If you are ready to embark on a decadent chocolate adventure, this Caramel Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These brownies are a heavenly marriage of rich, fudgy chocolate and luscious caramel swirls that melt into every bite. The chewy texture combined with that irresistible caramel ribbon makes for a dessert experience that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies will bring joy to everyone lucky enough to have a slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to creating your caramel-studded chocolate masterpiece. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s providing moisture, sweetness, or that dream-worthy fudgy texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g): Melts smoothly to form the rich base of the batter and adds buttery depth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g): Gives classic sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, 220g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the topping perfectly.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the dense yet soft brownie structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10ml): Elevates all the flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (100g): The chocolate heart of the recipe, providing rich, deep cocoa flavor without added sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g): Offers the necessary structure for sturdy, sliceable brownies.
- 1 tsp baking powder (5g): Helps the brownies rise ever so slightly, ensuring they’re perfectly tender.
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5g): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s robustness.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, approx. 320g): The star of the show—gooey, buttery, and luxuriously smooth, it creates those beautiful swirls and an irresistible flavor contrast.
How to Make Caramel Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out clean and easy to cut. This straightforward prep sets the foundation for success.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars
Place the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat and melt it gently. Stir in the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This step helps dissolve the sugars into the butter, creating a velvety base that’s key to the fudgy texture in your brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and let the butter-sugar mixture cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with its fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting eliminates clumps and ensures even mixing, giving you brownies with a smooth, consistent crumb.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet batter just until combined. Be gentle here to maintain the tender texture of the brownies; over-mixing can make them tough.
Step 6: Layer Batter and Caramel Sauce
Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Drizzle half or all of the caramel sauce over it, then dollop and gently spread the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel through the batter, creating those gorgeous marbled ribbons that bake into the brownies.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures your brownies stay fudgy and chewy without becoming cakey or dry.
How to Serve Caramel Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Take your brownies up a notch by garnishing them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also add chopped nuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture.
Side Dishes
Pair your caramel brownies with classic vanilla ice cream or a scoop of coffee-flavored gelato to complement the rich chocolatey goodness. Fresh berries are also a fantastic choice, adding a juicy and slightly tart counterpoint that keeps every bite interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these brownies warm and straight from the pan for cozy gatherings, or cut them into bite-size squares for a party platter that invites everyone to indulge. For something fun, try layering brownie pieces in a parfait glass with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, turning the beloved treat into an eye-catching dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Caramel brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This lets the flavors deepen and the texture remain soft but still fudgy—perfect for enjoying over a few days without losing that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for an indulgent treat that tastes just like the day they were baked.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive their gooey texture. This is especially lovely if you want to serve them with ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, making them feel freshly out of the oven once again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether homemade or store-bought, caramel sauce works wonderfully. Just choose a quality caramel to ensure your brownies have that rich, buttery flavor that makes this dish special.
What type of cocoa powder is best for these brownies?
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is ideal as it provides the pure, intense chocolate flavor without added sugar, allowing the caramel to shine in contrast.
How can I tell when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Check with a toothpick inserted into the center. When it comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter, your brownies are done—soft and fudgy, exactly how they should be.
Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?
Butter is preferred because it adds richness and flavor that oil can’t quite match, especially in a caramel brownie recipe. If you must substitute, use a neutral oil, but expect a slightly different texture and taste.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining chocolate and caramel in a homemade brownie, and this Caramel Brownies Recipe nails that magic every time. It’s the kind of dessert that feels effortless but leaves a lasting impression with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own love for this rich, indulgent treat—it’s perfect for sharing, yet tempting enough to keep all to yourself.
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Caramel Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These indulgent Caramel Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie with luscious swirls of gooey caramel sauce for a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. Moist and tender with a perfect balance of bittersweet cocoa and sweet caramel, they are a delightful twist on classic brownies.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, 220g)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10ml)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (100g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (5g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5g)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, approx. 320g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugars: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar continuously until the mixture is glossy and well incorporated.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next, then add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure no lumps and even distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Layer and Swirl Caramel: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce over this first layer, then gently spread the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel into the top layer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving to enjoy the perfect fudgy texture with caramel swirls.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing and better batter consistency.
- If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly for easier swirling.
- For extra decadence, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Can be served warm with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
