Millionaire Brownies

These Millionaire Brownies are a delightful treat that brings together a rich buttery shortbread crust, luscious caramel layers, and a decadent chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet craving, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out from regular brownies, elevating your dessert game effortlessly.

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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 Shortbread Base
• For the Brownie Layer
• For the Ganache Topping
• How to Make Millionaire Brownies
• Step 1: Prepare the Base
• Step 2: Make the Shortbread Layer
• Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter
• Step 4: Create the Ganache
• Step 5: Assemble
• Step 6: Slice & Serve
• How to Serve Millionaire Brownies
• Classic Serving
• Drizzled with Caramel
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• With Fresh Berries
• A Dusting of Powdered Sugar
• 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
• What are Millionaire Brownies?
• Can I customize my Millionaire Brownies?
• How do I prevent my Millionaire Brownies from being too sweet?
• How do I know when my Millionaire Brownies are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The rich layers of caramel and chocolate create an indulgent taste experience.
• Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appeal, these millionaire brownies are straightforward to prepare, making them ideal for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a party, potluck, or cozy night in.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers and finishing touch of flaky sea salt make these brownies visually stunning.
• Make-Ahead Option: These millionaire brownies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To create these millionaire brownies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and achieving the right thickness for your brownies.
• Electric mixer: Quickly combines ingredients to achieve a smooth batter without much effort.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down bowls and ensuring you get every bit of your delicious batter into the pan.

Ingredients

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

For the Shortbread Base

• 2/3 cup 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 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 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)
• 1 Tbsp light corn syrup – optional (20g)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
• Flaky sea salt – garnish

How to Make Millionaire Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by preheating 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.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Layer

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter chunks, brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Mix until smooth.

In another bowl:
2. Whisk together flour and powdered sugar until well blended.

1. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined.

2. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a separate bowl:
1. Cream together room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy.

Add in:
2. Eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed.
3. Then incorporate oil and vanilla extract until smooth.

In another bowl:
4. Combine flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chopped dark chocolate chips, and fine salt.

1. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.

2. Pour brownie batter over baked shortbread layer in the pan.

3. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set but slightly fudgy in the center.

Step 4: Create the Ganache

While brownies bake:
1. Heat heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.

1. Remove from heat; add dark chocolate chips and stir until melted and glossy.

2. Stir in room temperature butter and optional light corn syrup until well blended.

Step 5: Assemble

Once brownies have cooled slightly:
1. Pour ganache over baked brownie layer evenly.

1. Allow to set at room temperature for about an hour before garnishing with flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Cut into squares once completely cooled and enjoy your delightful millionaire brownies!

How to Serve Millionaire Brownies

Millionaire brownies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple dessert or something more extravagant, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled with Caramel

• Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the brownies just before serving for an extra sweet touch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each brownie for a light and airy texture that complements the rich flavors.

With Fresh Berries

• Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a tart balance that cuts through the sweetness.

A Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the brownies with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant presentation.

How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies

To achieve the perfect millionaire brownies, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and better incorporation.

• Sift your dry ingredients – Sifting cocoa powder and flour prevents lumps, resulting in a smoother brownie texture.

• Chill the caramel layer – Allowing the caramel to set slightly before adding the ganache creates distinct layers and prevents mixing.

• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your brownies during baking. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs for that fudgy texture.

• Let them cool completely – For cleaner cuts, let your brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

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Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies

Pairing side dishes with millionaire brownies can enhance their flavor profile. Here are some delicious options to try alongside this decadent treat.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the rich chocolate flavors.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and natural sweetness, making it a great contrast.
3. Chocolate Sauce – Serve warmed chocolate sauce on the side for drizzling over each brownie slice.
4. Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.
5. Caramel Sauce – Enhance the caramel layers by serving more caramel sauce on the side; it’s rich and indulgent.
6. Nutty Trail Mix – A crunchy nut mix gives a textural contrast while adding healthy fats to your dessert platter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making millionaire brownies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can turn this treat into a disaster. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Batter: This can make your brownies dense and chewy rather than soft and fudgy. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances flavor in desserts. Without it, your millionaire brownies may taste flat. Always include the recommended salt in your recipe.
• Not Prepping Your Pan: Failing to grease or line your baking pan can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper or non-stick spray for easy removal.
• Ignoring Temperature Instructions: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your brownies. Always preheat your oven and double-check the settings.
• Cutting Too Soon: Cutting brownies before they cool can result in a messy presentation. Let them cool completely for clean slices.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Millionaire Brownies

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy identification.

Reheating Millionaire Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 15-second increments until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about millionaire brownies that might help you perfect your baking skills.

What are Millionaire Brownies?

Millionaire brownies are decadent treats with layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate ganache, making them irresistible.

Can I customize my Millionaire Brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, swap chocolate types, or even incorporate different flavors like mint or espresso to suit your taste.

How do I prevent my Millionaire Brownies from being too sweet?

To balance sweetness, consider using dark chocolate and reducing the amount of sugar in the caramel layer while maintaining richness.

How do I know when my Millionaire Brownies are done?

The edges should appear set while the center remains slightly soft but not gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

These millionaire brownies offer a perfect mix of textures and flavors that appeal to everyone. They are versatile enough to be customized with various toppings or flavors. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!