Decadent Caramel Brownies

There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel. These Caramel Brownies take classic fudgy brownies to the next level with a luscious caramel layer that melts into every bite. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a special celebration, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe will become your new favorite.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

Imagine biting into a dense, chocolatey brownie, only to be met with a silky ribbon of caramel that stretches just the right amount as you pull away. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and savor the moment. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off—just a little patience and a love for all things sweet.

Let’s dive into this irresistibly gooey, sweet-and-salty dessert that will leave everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-Fudgy Texture – These brownies are rich, chewy, and perfectly dense.
• Gooey Caramel Layer – The caramel melts beautifully into the brownies, creating a dreamy, buttery swirl.
• Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and a little bit of time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a bake sale, potluck, or just a personal indulgence, these brownies always steal the show.
• Customizable – Add sea salt, nuts, or even a hint of cinnamon for an extra twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownies

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips

For the Caramel Layer

• 1 cup (320g) caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist)

How to Make Caramel Brownies

Making these brownies is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and soon you’ll have a batch of perfectly fudgy, caramel-filled brownies ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out later. Grease the parchment with non-stick spray or butter to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This step helps create that classic shiny, crinkly brownie top.

Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. The eggs give the brownies structure, so don’t rush this step—whisk for about a minute until the mixture is glossy.

Now, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to cakier brownies, and we want these to stay fudgy! Finally, stir in the chocolate chips for extra richness.

Step 3: Layer the Batter and Caramel

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with heavy cream. This makes the caramel easier to drizzle and prevents it from hardening too much while baking.

Drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the brownie batter, then gently swirl it with a knife or toothpick. This ensures caramel is spread throughout every bite.

Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer. It’s okay if a little caramel peeks through—that just means extra gooey goodness later!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the brownies in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean—these are fudgy brownies, after all!).

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This part is tough because they smell amazing, but slicing too soon can lead to a caramel mess.

For extra clean cuts, chill the brownies in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect squares.

Helpful Tips

• Use High-Quality Chocolate – Since chocolate is the star of the show, opt for good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• Don’t Overbake – Brownies continue to cook as they cool. If the center looks slightly underdone, that’s okay—it will set as it cools.
• For Extra Salted Caramel Flavor – Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking. The sweet-salty contrast is irresistible!
• Make-Ahead Tip – These brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: About 55 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Caramel Choice: If using store-bought caramel, make sure it’s thick and high-quality. Thin caramel sauces may get lost in the brownie batter rather than creating a distinct layer.
• Brownie Consistency: For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake them and let them cool completely before slicing. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Parchment Paper Tip: Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang makes it easier to lift the brownies out for clean slicing.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Caramel Swirl Tip: If the caramel is too thick, warm it slightly before drizzling to make swirling easier.
• Double the Chocolate: For an even richer brownie, melt ½ cup of chocolate chips into the butter before mixing with the sugar.
• Cutting Cleanly: Use a hot knife (run under warm water and wipe dry) to slice the brownies cleanly without dragging the caramel layer.

Storage Instructions

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Fridge: Keeps well for up to a week in an airtight container.
• In the Freezer: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! A high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works great, but if you have the time, homemade caramel makes these brownies even more special.

How do I get clean slices without a mess?

Chill the brownies for 30 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of toffee bits would be a fantastic addition.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but if you want them to stay fresh longer, store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Related Recipes

If you love these Caramel Brownies, you’ll definitely enjoy:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies

• Biscoff Cheesecake

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Brownies are the kind of dessert that makes any moment feel extra special. They’re rich, gooey, and packed with deep chocolate and caramel flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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