Millionaire Brownies: Richer Than Your Wildest Dessert Dreams
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a brownie wins the lottery, meet Millionaire Brownies—the dessert that’s living its best life! These aren’t your average brownies; we’re talking about a decadent shortbread base, a rich brownie layer, gooey dulce de leche with crunchy pecans, and a silky chocolate ganache top, all stacked higher than your ambitions. Warning: Eating just one may inspire sudden urges to buy a yacht or start speaking in gold-plated puns. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests, bribing coworkers, or just treating yourself like the dessert royalty you are. Grab your fanciest spatula—your taste buds are about to cash in big!
Why these brownies are amazing:
- Ooey, gooey layers topped with chocolate ganache – what’s not to love?
- Super easy recipe using brownie mix and canned dulce de leche.
- Great for parties, holidays, potlucks, and office parties. Make them ahead of time (if you can be sure you won’t eat them all!)
Millionaire Brownies
Yield: 9 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes / Bake Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ salt
Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix + ingredients
- 2 cans dulce de leche
- 2 cups pecan halves
Ganache Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, and stir until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the shortbread crust.
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter over the shortbread crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
Once the brownies are cool, spread the dulce de leche evenly over the brownie layer.
Arrange the pecan halves evenly on top, gently pressing them into the caramel.
To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the pecan layer and spread into an even layer. Add a few chopped pecans to the top (if desired.) Chill the brownies for at least 1 hour or until fully set.
Once chilled, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into 9 bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQ
Can I make Millionaire Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies actually taste even better the next day. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I use homemade dulce de leche?
Yes! If you have an amazing homemade dulce de leche recipe, feel free to use it! The same goes for a homemade brownie recipe too.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut or leave them out?
Of course. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives, or you can skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
How do I get clean slices with all those gooey layers?
For picture-perfect bars, chill the brownies well before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Patience pays off!
Now that you know how to make these amazing Millionaire Brownies, you might also want to check out:
- Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars
- What Chocolate Dreams Are Made Of: The Ultimate Brownies Recipe Roundup
- Twix Cookie Dough Bars
