Millionaire Brownies

These Millionaire Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, featuring a rich buttery shortbread crust layered with luscious caramel and a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these brownies stand out with their delightful textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these brownies will leave everyone wanting more.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Caramel Layer
• For the Shortbread Crust
• For the Brownie Batter
• For the Ganache Layer
• How to Make Millionaire Brownies
• Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
• Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
• Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
• Step 4: Make the Brownie Batter
• Step 5: Bake Your Millionaire Brownies
• Step 6: Prepare the Ganache Layer
• Step 7: Chill & Serve
• How to Serve Millionaire Brownies
• With Ice Cream
• As a Dessert Bar
• Garnished with Nuts
• Served Warm
• How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies
• Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Millionaire Brownies
• Reheating Millionaire Brownies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make millionaire brownies?
• Can I customize my millionaire brownies?
• What makes millionaire brownies different from regular brownies?
• How should I store leftover millionaire brownies?
• Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and dark chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these millionaire brownies without any fuss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a casual dessert night, these brownies fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers make these brownies visually stunning and perfect for sharing.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or extra chocolate on top for personalized flair.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your millionaire brownies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and achieving the right thickness for millionaire brownies.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve a light and airy brownie batter.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredient is left behind.

Ingredients

These millionaire brownies are made with a buttery shortbread crust and topped with decadent layers of caramel and chocolate ganache.

For the Caramel Layer

• 2/3 cup (half a 14 oz. can) sweetened condensed milk (200g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks (56g)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
• 2 Tbsp light corn syrup (30g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)

For the Brownie Batter

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (65g)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65g)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped (90g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil (55g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (55g)
• 2 Tbsp water (30g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)

For the Ganache Layer

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (120g)
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips (60-65% cocoa) (120g)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (30g)
• 1 Tbsp light corn syrup – optional (20g)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
• flakey sea salt – garnish

How to Make Millionaire Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in flour and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter chunks, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and fine salt.
2. Stir constantly until everything melts together into a smooth mixture.
3. Pour this warm caramel over the cooled shortbread crust.

Step 4: Make the Brownie Batter

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together granulated sugar, cocoa powder, flour, chopped dark chocolate chips, fine salt, eggs, oil, melted butter, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour this brownie batter over the caramel layer in your prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake Your Millionaire Brownies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out slightly moist but not wet.

Step 6: Prepare the Ganache Layer

While your brownies cool slightly:
In a saucepan:
1. Heat heavy whipping cream just until simmering.
2. Remove from heat; add dark chocolate chips and stir until melted completely.
3. Stir in room-temperature unsalted butter, optional corn syrup if desired for shine.

Pour ganache over cooled brownies evenly.

Step 7: Chill & Serve

Let them cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least an hour to set properly. Once ready to serve:
– Cut into squares,
– Sprinkle flakey sea salt on top,
– Enjoy your delicious millionaire brownies!

How to Serve Millionaire Brownies

These millionaire brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging on your own, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing that balances the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream – For an extra layer of flavor that mirrors the brownie’s caramel topping.
• Chocolate Ice Cream – A double chocolate delight for true chocoholics.

As a Dessert Bar

• Cut into Small Squares – Perfect for gatherings; guests can sample different flavors.
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce – Adds an indulgent touch when served at parties.
• Top with Whipped Cream – Lightens the richness, making them even more delicious.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans – Sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Toasted Almonds – Adds a nice contrast to the softness of the brownie.

Served Warm

• Microwave for 10-15 Seconds – Enjoy the gooeyness of the ganache by serving them warm.
• Pair with Fresh Berries – Adds freshness and tartness to balance the sweetness.

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How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies

Getting your millionaire brownies just right can elevate this dessert from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter that mixes well.
• Sift Cocoa Powder – Sifting ensures there are no lumps, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your brownies; they should be soft in the center for that fudgy feel.
• Let Them Cool Completely Before Cutting – This prevents messy slices and helps maintain structure.
• Add Flakey Sea Salt as Garnish – It enhances the flavors and adds a beautiful finish.
• Store Properly – Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness longer.

Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies

Millionaire brownies pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of fruits balances out the sweet richness of the brownies.
2. Espresso or Coffee – The bitterness cuts through sweetness, making it an ideal beverage pairing.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Serve alongside fruit or pretzels for dipping, adding another layer of fun!
4. Creamy Cheesecake Bites – A small bite-sized cheesecake provides a delightful contrast in textures.
5. Peanut Butter Cookies – These add a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with chocolate and caramel.
6. Coconut Macaroons – Their chewy texture complements the fudgy brownies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Millionaire Brownies is a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Not measuring correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts, especially for flour and sugar.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps maintain their structure. Patience is important for perfect slices!
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until combined to keep them tender and fudgy.
• Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate flavor is crucial in this recipe. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate to enhance the richness of the brownies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Millionaire Brownies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Millionaire Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Millionaire Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm brownies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual brownies for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming it gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make millionaire brownies?

To make millionaire brownies, you need to prepare a buttery shortbread crust, layer it with caramel, and top it with rich chocolate ganache.

Can I customize my millionaire brownies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.

What makes millionaire brownies different from regular brownies?

Millionaire brownies feature a shortbread base and layers of caramel and ganache, making them richer than traditional brownies.

How should I store leftover millionaire brownies?

Store leftover millionaire brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor if you prefer a more intense chocolate taste in your millionaire brownies.

Final Thoughts

These Millionaire Brownies are not just desserts; they’re an indulgent treat that combines textures and flavors beautifully. Whether you enjoy them as-is or customize them with your favorite toppings, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Go ahead and bake these heavenly squares today!