Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I was baking in my cozy kitchen, the aroma of melting chocolate mixed with warm caramel filled the air, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Millionaire Brownies with Caramel and Chocolate Ganache—a luxurious treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with layers of gooey caramel and rich chocolate. These brownies are not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly simple to whip up, making them perfect for both special occasions and cozy nights in. Each bite reveals a delightful contrast of textures that will have your taste buds dancing. Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and indulge in a slice of deliciousness? Let’s dive in! Why are Millionaire Brownies Irresistible? Decadent Layers: The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and luscious caramel creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Smooth Ganache: Every bite is topped with a silky chocolate ganache, adding richness that enhances the overall experience. Quick to Make: Even novice bakers can whip these up effortlessly—great for those last-minute dessert cravings! Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are ideal for parties or gatherings, sure to impress friends and family alike. Versatile Variations: Experiment with nuts or flavored extracts to make them your own, just like in my delicious Peanut Butter Brownies. Get ready to fall in love with each scrumptious piece! Millionaire Brownies Ingredients Indulge in this delightful blend of flavors! For the Caramel • Sweetened Condensed Milk – Provides creaminess to the caramel filling. Substitution: Use evaporated milk for a lighter version, but the consistency will differ. • Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and moisture to both the crust and fillings. Substitution: Can be replaced with margarine for a dairy-free alternative. • Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the caramel. Substitution: Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably. • Light Corn Syrup – Prevents crystallization in the caramel, offering smooth consistency. Substitution: Honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor. Substitution: Vanilla bean paste can be used for a more intense taste. • Fine Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. Note: Do not substitute with coarse salt. For the Shortbread Crust • All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the shortbread crust and brownie batter. Note: Gluten-free flour can be utilized for a gluten-free version. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the shortbread and provides a fine texture. Note: Make your own by grinding granulated sugar if unavailable. • Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich and tender structure to the crust. • Fine Salt – Enhances the overall flavor. For the Brownie Batter • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides rich chocolate flavor in the brownie batter. Note: Use Dutch-processed for a milder taste. • Dark Chocolate Chips – Enhances the chocolate flavor in the ganache. Note: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a sweeter topping. • Large Eggs – Provide structure and moisture to the brownie batter. Substitution: Use flax eggs for a vegan option. • Vegetable or Canola Oil – Keeps the brownies moist. Substitution: Melted coconut oil can also be used for a different flavor. For the Ganache • Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess to the ganache. Substitution: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. • Flaky Sea Salt – For garnish that gives a sweet-salty flavor contrast. Optional but recommended. Enjoy whipping up these magical Millionaire Brownies! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Millionaire Brownies Step 1: Prepare Caramel Topping In a heavy saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until bubbling, then reduce to a simmer. Stir continually for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and fine salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before setting aside while you prepare the crust. Step 2: Make Shortbread Crust Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and fine salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan, using a fork to prick the surface. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the crust cool for a few minutes before adding the brownie batter. Step 3: Prepare Brownie Batter In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and fine salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together large eggs, vegetable oil, melted unsalted butter, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended, ensuring not to overmix. Pour this luscious brownie batter over the cooled shortbread crust. Step 4: Bake Brownies Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake the Millionaire Brownies for 38-43 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack, or for a quicker option, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. Step 5: Create Chocolate Ganache In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips in a mixing bowl and allow it to sit for about 1 minute. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth. Add in softened unsalted butter and light corn syrup, then let the ganache cool to room temperature before spreading it over the brownies. Step 6: Assemble Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cooled caramel evenly over the brownie layer. Next, gently pour the chocolate ganache on top, using a spatula to ensure an even layer. For the final touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the ganache. Allow everything to set before cutting into square pieces with a warm knife for clean slices. Expert Tips for Millionaire Brownies • Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing; cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven textures in your millionaire brownies. • Accurate Measurements: Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense brownies that could spoil the delightful texture. • Do Not Over-Bake: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking; they should have a slight jiggle in the center when done. This ensures they’re fudgy and not dry. • Chill Before Cutting: Allow your millionaire brownies to cool fully before slicing. Chilling them in the fridge makes cutting easier and results in cleaner edges. • Perfect Ganache: To achieve a silky ganache, ensure your chocolate is completely melted. If needed, reheat briefly while stirring until smooth for the best finish. What to Serve with Millionaire Brownies? Elevate your dessert experience with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the decadence of these rich brownies. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla balances the rich chocolate and caramel, adding a lovely contrast that melts beautifully in your mouth. It’s the classic pairing that can’t be beaten! Fresh Berries: Delicate raspberries or strawberries provide a burst of tartness that contrasts with the sweetness of the brownies, brightening every bite. Espresso or Coffee: A bold cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavors, making it a wonderful companion for an afternoon treat or an after-dinner delight. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a luscious, airy texture, cutting through the richness and providing a delightful finish. Chocolate Drizzle: For the true chocolate lover, drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies for an extra indulgent layer that enhances the sweet, complex flavors. Nuts and Sea Salt Sprinkles: Add a handful of candied nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enrich the flavor profile, bringing a perfect crunch and contrasting taste. For a cozy evening, serve the millionaire brownies alongside any of these delightful pairings to create a memorable dessert experience! How to Store and Freeze Millionaire Brownies Room Temperature: Store your millionaire brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and chewy. Fridge: These decadent brownies can last in the fridge for up to a week when stored in an airtight container, ensuring they retain their rich flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freezing them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying a slice of this sweet treat. Reheating: If you prefer warm brownies, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that freshly baked taste! Make Ahead Options These Millionaire Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the caramel topping and shortbread crust up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the caramel, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shortbread crust can be baked and stored wrapped at room temperature. When you’re ready to finish the brownies, whip up the brownie batter and pour it over the cooled crust, then bake as directed. For the ganache, you can also heat the cream and chocolate the day before; just let it cool to room temperature before spreading on the cooled brownies. This way, you’ll still enjoy all the rich, decadent layers with minimal effort on busy days! Millionaire Brownies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to customize your millionaire brownies to suit your taste or dietary needs; the possibilities are endless! