Millionaire Brownies Recipe

Swirl into Luxury: Homemade Millionaire Brownies Recipe

Decadent layers of chocolate, caramel, and shortbread come together in this millionaire brownies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich chocolate ganache cascades over silky caramel, creating a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

A buttery shortbread base provides the perfect crunch and foundation for these luxurious treats.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of sweet caramel and deep chocolate creates an irresistible harmony that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

These brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of pure culinary bliss.

Prepare to be swept away by a chocolate experience that will make every moment feel like a million-dollar celebration.

What Makes Millionaire Brownies So Special

What Makes Millionaire Brownies So Special
  • Transform ordinary brownies into a luxurious treat that feels like a gourmet restaurant-quality indulgence, making every bite an extraordinary moment of pure bliss.
  • Master the art of caramel-making with simple step-by-step instructions that guide even novice bakers through creating a rich, velvety caramel sauce without intimidation.
  • Impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or special occasions with a decadent dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, elevating your culinary reputation.
  • Easily adapt the recipe to personal preferences by adjusting caramel thickness or adding extra flavor notes, making it a versatile treat for chocolate lovers of all ages.

Millionaire Brownies Ingredient List

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich and creamy dairy product that helps create a smooth caramel texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a deep, golden caramel flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel base.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, glossy caramel consistency.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall depth and warmth of the caramel flavor.
  • Fine Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the complex caramel notes.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Candy Thermometer (Optional): Helps achieve precise temperature for perfect caramel consistency.

Baking Steps for Millionaire Brownies

Baking Steps for Millionaire Brownies

Step 1: Cook the Caramel Base

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup

Stir constantly until small bubbles form at the edges.

Use a candy thermometer to reach 212°F.

Step 2: Thicken and Smooth

Reduce heat to low and stir frequently for 5–7 minutes.

Cook until the caramel thickens and turns a rich, medium golden color.

Step 3: Finish and Cool

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and fine salt

Transfer to a container and let cool to room temperature.

Caramel will thicken further as it sets, perfect for layering on brownies.

Pro Tips for Millionaire Brownies

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise caramel consistency, ensuring perfect texture every time.
  • Stir frequently while cooking caramel to avoid scorching and achieve a smooth, golden-brown color.
  • Add fine salt to elevate the caramel's flavor, creating a delightful sweet-salty balance.
  • Allow caramel to cool to room temperature naturally, which helps develop a rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Maintain low heat when simmering caramel to prevent rapid burning and create a silky, uniform texture.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Millionaire Brownies

  • Store millionaire brownies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between each row, for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Brownies can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Let brownies sit at room temperature for 2 hours maximum. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen brownies, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm slightly before serving to restore softness and enhance caramel's rich flavor.

What Goes with Millionaire Brownies

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, sweet caramel notes of the brownies. The wine's tannins will balance the dessert's intense chocolate flavor.
  • Serve with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm brownies. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the dense, chewy brownie base.
  • Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, freshly ground dark roast coffee to enhance the chocolate's deep flavors. The coffee's bitter undertones will cut through the sweetness and provide a sophisticated counterpoint.
  • Enhance with Salted Caramel Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of salted caramel liqueur over the brownie or serve as a side sip. This will amplify the caramel notes and add an elegant adult twist to the dessert.

Variations on Millionaire Brownies

  • Vegan Millionaire Brownies: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free condensed milk, and swap traditional chocolate with vegan dark chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the brownie base to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free condensed milk, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate any nut-based ingredients, use seed-based alternatives like sunflower seed butter, and ensure all chocolate components are nut-free certified for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

  • Why does the recipe use a heavy-bottomed saucepan?

A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can burn the caramel and helping you achieve a smooth, consistent texture without scorching.

  • How can I tell if my caramel is ready without a candy thermometer?

Look for visual cues like bubbling around the edges, a medium caramel color, and a thickened consistency. The mixture should slowly drip off your spoon and have a rich golden-brown color.

  • What's the purpose of corn syrup in this caramel?

Light corn syrup prevents sugar crystallization, helping create a smooth, glossy caramel with a silky texture and preventing graininess during the cooking process.

  • Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

While you can use white sugar, brown sugar adds a deeper, more complex flavor with subtle molasses notes that enhance the caramel’s richness and depth.

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Millionaire Brownies Recipe

Millionaire Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent millionaire brownies blend rich chocolate layers with silky caramel and buttery shortbread for an irresistible dessert experience. Luxurious textures and deep flavors will transport you to sweet bliss with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (65g) cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (90g) dark chocolate chips, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) fine salt
  • 2 large eggs (112g), at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (55g) vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp (30g) water
  • 1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract

Caramel Layer:

  • 2/3 cup (200g) sweetened condensed milk (half a 14 ounces can)
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp (30g) light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) fine salt

Shortbread Crust and Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) fine salt
  • 1/2 cup (120g) heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup (120g) dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture begins to bubble.
  2. Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer, aiming for 212°F (100°C), which indicates the perfect caramelization point.
  3. Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently while continuously stirring to prevent scorching and achieve a rich, medium caramel color.
  4. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, watching the consistency transform as the caramel thickens and develops a deep golden hue.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and fine salt, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
  6. Transfer the caramel to a separate container, letting it cool naturally to room temperature, which will help it set and develop a smooth, luxurious texture.

Notes

  • Precision matters when cooking caramel, so use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring to achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Low and slow heat prevents burning, ensuring a smooth and rich caramel texture without scorching the sugars.
  • Stirring continuously helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sugar crystallization, creating a silky-smooth caramel sauce.
  • For dietary variations, substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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