Millionaire Brownies

These Millionaire Brownies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with luscious layers of caramel and rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for any celebration, these brownies will impress your guests at parties or make a cozy dessert for family gatherings. Their unique textures and flavors create an irresistible dessert experience that you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Layers: The combination of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate creates a multi-layered dessert that’s rich and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to whip up delicious brownies in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these brownies fit right in.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate to personalize your millionaire brownies.
• Impressive Presentation: These brownies look as good as they taste, making them great for sharing.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes all the difference when preparing millionaire brownies. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9 inch baking pan: Ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect brownie thickness.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or mess.
• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to mix butter and sugars until light and fluffy, achieving the best texture.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in ingredients and scraping down the sides of bowls.

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 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 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 Layer

• 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)
• Optional: 1 Tbsp light corn syrup – optional (20g)
• Optional: flaky sea salt – garnish

How to Make Millionaire Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×9 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine:
– The room temperature unsalted butter,
– All-purpose flour,
– Powdered sugar,
– Fine salt.

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is crumbly but sticks together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
– Sweetened condensed milk,
– Unsalted butter,
– Light brown sugar,
– Light corn syrup,
– Vanilla extract,
– Fine salt.

Stir continuously until everything is melted together and smooth. Bring to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Pour this caramel layer over the baked shortbread crust and let it set while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In another bowl, mix together:
– Granulated sugar,
– Cocoa powder,
– All-purpose flour,
– Powdered sugar,
– Fine salt.

Add in:
– Eggs,
– Vegetable oil,
– Melted unsalted butter,
– Water,
– Vanilla extract.

Mix until just combined. Fold in chopped dark chocolate chips. Pour this brownie batter over the caramel layer in your baking pan.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but moist. Let cool completely before moving on to make the ganache topping.

Step 6: Prepare the Ganache Topping

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm heavy whipping cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in dark chocolate chips until melted. Add room temperature unsalted butter for richness. If desired, stir in light corn syrup for shine.

Pour this ganache over cooled brownies and spread evenly. Allow it to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.

Step 7: Serve Your Millionaire Brownies

Once set, cut into squares and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving. Enjoy these millionaire brownies as a luxurious dessert that everyone will love!

How to Serve Millionaire Brownies

Serving millionaire brownies can elevate your dessert experience. These rich and indulgent treats can be enjoyed in various delightful ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

With Fresh Berries

• Pairing millionaire brownies with fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serving these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream creates a delectable combination that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For an extra indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving. This enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful presentation.

Sprinkled with Flaky Sea Salt

• Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the brownies.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can lighten up the richness of millionaire brownies, providing a creamy texture that complements every bite.

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How to Perfect Millionaire Brownies

Creating the perfect millionaire brownies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out deliciously every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring butter, eggs, and cream are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking.

• Sift dry ingredients – Sifting flour and cocoa powder removes lumps and ensures even distribution throughout the batter for a consistent texture.

• Don’t overmix – Mixing just until combined keeps the brownies fudgy. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies instead of that desired soft texture.

• Check for doneness – Use a toothpick to test; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. This indicates they are perfectly baked.

• Cool completely before cutting – Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan helps them set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Brownies

Pairing side dishes with millionaire brownies can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic and comforting, vanilla ice cream pairs well with the rich flavors of millionaire brownies.

2. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances the sweetness of the brownies.

3. Chocolate Sauce – Offering warm chocolate sauce for drizzling allows guests to customize their dessert experience.

4. Caramel Sauce – A side of caramel sauce complements the brownie’s filling and adds an extra layer of flavor when served warm.

5. Coffee or Espresso – Brewed coffee or espresso enhances chocolate flavors, making it an ideal beverage pairing for these decadent treats.

6. Nutty Trail Mix – A crunchy nutty trail mix provides texture contrast and balances out the softness of millionaire brownies wonderfully.

7. Cheesecake Bites – Small cheesecake bites offer a creamy counterpart that contrasts beautifully with rich brownie layers.

8. Milkshake – A thick milkshake made from vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds an indulgent beverage option that pairs perfectly with these brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making millionaire brownies can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause your brownies to become tough. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin your brownies. Always measure ingredients precisely for consistent results.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into brownies before they cool properly can result in a messy slice. Allow them to cool completely before serving for cleaner cuts.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

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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 brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Millionaire Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in 15-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about millionaire brownies that might help clarify any doubts you have.

What are Millionaire Brownies?

Millionaire brownies are rich desserts featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with layers of caramel and chocolate ganache.

How do I make Millionaire Brownies from scratch?

Follow our detailed recipe for millionaire brownies, ensuring you measure ingredients accurately and follow each step for the best results.

Can I customize my Millionaire Brownies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even flavored extracts to tailor your millionaire brownies to your taste.

How long do Millionaire Brownies last?

When stored correctly, millionaire brownies can last up to one week in the fridge or three months in the freezer.

Are Millionaire Brownies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free millionaire brownies, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend while maintaining other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These millionaire brownies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or flavors to satisfy different cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!