Millionaire Brownies
These Millionaire Brownies are an indulgent treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with rich layers of caramel and chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive celebration, these brownies are sure to impress. Their decadent flavor and unique texture make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate ganache.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have these millionaire brownies ready in no time.
- Versatile Treat: These brownies can be served at parties, as gifts, or just for a sweet treat at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Rich and satisfying, they are guaranteed to please friends and family alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or toppings for a personal twist!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making these millionaire brownies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all your ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve the right texture for your brownie batter and caramel sauce without excess effort.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking for perfectly chewy brownies.
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)
For the Ganache Topping
- 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)
- 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)
Garnish
- Flakey sea salt
How to Make Millionaire Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chunks of unsalted butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Mix until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 2: Bake the Shortbread Layer
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the brownie layer.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter
In another bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time while mixing. Then stir in vegetable oil and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Again
Pour the brownie batter over your cooled shortbread crust. Bake in the oven for an additional 25 minutes until set but still moist in the center. Let cool before adding ganache.
Step 5: Prepare Ganache Topping
In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy whipping cream and dark chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour this ganache over your baked brownies. Allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
Step 6: Serve Your Millionaire Brownies
Once set, cut into squares and sprinkle with flakey sea salt for an extra touch of flavor! Enjoy your delicious millionaire brownies!
How to Serve Millionaire Brownies
Millionaire brownies are a rich and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. They can be served in various delightful ways to enhance their luxurious flavors.
Classic Presentation
- Serve each brownie square on its own for a simple, elegant presentation. This allows the layers of caramel and chocolate to shine.
With Ice Cream
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, fudgy brownies perfectly.
Drizzled with More Caramel
- Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for those who can’t get enough sweetness. It intensifies the flavor profile beautifully.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Lightly dollop whipped cream on each brownie piece. This adds a light texture to balance the richness of the dessert.
Garnished with Flaky Sea Salt
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving. The salt enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors, making each bite more enjoyable.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries. These fruits add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense brownie.
How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies
Achieving the ultimate millionaire brownies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to make your brownies truly exceptional.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Sift dry ingredients: Always sift cocoa powder and flour to avoid lumps, resulting in a smoother batter.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
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Cool completely before cutting: Let brownies cool fully in the pan before slicing them. This helps achieve clean edges and prevents them from crumbling.
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Store properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies
Pairing side dishes with millionaire brownies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement these rich treats well.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the fudgy texture of millionaires.
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Fresh Berries Salad: A light mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity.
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Chocolate Sauce: Serve warm chocolate sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling; it enhances the chocolate flavor immensely.
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Caramel Drizzle: A side of warm caramel sauce allows guests to customize their dessert further with extra sweetness.
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee balances out the sweetness while enhancing the flavors of chocolate and caramel.
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Nutty Granola Bar: A crunchy granola bar complements the soft brownie texture, adding a different dimension to your dessert plate.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream adds airiness; it pairs well without overpowering the flavors of millionaire brownies.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for an unexpected savory contrast that works surprisingly well with sweet desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making millionaire brownies, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until combined for a fudgy texture.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the brownies to cool properly can result in a gooey mess. Be patient and let them set before slicing.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well they mix and lead to uneven baking. Always use room temperature ingredients for better results.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin your brownies. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Ignoring the oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so always check with an oven thermometer if your brownies aren’t cooking evenly. Adjust as needed for perfect brownies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Millionaire Brownies
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Millionaire Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about millionaire brownies that might help you.
How do I make millionaire brownies?
To make millionaire brownies, start with a buttery shortbread crust, add layers of caramel, and top with chocolate ganache.
Can I customize my millionaire brownies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or toppings like flaked sea salt for extra flavor.
What is the best way to cut millionaire brownies?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe the knife after each cut for the best results.
How long do millionaire brownies last?
Millionaire brownies will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or about 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These millionaire brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or just indulging yourself. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for even more delicious variations!
Millionaire Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 brownies 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Millionaire Brownies, a treat that artfully layers a buttery shortbread crust, luscious caramel, and silky chocolate ganache. These decadent brownies are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With their rich flavors and unique textures, they promise to impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these brownies can also be customized with your favorite nuts or toppings for an extra personal touch. Get ready to create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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)
- 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 for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk, butter chunks, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Spread in the pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden; let cool.
- In another bowl, cream together room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time and mix in oil and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour brownie batter over cooled crust and bake for 25 minutes until set but moist inside.
- Prepare ganache by melting heavy cream with dark chocolate chips over low heat; pour over brownies once cooled.
- Allow ganache to set before cutting into squares; sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