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with margarine and use coconut cream in the ganache for a luscious vegan treat. Experience the same rich flavors without the dairy! Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Nuts not only enhance texture but also introduce that delightful earthy taste. Flavored Ganache: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate in the ganache for a sweeter, creamier twist. The contrast of flavors will keep you coming back for another piece! Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies accessible for gluten-sensitive friends. They’ll never know the difference when savoring this sweet indulgence! Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the brownie batter for a surprising spicy twist. The heat will beautifully complement the sweetness, creating a delightful flavor explosion! Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the ganache for an additional sweet layer. It’s like adding a cherry on top—only much better! Seasonal Flavors: Incorporate pumpkin or apple spice during fall for a seasonal spin, echoing the warmth of the season. These variations will surely get your taste buds dancing in delight! Chocolate Lovers: Use a mix of chocolate chips—semi-sweet, milk, and dark—to create a melty medley of chocolate goodness. This variation will take your brownies to the next level of indulgence. Feel inspired? Pair your sumptuous brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat, or enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee. You can delve deeper into other versatile recipes, like my delightful Peanut Butter Brownies, to keep the sweetness flowing! Millionaire Brownies Recipe FAQs What type of chocolate is best for making the ganache? Absolutely! For the best ganache experience, I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate chips. They provide a rich taste that beautifully complements the caramel layer. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well too. Just remember to melt them slowly and stir until silky smooth! How should I select the ripe ingredients for my brownies? Very important! When choosing ingredients, ensure your unsalted butter is fresh (not overly soft or discolored) for a perfect shortbread crust. Also, check your eggs are free from cracks, and feel free to use large-sized eggs as they provide the right moisture balance essential for the brownie texture. Fresh ingredients lead to the most delicious results! How do I store my Millionaire Brownies for maximum freshness? To keep your millionaire brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, move them to the fridge where they can last for up to a week. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing them up to avoid sogginess! Can I freeze Millionaire Brownies, and if so, how? Absolutely! To freeze your millionaire brownies, I recommend wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving, and you’ll have that fresh-baked taste back! What if my caramel filling is too runny? No worries! If your caramel filling turns out runny, it may need further cooking to thicken. Simply return it to the heat, let it simmer while stirring for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches a thicker consistency. Be sure to cool it slightly before spreading over your brownies, ensuring it sets nicely on top! Can I make variations to cater to allergies, like using gluten-free flour? Very much so! You can easily swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free variety in the shortbread crust and brownie batter. Just ensure you use a blend designed for baking to maintain the texture. Additionally, consider using dairy-free substitutes where applicable, like coconut cream for the ganache, so everyone can enjoy these delicious millionaire brownies! Decadent Millionaire Brownies with Caramel Delight Experience the luxury of Millionaire Brownies with layers of caramel and chocolate ganache in this easy-to-make recipe. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 3 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 58 minutes mins Servings: 16 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Caramel1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitution: Use evaporated milk for a lighter version.4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitution: Can be replaced with margarine for a dairy-free alternative.1 cup Light Brown Sugar Substitution: Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup Substitution: Honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Substitution: Vanilla bean paste can be used for a more intense taste.1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt Note: Do not substitute with coarse salt.For the Shortbread Crust1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour Note: Gluten-free flour can be utilized for a gluten-free version.1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Note: Make your own by grinding granulated sugar if unavailable.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter1/4 teaspoon Fine SaltFor the Brownie Batter1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Note: Use Dutch-processed for a milder taste.1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips Note: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a sweeter topping.3 large Large Eggs Substitution: Use flax eggs for a vegan option.1/2 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil Substitution: Melted coconut oil can also be used for a different flavor.For the Ganache1 cup Heavy Cream Substitution: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt Optional but recommended. Equipment Heavy saucepanMixing bowl8x8-inch baking panSpatulawire rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a heavy saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until bubbling, then reduce to a simmer. Stir continually for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and fine salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before setting aside while you prepare the crust.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and fine salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan, using a fork to prick the surface. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the crust cool for a few minutes before adding the brownie batter.In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and fine salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together large eggs, vegetable oil, melted unsalted butter, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended, ensuring not to overmix. Pour this luscious brownie batter over the cooled shortbread crust.Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake the Millionaire Brownies for 38-43 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack, or for a quicker option, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips in a mixing bowl and allow it to sit for about 1 minute. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth. Add in softened unsalted butter and light corn syrup, then let the ganache cool to room temperature before spreading it over the brownies.Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cooled caramel evenly over the brownie layer. Next, gently pour the chocolate ganache on top, using a spatula to ensure an even layer. For the final touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the ganache. Allow everything to set before cutting into square pieces with a warm knife for clean slices. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesUse room temperature ingredients for better mixing; accurate measurements are key to a perfect texture. Don't over-bake, and chill before cutting for clean edges. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
