These Millionaire Brownies are a true dessert lover’s dream! With a buttery shortbread crust, rich layers of caramel, and luscious chocolate ganache, they are perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night at home. The combination of flavors and textures makes these brownies stand out among other desserts, ensuring they will be a hit with family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Layers: Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires simple ingredients you likely already have.
Versatile Treat: Serve these brownies at any event or enjoy them as an indulgent snack at home.
Impressive Presentation: The layered look makes these brownies an impressive dessert to showcase.
Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your millionaire brownie adventure, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×9-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

9×9-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness for your brownies.
Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized while mixing different layers.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredients go to waste.

Ingredients

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

For the Shortbread Crust

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 Brownie Layer

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)
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 Chocolate Ganache Topping

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)
(Optional) – 1 Tbsp light corn syrup – optional (20g)
(Optional) – flakey sea salt – garnish

How to Make Millionaire Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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 after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a medium saucepan over low heat:
1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter chunks, brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and fine salt.
2. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and powdered sugar.
4. Gradually mix in the melted mixture until well combined.
5. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Shortbread Crust

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the brownie layer.

Step 4: Make the Brownie Batter

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat together room temperature butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time and mix well.
3. Stir in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl:
4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chopped dark chocolate chips, and salt.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake Brownies

Pour brownie batter over cooled shortbread crust in the baking pan:
1. Spread it evenly using a rubber spatula.
2. Bake for about 25 minutes or until set but slightly soft in center.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache Topping

While brownies are baking:
In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Heat heavy whipping cream until just simmering but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat; add dark chocolate chips and butter.
3. Let sit for two minutes before stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Once brownies are baked:
1. Pour ganache over warm brownies smoothing out evenly.
2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
3. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delightful Millionaire Brownies!

How to Serve Millionaire Brownies

Millionaire brownies are a rich and indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions or as a delightful dessert after a meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

Strawberries: Juicy strawberries complement the sweetness of the brownies and add a refreshing touch.
Raspberries: Tart raspberries offer a wonderful contrast to the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the richness of millionaire brownies.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For those who love caramel, this flavor adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the dessert’s decadence and makes it even more irresistible.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the dense brownies.

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting gives these brownies an elegant finish and a touch of sweetness.

How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies

To achieve the best millionaire brownies, follow these expert tips for a flawless bake.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Sift Your Cocoa Powder: Sifting ensures there are no lumps, resulting in a smoother brownie batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your brownies fudgy and avoid toughness.
Chill Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting for clean edges.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Flakey sea salt on top enhances flavor and presentation, making them even more appealing.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies

Pairing your millionaire brownies with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the brownies.
Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy, this dessert enhances chocolate flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Espresso or Coffee: The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with sweet desserts, enhancing their taste.
Cheesecake Bites: Small portions of cheesecake introduce different textures while still being decadent.
Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and can be served on top or alongside for added flavor contrast.
Caramel Sauce Dipping Bowl: For those who enjoy extra sweetness, serve additional caramel sauce on the side for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making millionaire brownies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Overbaking the brownies: Baking for too long can dry out your brownies. Stick to the recommended time and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavors, especially in sweet recipes. Don’t skip this step; it balances the sweetness perfectly.
Not chilling the caramel: Allowing the caramel layer to cool properly ensures it sets correctly. Be patient and give it time before assembling.
Using too much cocoa powder: Too much cocoa can make brownies dry and bitter. Measure carefully to maintain that rich, chocolatey flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store millionaire brownies in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Millionaire Brownies

Wrap individually in plastic wrap then place in an airtight container.
These brownies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Millionaire Brownies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes for a fresh taste.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place on low heat in a non-stick pan, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about millionaire brownies that might help you perfect your baking experience!

What are Millionaire Brownies?

Millionaire brownies are decadent bars made with layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and chocolate ganache.

How do I make Millionaire Brownies from scratch?

Follow our detailed recipe above for step-by-step instructions on creating these delicious millionaire brownies at home.

Can I customize my Millionaire Brownies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate types, or even infuse flavors like espresso or mint for your unique twist.

Are Millionaire Brownies suitable for special diets?

While traditional recipes include dairy and gluten, there are many substitutes available to create vegan or gluten-free versions.

Final Thoughts

These millionaire brownies offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that appeal to every dessert lover. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on personal taste or dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful layers of caramel and chocolate that make each bite heavenly!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Millionaire Brownies

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 18 servings 1x

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Description

Millionaire Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. With a buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel layer, and rich chocolate ganache topping, these brownies create a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy nights in. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they provide a delightful treat that will impress family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream and fresh berries, these decadent brownie bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1/2 tsp fine salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp fine salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped
1/2 tsp fine salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp water
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips (60-65% cocoa)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
flaky sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Prepare the shortbread crust by melting sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan. Mix with flour and press into the pan.
Bake for 15 minutes until golden; allow cooling.
For the brownie batter, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, oil, and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately and fold into the wet mixture.
Pour brownie batter over the cooled crust and bake for about 25 minutes.
Prepare ganache by heating cream and mixing in dark chocolate chips until smooth; pour over warm brownies.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American