is still wet.
⏱️ 1 min - 9
Place the loaf pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until all layers are firm and set. This is crucial for clean slicing.
⏱️ 120 min - 10
Once thoroughly chilled and firm, remove the Millionaire's Shortbread from the pan by lifting the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into 12 individual squares or bars using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, you can warm your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between slices.
⏱️ 4 min