Indulgent Millionaire Brownie Bars Recipe

Indulgent Millionaire Brownie Bars Recipe: Heavenly Sweet Treats

Chocolate lovers sink into pure decadence with these millionaire brownie bars that promise an explosion of rich, layered flavors.

The ultimate millionaire brownie bars combine velvety chocolate, buttery caramel, and a crumbly shortbread base that melts in your mouth.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and sweetness that feels like pure luxury.

Dense, fudgy brownies create the perfect foundation for this irresistible dessert.

Silky caramel weaves through the layers, adding a golden touch of indulgence.

Crunchy chocolate chips scattered on top provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy layers beneath.

These brownie bars are more than a dessert – they’re a celebration of chocolate in its most magnificent form.

Prepare to experience a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into a sweet, unforgettable memory.

Everything Needed for Shortbread Brownies

Base Layer:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the shortbread base.
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and tender shortbread foundation.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shortbread layer.
Brownie Layer:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor to the brownie section.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist brownie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the brownie ingredients and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with its aromatic profile.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Water: Create the caramel base with a golden amber color.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel layer.
  • Butter: Contributes to the creamy and luxurious caramel texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provide a glossy chocolate glaze for the final layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the caramel's flavor profile.

Essential Tools for Brownie Bar Baking

  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating evenly sized layered bars.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for preparing shortbread and brownie doughs.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
  • Medium saucepan: Crucial for making caramel and chocolate glaze layers.
  • Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and scrape ingredients cleanly.
  • Sharp knife: Used for cutting precise, clean squares after chilling.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Brownie Bar Baking Directions

Step 1: Create Buttery Shortbread Base

Mix softened butter with flour and salt until a smooth dough forms.

Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined baking dish.

Bake at 350F until edges turn golden and crisp.

Let the shortbread cool completely, creating a sturdy foundation for the upcoming layers.

Step 2: Craft Rich Chocolate Brownie Layer

Whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder

Add eggs and vanilla, blending smoothly.

Gently fold in flour until just combined.

Spread the brownie mixture over the cooled shortbread base.

Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring a fudgy texture.

Step 3: Develop Silky Caramel Drizzle

Heat sugar and water in a saucepan, watching it transform to a deep amber color.

Carefully introduce cream and butter, stirring constantly.

Let the mixture bubble and thicken.

Stir in vanilla for extra depth.

Allow caramel to cool slightly before pouring over the brownie layer.

Step 4: Top With Glossy Chocolate Glaze

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and butter over low heat.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny.

Pour the glaze evenly across the caramel layer.

Refrigerate until completely set and firm.

Step 5: Cut And Enjoy Luxurious Bars

Remove the entire dessert from the pan using parchment paper.

Slice into perfect squares.

Serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

Millionaire Bar Pro Baking Tips

  • Ensure butter is soft but not melted for a perfect, compact base that holds together beautifully.
  • Mix brownie batter minimally to avoid tough, dense layers and maintain a rich, fudgy consistency.
  • Watch sugar carefully while caramelizing and remove from heat immediately to prevent burning, creating a smooth, golden sauce.
  • Use low heat when melting chocolate to prevent seizing and maintain a silky, shiny finish.
  • Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and texture to remain perfect.

Fun Twists for Shortbread Brownies

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the rich, decadent texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar while keeping intense flavor.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between caramel and chocolate layers for added texture and nutty complexity.

How to Plate Millionaire Bars

Perfect Matches for Italian Cream Puffs
Dessert Companion Pairings:
  • Coffee Corner: Brew a rich espresso or smooth cappuccano to complement the sweet and rich chocolate layers, balancing the intense flavors perfectly.
  • Ice Cream Dream: Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream for an extra decadent dessert experience.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the chocolate glaze for added texture and nutty depth.
  • Fresh Fruit Twist: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberry slices to cut through the richness and add a bright, tangy contrast.

Storing Brownie Bars the Easy Way

Creative Twists for Italian Cream Puffs
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
  • Warm individual bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5 minutes to restore gooey texture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for this recipe?

The key ingredients include butter, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla extract, cream, chocolate chips, and heavy cream. You’ll want to ensure you have high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

  • Is this recipe considered difficult to make?

This recipe requires multiple layers and some intermediate baking skills. While not extremely complex, it does need careful attention during caramel and chocolate glaze preparation. Patience and precise measurements are important.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that’s suitable for baking and has xanthan gum included for better texture.

Millionaire Brownie Bars: Sweet Standouts

  • Break down this seemingly intricate recipe into manageable steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
  • Each component delivers a rich, decadent taste experience – buttery shortbread, fudgy brownie, silky caramel, and glossy chocolate glaze create an incredible flavor journey.
  • Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and special celebrations where you want to impress friends and family with a stunning homemade dessert that looks professionally crafted.
  • These bars can be prepared in advance, giving you flexibility for entertaining and allowing flavors to meld beautifully, making them ideal for stress-free dessert planning.
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Indulgent Millionaire Brownie Bars Recipe

Indulgent Millionaire Brownie Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Millionaire brownie bars blend rich chocolate layers with caramel and shortbread for an irresistible dessert. Luxurious textures and flavors create a sweet experience you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened and melted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup water

Chocolate Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Craft the shortbread foundation by preheating the oven to 350F. Blend butter, flour, and salt into a cohesive dough. Distribute the mixture uniformly across a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges transform to a delicate golden hue. Allow the base to cool thoroughly.
  2. Construct the rich brownie layer by whisking melted butter with cocoa powder and sugar until silky. Incorporate eggs and vanilla, then gently fold in flour and salt. Distribute the brownie mixture evenly atop the cooled shortbread base. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test. Cool completely within the pan.
  3. Generate the caramel layer by melting sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the mixture transforms to a rich amber tone. Gradually introduce cream and butter, stirring consistently. Simmer briefly to achieve desired thickness. Infuse with vanilla and let cool slightly. Cascade the caramel smoothly across the brownie surface, allowing complete setting.
  4. Fabricate the chocolate glaze by gently melting chocolate chips with heavy cream and butter over low heat. Stir until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency. Drizzle and spread the glaze evenly across the caramel layer. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until fully solidified.
  5. Liberate the dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise 16 squares, revealing the layered decadence. Serve and savor the intricate flavor profile.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect shortbread base by ensuring butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
  • Control brownie density by not overmixing the batter, which prevents a tough, dense result and maintains a fudgy consistency.
  • Create clean, precise cuts by using a hot knife wiped between slices and chilling bars completely before serving for neat presentation.
  • Customize dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour for traditional flour and using dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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