If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect balance of rich chocolate and luscious caramel, this Caramel Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a fudgy, moist brownie with ribbons of gooey caramel weaving throughout each square, creating a delightful dance of flavors and textures. This recipe brings together simple ingredients with easy steps, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a festive treat for friends. The magic lies not only in the taste but also in the way caramel and chocolate come together to create an irresistible experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Caramel Brownies Recipe plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that gives richness, to the cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate flavor, and the caramel sauce that adds a sweet, velvety surprise. These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a moist texture, perfect chewiness, and that stunning swirl effect on top.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g): Provides a rich, buttery base for tender brownies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g): Adds sweetness and helps with the fudgy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, 220g): Keeps the brownies moist and infuses a subtle caramel note.
- 4 large eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure while keeping the crumb chewy.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10ml): Enhances flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (100g): Delivers the rich chocolate intensity that’s essential in brownies.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g): Gives the brownies their sturdy yet tender texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder (5g): Just enough leavening to keep the brownies from being dense.
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5g): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (approx. 320g): The star ingredient that brings gooey pockets of sweet decadence.
How to Make Caramel Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This prep work ensures your brownies will bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped without sticking.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugars
Place the butter in a saucepan over low heat until it melts smoothly. Stir in both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns glossy and the sugars start to dissolve. This step creates a luscious, buttery-sweet foundation that will make your brownies irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool just enough so you can safely add eggs without scrambling them. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one blends fully before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients help achieve that perfectly fudgy brownie consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the butter and sugar blend. Be gentle and avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender and moist with a rich chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Brownies with Caramel Swirls
Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Generously drizzle the caramel sauce over this layer, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel gently into the top batter, creating beautiful, marbled caramel ribbons that will bake into gooey pockets of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking – you want the brownies to stay soft and fudgy rather than dry. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before slicing to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Caramel Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the brownies just before serving to make those caramel notes pop delightfully. For an extra special touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar or add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to provide a satisfying crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
These decadent brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of strong coffee or a rich hot chocolate can complement the intense chocolate and caramel flavors, turning dessert time into a cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun serving idea, cut your caramel brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter lined with decorative parchment paper. You can also layer brownie pieces with whipped cream and berries in clear glasses to create delicious, elegant parfaits that highlight every decadent bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover caramel brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist, preventing the caramel from drying out or becoming sticky on the surface.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Caramel Brownies Recipe fresh longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Frozen brownies can last up to three months, so you can always have a sweet treat ready whenever you crave a bit of chocolate caramel bliss.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies after storage or freezing, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This slightly melts the caramel and revives that soft, indulgent texture that makes these brownies so special.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully and saves time. Just be sure to choose a quality caramel for the best flavor and consistency in your brownies.
How do I prevent the caramel from sinking to the bottom?
Drizzle the caramel between two layers of batter and swirl gently rather than mixing it in completely. This technique helps create beautiful pockets of caramel throughout the brownies without it sinking.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
For this recipe, butter is preferred because it adds a rich flavor and helps create that fudgy texture, but you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegetable or coconut oil if needed.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture and taste.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies for serving?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before cutting. This method helps create clean edges and prevents the caramel from sticking to the knife.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caramel Brownies Recipe enough for anyone who loves the ultimate chocolate and caramel combo. It’s your go-to for indulgent gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you want to share a homemade delight with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting, delicious brownies you’ll ever make!
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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 rich and indulgent Caramel Brownies combine a fudgy chocolate base with luscious swirls of caramel sauce, baked to perfection for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
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
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, approx. 320g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring the sugars dissolve well into the butter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Sift Dry Ingredients and Mix: In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Assemble the Brownies: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter, spreading it gently if desired. Layer the remaining batter on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a good quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own homemade caramel for a more personalized touch.
- Do not overbake; brownies are better with a slightly fudgy texture.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean slices.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
