Millionaire Brownies

These Millionaire Brownies are a dessert lover’s dream, combining a rich buttery shortbread crust with layers of luscious caramel and smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress. Their unique texture and flavor make them an indulgent treat that stands out among traditional brownies.

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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 Crust
• For the Brownie Layer
• For the Ganache Topping
• How to Make Millionaire Brownies
• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
• Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
• Step 3: Bake the Shortbread Layer
• Step 4: Prepare the Brownie Batter
• Step 5: Assemble and Bake Brownies
• Step 6: Prepare Ganache Topping
• Step 7: Finish Up
• How to Serve Millionaire Brownies
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
• Topped with Fresh Berries
• Served Warm
• With 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
• Can I make millionaire brownies without condensed milk?
• How do I achieve a perfect shortbread crust?
• What should I do if my chocolate ganache separates?
• How do I know when millionaire brownies are done?
• Can I customize millionaire brownies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet caramel creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
• Decadent Layers: Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures from the shortbread base to the creamy ganache topping.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these millionaire brownies fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this impressive dessert without any fuss.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or drizzles to make them even more special!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your millionaire brownies, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A 9×9 inch pan is perfect for achieving the ideal thickness for your brownies.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep ingredients organized as you layer your delicious brownie components together.
• Whisk: This tool helps create a smooth batter by blending ingredients thoroughly.
• Rubber Spatula: It ensures every bit of your batter is transferred from bowl to pan without wasting any deliciousness.

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 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)

Garnish with flakey sea salt for an extra touch!

How to Make Millionaire Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to lift out the brownies later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, chunks of unsalted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Stir until the mixture is completely melted and combined.
3. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Bake the Shortbread Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shortbread layer for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the brownie layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract until combined.

In another bowl:
– Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt.

Now gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until no flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Brownies

Pour brownie batter over the cooled shortbread layer in your baking pan. Spread evenly:
– Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but still moist.

Step 6: Prepare Ganache Topping

While brownies bake:
– Heat heavy whipping cream in a saucepan until just boiling.
– Remove from heat and add dark chocolate chips along with unsalted butter.
– Let sit for about five minutes before stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Finish Up

Once brownies are baked:
– Pour ganache over hot brownies ensuring even coverage.
– Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your homemade millionaire brownies!

How to Serve Millionaire Brownies

Millionaire brownies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and caramel layers, adding a creamy texture.
• Try salted caramel ice cream for an extra flavor kick that complements the brownies perfectly.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch, enhancing the sweetness of the brownies.
• For added flair, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the caramel.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast to the sweet brownie and balance out the richness.
• Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing twist.

Served Warm

• Slightly warming the brownies in the microwave makes them gooey and enhances their chocolaty goodness.
• Pair warm brownies with any cold topping for a delightful temperature contrast.

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your millionaire brownies an elegant look and adds a touch of sweetness.
• This simple presentation is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

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How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies

Creating perfect millionaire brownies requires attention to detail and careful execution. Here are some tips to ensure your brownies turn out amazing every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift cocoa powder: Sifting cocoa powder helps avoid clumps, ensuring smooth brownie batter and even flavor distribution.
• Chill before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean edges and prevents them from falling apart.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; slightly underbaking will keep your brownies fudgy and moist.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even crushed cookies on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies

Pairing millionaires brownies with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these delicious options to serve alongside:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess to balance the rich flavors of the brownies.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
3. Whipped Cream – Light and airy whipped cream offers a delightful texture that pairs well with dense brownie layers.
4. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzling chocolate sauce intensifies the chocolaty goodness and makes each bite more decadent.
5. Coffee – A strong cup of coffee cuts through sweetness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy bittersweet flavor combinations.
6. Milk – A glass of cold milk is always a satisfying choice, helping wash down the richness of millionaire brownies.

These suggestions will surely make your millionaire brownie experience even more enjoyable!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making millionaire brownies can be simple, but it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your brownies. Always let them come to room temperature for best results.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for that perfect fudgy texture.

• Not properly measuring ingredients: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately to avoid too much or too little of any component.

• Ignoring the baking time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your brownies and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

• Neglecting to line the pan: Without parchment paper or grease, your brownies may stick. Always prepare your baking dish properly for easy removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Millionaire brownies last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Millionaire Brownies

• Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container; they will stay fresh for up to three months.

Reheating Millionaire Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm brownies for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about millionaire brownies, you’re not alone! Here are some FAQs that might help.

Can I make millionaire brownies without condensed milk?

Yes, you can substitute it with homemade caramel or other creamy alternatives if needed.

How do I achieve a perfect shortbread crust?

Ensure your butter is cold and mix just until combined. This will keep your crust flaky and delicious.

What should I do if my chocolate ganache separates?

If this happens, gently reheat while stirring continuously until smooth again.

How do I know when millionaire brownies are done?

Look for slight cracks on top and a set edge while the center remains soft but not liquidy.

Can I customize millionaire brownies?

Absolutely! Add nuts, caramel swirls, or different chocolate types to create your unique version!

Final Thoughts

Millionaire brownies are truly delightful with their rich layers of flavor and texture. They’re perfect as a dessert or a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize them with nuts or different chocolates to suit your taste!