Do Share Recipe

Millionaire Brownies Recipe | Layered, Sweet & Delicious

I’ve made a lot of desserts in my kitchen, but these Millionaire Brownies Recipe is on a whole new level. From the buttery shortbread crust to the gooey caramel layer and rich chocolate ganache on top, every bite feels like pure indulgence. The first time I made them, they’re the perfect treat for any special occasion or just because.

I love how layered and luxurious they feel, yet they’re surprisingly manageable to make. Let me walk you through how I make these irresistible millionaire brownies from scratch. You can also enjoy similar indulgent flavors with Barbacoa Nachos Recipe for a savory twist on rich, layered treats.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these decadent brownies. I’ve also included tips from my experience to get the best results. If you like combining sweet with wholesome, you might also enjoy trying the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Burrata and Pesto Recipe for a creamy and satisfying side dish.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup (227g) – Softened for the crust and topping; gives a rich, creamy flavor.
All-purpose flour, 2 cups (240g) – Provides structure for the shortbread crust. Use fresh, not expired.
Powdered sugar, ¾ cup (90g) – Sweetens and stabilizes the shortbread crust.
Fine salt, ½ tsp – Enhances all the flavors in both crust and toppings.
Sweetened condensed milk, 1 can (14oz) – Creates a smooth and gooey caramel layer.
Light brown sugar, ½ cup (100g) – Gives the caramel depth and richness.
Light corn syrup, 2 tbsp – Ensures glossy, smooth caramel and ganache.
Vanilla extract, 1 tsp – Adds a warm, sweet aroma to the caramel.
Heavy cream, ¾ cup (180ml) – For making silky, smooth chocolate ganache.
Dark chocolate, 8 oz (225g) – Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache.
Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp – Added to ganache for extra creaminess.
Flaky sea salt, optional – For sprinkling on top to balance the sweetness.

Note: Serves several depending on how you slice the brownies.

Variations

I love experimenting with flavors. Here are some ways I’ve customized these brownies:

Dairy-free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Sugar-free: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener in the crust and caramel.
Flavor add-ins: Sprinkle toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or even espresso powder into the caramel for a unique twist.
Chocolate swap: Replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter topping.

Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

I find having the right tools makes baking so much easier:

8×8-inch square pan – For perfect brownie thickness.
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Saucepan – For cooking the caramel evenly.
Mixing bowls – Separate bowls for crust, brownie batter, and ganache.
Whisk or spatula – For smooth mixing of caramel and ganache.
Microwave or double boiler – For melting chocolate without burning.
Sharp knife – To slice brownies cleanly after chilling.

How to Make Millionaire Brownies Recipe?

Making millionaire brownies is all about layering and timing. Here’s my step-by-step method:

Make the Caramel

First, I focus on the caramel since it needs time to thicken. I combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it reaches a rich golden color, then remove from heat and mix in vanilla and salt. Let it cool to room temperature before using.

Make the Shortbread Crust

Next, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pan with parchment. I mix butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt, then press it firmly into the pan. After pricking it with a fork, I bake it until the edges are lightly golden. Lower the oven to 325°F (163°C) for the next layer.

Make the Brownie Batter

While the crust cools, I prepare my brownie batter. Once ready, I pour it over the shortbread and smooth it evenly. Bake for about 38-43 minutes until just set, then let it cool completely on a wire rack. For faster cooling, I sometimes place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

I heat heavy cream until it just bubbles, then pour it over chopped dark chocolate. After letting it sit for a minute, I stir until smooth, adding butter and a touch of corn syrup for shine. Let it cool to room temperature so it thickens into a scoopable ganache.

Assemble the Millionaire Brownies

Once the brownies are fully cooled, I spread the caramel evenly on top. Then, I layer the ganache and smooth it carefully. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes it pop. Using a warm, sharp knife, I slice them into perfect squares, cleaning the knife after each cut.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tips really elevate the recipe:

I always let the caramel cool fully; it spreads more evenly that way.
For a shiny ganache, I mix in butter and corn syrup while it’s still warm.
Cutting brownies with a warm knife gives cleaner edges.
I chill the pan slightly before slicing to avoid messy layers.
Freshly made shortbread crust tastes much better than pre-made crusts.

How to Serve Millionaire Brownies Recipe?

I love presenting these brownies with a little flair. Serve on a decorative platter or cutting board. Garnish with extra sea salt, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s in one slice:

Calories: ~450 per serving
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 25g

These are indulgent treats, perfect for special occasions or a sweet pick-me-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them soft and gooey.

Freezing

They freeze well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

I like to reheat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey texture without melting the ganache completely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons I come back to this recipe:

It’s easy to follow, even if you’re new to layered desserts.
The combination of textures—shortbread, caramel, and ganache—is irresistible.
Flexible substitutions allow dietary customization without losing flavor.
Perfect for gifting or serving at special events.
Each bite feels like a luxurious treat, but the recipe is surprisingly manageable.

These millionaire brownies are one of my all-time favorite desserts. The buttery crust, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate ganache make them an unforgettable treat. Making them from scratch is easier than it looks, and the results are always impressive. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert rotation!

Ben Carraoli