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Indulgent Millionaire Shortbread Brownie Bars – A Decadent Dessert

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

Millionaire Shortbread Brownie Bars are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the best of buttery shortbread, rich brownie, smooth caramel, and a glossy chocolate glaze. This luxurious layered dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you're craving something truly decadent. The different textures come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. While these bars look fancy, they're surprisingly easy to make, with each layer adding its own touch of deliciousness. Whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a milestone, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress.
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Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:16:04 GMT
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Millionaire Shortbread Brownie Bars | myhomemaderecipe.com

These decadent millionaire shortbread brownie bars combine three irresistible layers into one spectacular treat. The buttery shortbread base supports a fudgy brownie middle, topped with luscious caramel and a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or when you need a show-stopping dessert.

I first made these bars for my sister's birthday celebration, and they've become our family's most requested special occasion treat. The look on people's faces when they bite into all four layers is priceless every time.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure to both the shortbread and brownie layers
  • Unsalted butter: Creates richness throughout all components
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the chocolate
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor in the brownie layer
  • Large eggs: Provide binding and structure to the brownie layer
  • Heavy cream: Creates silky texture in both caramel and ganache layers
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offer the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Base:
Create a buttery foundation by whisking softened butter, flour and salt until a smooth dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into your parchment-lined baking dish, making sure to create a level surface. Bake until you see light golden edges, about 20-25 minutes. The shortbread must cool completely before adding the next layer.
Mix the Brownie Layer:
Combine melted butter, sugar and cocoa powder until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully incorporated. Gently fold in flour just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing will create a tough brownie, so use a light hand. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base and return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes.
Create the Caramel Layer:
Heat sugar and water in a medium saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed until it reaches a beautiful amber color. This process takes patience. Carefully add the cream and butter, which will bubble vigorously. Continue stirring until completely smooth, then add vanilla. Let this mixture cool slightly before pouring over the brownie layer.
Finish with Chocolate Ganache:
Combine chocolate chips, cream and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until completely melted and glossy. Pour this luscious ganache over the set caramel layer, using an offset spatula to create a perfectly smooth surface. Refrigerate until fully set.
Slice and Serve:
Once completely chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into squares, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

My favorite part of making these bars is watching the caramel transform from clear sugar water to a golden amber liquid. It reminds me of the first time I made caramel with my grandmother, who taught me that patience is the secret ingredient in candy making.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These millionaire bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, cut into individual squares and freeze with parchment between layers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. The texture actually improves after a day as the flavors meld together.

Customization Options

The basic recipe creates a classic millionaire shortbread brownie bar, but you can easily personalize it. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie layer for enhanced chocolate flavor. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate ganache for a sweet-salty contrast. For holiday versions, incorporate crushed peppermint candies or orange zest into the ganache layer.

Serving Suggestions

While these bars are perfect on their own, they become even more special when paired with complementary flavors. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. For coffee service, cut into smaller pieces and arrange on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves. These bars also make thoughtful gifts when wrapped individually in parchment and tied with twine.

Troubleshooting Tips

Creating perfect millionaire bars requires attention to detail. If your caramel crystallizes, add a tablespoon of water and reheat gently until smooth. For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between slices. If your chocolate layer cracks during cutting, let the bars warm slightly at room temperature first.

Millionaire Shortbread Brownie Bars

Millionaire Shortbread Brownie Bars are a luxurious dessert featuring layers of buttery shortbread, fudgy brownies, smooth caramel, and a rich chocolate glaze. Perfect for any special occasion or just treating yourself to something indulgent.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Dessert

Yield: 16 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
03 1/4 teaspoon salt.
04 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
05 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
06 2 large eggs.
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
08 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
09 1 cup all-purpose flour.
10 1/2 cup heavy cream.
11 1/4 cup water.
12 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
13 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
14 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
15 1/2 cup heavy cream.
16 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, flour, and salt until it forms a smooth dough. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the lined dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. Fold in the flour and salt until just incorporated. Spread the brownie mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread layer. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Step 03

In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and turns amber in color. Slowly add the cream and butter, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for a minute or two to thicken. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, pour the caramel evenly over the brownie layer and allow it to set completely.

Step 04

In a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Pour the chocolate glaze over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate until the glaze is fully set, about 1-2 hours.

Step 05

Once the bars are completely chilled and set, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 squares and serve.

Notes

  1. Millionaire Shortbread Brownie Bars are an indulgent dessert, combining the buttery crunch of shortbread, the richness of a brownie, the smooth sweetness of caramel, and a glossy chocolate glaze. They’re perfect for any special occasion or a decadent treat at home.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 4 g