If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts that offer a symphony of textures and flavors, then the Millionaire Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust layered with fudgy chocolate brownies, topped with a luscious, glossy chocolate ganache and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to awaken every bite. This indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, bringing that classic “millionaire” richness with every forkful. Ready to dive into this ultimate chocolate experience? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe combines straightforward but essential ingredients that harmoniously create layers of flavor, softness, and a touch of crunch. Every component plays a crucial role—from the buttery shortbread base to the silky ganache topping, making sure your Millionaire Brownies Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and moisture to create the rich shortbread base.
- Unsalted butter: Used in layers to provide a creamy texture and enhance flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note to the shortbread crust.
- Light corn syrup: Helps with smoothness and prevents crystallization in the caramel layer.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Brings warmth and depth to all layers.
- Fine salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s richness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to both the shortbread and brownie layers.
- Powdered sugar: Adds tenderness to the shortbread crust.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie batter while helping to create a delicate crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that intense, deep chocolate flavor in the brownies.
- Dark chocolate chips, chopped: Provide bursts of melty, gooey chocolate in the ganache and brownie layer.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and aid in achieving the perfect fudgy texture.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- Heavy whipping cream: Essential for the silky smooth ganache topping.
- Flaky sea salt: The finishing touch that highlights every rich flavor with a delicate crunch.
How to Make Millionaire Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chunks of unsalted butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine salt. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and aromatic. Remove from heat, then stir in the flour and powdered sugar to form a pliable dough. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the buttery shortbread base that will support all the gooey goodness to come.
Step 2: Bake the Shortbread
Slide your pan into the oven and bake the shortbread crust for about 15 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden color. This step is essential for building that crunchy, buttery foundation. Once baked, allow the crust to cool slightly so it sets but isn’t hard, preparing it perfectly for the next layer.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter
While the shortbread cools, shift your attention to the rich brownie layer. In a bowl, cream together room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this is key for a soft texture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and chopped dark chocolate chips. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, which keeps the brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour your luscious brownie batter evenly over the cooled shortbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the whole thing back into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the edges should look set but the center will remain slightly soft, signaling perfect fudginess. Let the entire pan cool completely before moving on to that dreamy ganache topping.
Step 5: Prepare the Ganache Topping
For the crowning glory, heat the heavy whipping cream until just simmering, then pour it directly over the dark chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute or two to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until the ganache is velvety smooth and glossy. Spread this elegant topping over the cooled brownies evenly. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top to add that signature salty crunch that elevates the entire dessert.
How to Serve Millionaire Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Millionaire Brownies Recipe not only makes them look stunning but also kicks up the flavor profile a notch. Fresh raspberries, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are excellent choices that complement the rich chocolate layers beautifully. Don’t overlook a few extra sprinkles of flaky sea salt—it’s the perfect counterbalance to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing your brownies with the right accompaniments can truly turn dessert into an event. A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream provides cool, creamy contrast. For a grown-up twist, consider serving with a rich espresso or a glass of dessert wine, which enhances the chocolate’s deep complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun when serving Millionaire Brownies Recipe. Try cutting the brownies into small bite-sized squares and stacking them in a clear glass trifle dish layered with whipped cream and berries for an impressive dessert parfait. Another idea is to serve brownies on rustic wooden boards paired with nuts and fruit slices for a casual, inviting look that encourages sharing and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Millionaire Brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, the textures remain pleasant—the ganache stays soft, and the shortbread base keeps a gentle crispness. If your kitchen is particularly warm, storing them in the fridge is fine, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead of time? You can freeze Millionaire Brownies in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies warm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften the ganache and bring back that fresh-baked vibe. Just be careful not to overheat, as too much warmth can make the shortbread base lose its delightful texture.
FAQs
What makes these brownies “millionaire” brownies?
The name “Millionaire Brownies” comes from the luxurious combination of layers: a crumbly shortbread crust, ultra-rich fudgy brownie, and silky chocolate ganache topping, all accented with sea salt. The combination feels decadent and indulgent—worthy of a “millionaire” title.
Can I use dark chocolate bars instead of chips?
Absolutely! You can chop dark chocolate bars into small pieces and substitute them for the chips. Bars often melt a little more smoothly and can enrich the ganache’s texture and taste.
Is it necessary to use corn syrup in this recipe?
Corn syrup helps keep the shortbread crust smooth and prevents sugar crystallization in the caramel layer, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with honey or golden syrup, keeping in mind these may slightly alter the flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can adapt the recipe. Just ensure your baking powder or other ingredients are gluten-free as well to keep it safe and delicious.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
You want the brownie edges to look set and slightly pulling away from the pan while the center should still be a bit soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the middle may come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This ensures a fudgy, not cakey, texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s truly next-level in both flavor and texture, the Millionaire Brownies Recipe is your go-to. Each layer complements the next, creating an irresistible trio of buttery crunch, gooey chocolate, and glossy ganache kissed by sea salt. Whip up a batch and share this unforgettable treat with your loved ones—you just might find it becoming a beloved classic in your home, too!
Print
Millionaire Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Millionaire Brownies are a decadent layered treat featuring a buttery shortbread crust, rich fudgy brownies, and a silky chocolate ganache topping, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an indulgent twist.
Ingredients
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)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil (55g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (65g)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
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)
- Flaky sea salt – for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Shortbread Crust: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter chunks, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook while stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from heat and mix in the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake Shortbread Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding the brownie layer.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake Brownie Layer: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the cooled shortbread crust and spread smoothly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Make Ganache Topping: Heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir gently until the chocolate melts completely and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Stir in unsalted butter, optional light corn syrup, and salt until fully combined.
- Assemble and Garnish: Pour and spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor contrast. Let the ganache set at room temperature before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for best mixing results in the brownie layer.
- If light corn syrup is unavailable, substitute with honey or golden syrup, but this may slightly alter the texture.
- The flaky sea salt garnish balances the sweetness and enriches the flavor experience.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for clean cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
