Millionaire Brownies – Clara quick dinners

These Millionaire Brownies take classic brownies to the next level with rich layers of fudgy chocolate, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate ganache. Inspired by the decadent Millionaire’s Shortbread, these brownies combine the best of both worlds: gooey, chewy brownie goodness with the indulgent, buttery caramel you’d expect in a millionaire treat. Perfect for special occasions, holiday desserts, or anytime you crave an ultra-rich chocolatey bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Three Irresistible Layers – A fudgy brownie base, a thick caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping.
• Decadently Rich – Perfect for chocolate and caramel lovers.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether for parties, bake sales, or a luxurious treat at home.
• Easy to Make – Each layer is simple to prepare with everyday ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – These brownies store well, so you can enjoy them all week!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• Unsalted butter
• Semi-sweet chocolate (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
• Heavy cream
• Butter (for extra shine)

Directions

Make the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt Butter & Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Mix in Sugars & Eggs – Stir in granulated and brown sugar, followed by eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold until just combined.
5. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.

Make the Caramel Layer:

6. Melt Butter & Sugar – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly.
7. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk & Cream – Stir in sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
8. Cook Until Thickened – Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring until thickened.
9. Pour Over Brownies – Spread caramel evenly over the cooled brownies and refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour).

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

10. Heat Heavy Cream – Warm heavy cream until just steaming (not boiling).
11. Melt Chocolate – Pour cream over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth. Stir in butter for extra shine.
12. Spread Over Caramel Layer – Pour ganache over the caramel and smooth it out with a spatula.
13. Chill & Set – Refrigerate for another hour until firm.

Serve:

14. Slice & Enjoy – Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the blade clean between cuts.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 brownies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Millionaire Brownies – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the ganache.
• Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies – Mix in a few tablespoons of peanut butter with the caramel for a nutty twist.
• Nutty Crunch Brownies – Add chopped pecans or almonds to the brownie batter.
• Espresso-Infused Brownies – Stir in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate Topping – Swap the ganache for melted white chocolate for a different flavor contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Let brownies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating if stored in the fridge.

FAQs

How do I prevent the caramel from being too runny?

Cook the caramel long enough to thicken, and let it fully set in the fridge before adding the ganache.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade caramel is thicker and sets better for layering.

Why is my ganache not smooth?

Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped and the cream is warm but not boiling before mixing.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How do I get clean brownie slices?

Chill the brownies before slicing and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, but the brownies may be sweeter overall. Dark chocolate balances the caramel’s sweetness better.

Do I have to refrigerate the brownies before serving?

Chilling helps the layers set, but you can bring them to room temperature before serving if you prefer softer brownies.

Can I add a crust to the brownies?

Yes! Press a shortbread crust into the pan before baking for a Millionaire’s Shortbread-inspired base.

What’s the best chocolate to use for ganache?

High-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate bars melt best for a silky-smooth finish.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

Millionaire Brownies are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and silky ganache in one perfect bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them, or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to impress. Try them today for a next-level dessert experience!

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