These caramel brownies are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavor of fudgy brownies with the sweetness of gooey caramel. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients like butter, chocolate, and vanilla extract to create a decadent dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet, these caramel brownies are sure to satisfy.
Why We Love These Caramel Brownies
There’s something magical about the combination of warm, gooey caramel and fudgy brownies. These caramel brownies are a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Here’s why we love them:
- Decadent Texture: These brownies are not your average dessert. The center is dense and chewy, while the caramel topping adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s the ideal contrast of flavors and textures!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few staple ingredients like butter, chocolate, and vanilla extract, you can make this dessert from scratch in no time. No complicated steps, just pure indulgence.
- Versatile: These caramel brownies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee at home, they never disappoint.
- Irresistible Appeal: The rich, dark chocolate and buttery caramel create an irresistible combination that keeps you coming back for more. They’re a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!
- Customizable: Want to add a little twist? You can easily customize the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of contrast.
These caramel brownies are easy to make, versatile, and simply impossible to resist. Perfect for anyone who loves a rich, gooey, and satisfying dessert!
Ingredients for Caramel Brownies
Butter – Adds moisture and richness. Use unsalted butter for better control over salt.
Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture for the brownies.
Brown sugar – Adds a rich, molasses flavor to the brownies.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help the brownies hold their shape.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the brownies.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor.
Baking powder – Helps the brownies rise and stay light and chewy.
Sea salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the caramel and chocolate.
Caramel sauce – Adds a sweet, gooey caramel layer to the brownies.
Instructions for Caramel Brownies
Making these caramel brownies is simple and quick, but the result is a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of rich, gooey brownies in no time:
Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a separate bowl.
Blend the dry and wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense brownies.
Add the caramel sauce
Swirl half of the caramel sauce into the batter, creating pockets of gooey caramel.
Pour the batter into the pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick—moist crumbs should stick, not wet batter. The brownies will set as they cool.
Drizzle with remaining caramel
Cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top.
Cool and slice
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt for extra flavor.
There you have it! These caramel brownies are rich, gooey, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Brownies
Want to make sure your caramel brownies turn out perfectly every time? Here are some pro tips to elevate your baking game and ensure these brownies are as delicious as possible:
Use room temperature ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing, giving your brownies that perfect fudgy texture.
Don’t overmix the batter
Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for a light and chewy texture. The less you mix, the better!
Swirl the caramel in carefully
When you add the caramel sauce, swirl it gently through the batter instead of fully mixing it in. This creates pockets of gooey caramel throughout, giving you that irresistible bite of caramel in every square.
Check for doneness early
Ovens vary, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. Remember, the brownies will continue to cook as they cool.
Let the brownies cool
While it’s tempting to dive in right away, allow the brownies to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps them set, making it easier to cut them into perfect squares without falling apart.
Store properly
To keep your caramel brownies fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw them before serving!
Variations for Caramel Brownies
While this classic caramel brownie recipe is a winner on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:
Add nuts
If you love a bit of crunch in your brownies, fold chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts into the batter. The nuts add a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel.
Try a salted caramel twist
To enhance the caramel flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the brownies just after drizzling with the caramel sauce. The sweet and salty combo will elevate your brownies to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Double the chocolate
For the ultimate chocolate lover, add an extra half cup of chocolate chips or even a bit of chopped chocolate to the batter. This extra dose of chocolate makes for an even richer brownie.
Make it gluten-free
To make these caramel brownies gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free as well!
Add a caramel layer
For an extra indulgent treat, spread a layer of caramel sauce between two layers of brownie batter before baking. This creates a thick, gooey caramel center that’s sure to impress.
Go for a peanut butter swirl
For a peanut butter-chocolate lovers’ dream, swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking. The peanut butter adds a creamy richness that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully.
Feel free to experiment with these variations or even come up with your own unique twist! Each one adds a new layer of flavor to your caramel brownies, making them even more irresistible.
Serving Suggestions for Caramel Brownies
Now that your caramel brownies are baked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some fun and delicious serving ideas to elevate the experience:
Serve with a scoop of ice cream
Pair your warm caramel brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream. The contrast of the warm, fudgy brownie with the cold ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience.
Top with whipped cream
Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your brownies for extra creaminess. You can even drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream for a more decadent touch.
Pair with coffee or milk
For a classic combination, enjoy your caramel brownies with a cup of coffee or cold milk. The rich flavors of the brownies pair beautifully with these beverages, making for the perfect snack or dessert.
Make a dessert platter
If you’re entertaining, cut the brownies into smaller squares and add them to a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies and mini cheesecakes. They’ll be a hit at any gathering!
Serve with fresh fruit
For a slightly healthier option, serve your caramel brownies with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or sliced apples. The freshness of the fruit balances out the richness of the brownies and adds a pop of color to your plate.
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FAQs about Caramel Brownies
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your caramel brownie experience!
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Using homemade caramel sauce can add a personal touch to your brownies. Just make sure it’s slightly cooled before swirling it into the batter to prevent it from melting too much.
Can I make these brownies without caramel?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of caramel or prefer a different flavor, you can simply leave it out. These brownies are still delicious with just the rich, chocolatey base. Alternatively, try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
How do I know when my caramel brownies are done?
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Start checking at the 25-minute mark, as oven times can vary.
Can I add nuts to my caramel brownies?
Yes! If you enjoy a bit of crunch, fold some chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the batter before baking. The nuts add a lovely texture that pairs perfectly with the rich caramel and chocolate flavors.
caramel brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup of butter softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Mix the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once well combined, add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will create a smooth batter.
Blend the dry and wet ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies dense.
Add the caramel sauce
- Pour half of the caramel sauce into the brownie batter, stirring gently to swirl it in. This will create pockets of gooey caramel throughout the brownies.
Pour the batter into the pan
- Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—your brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool!
Drizzle with remaining caramel
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top, letting it soak into the warm brownies.
Cool and slice
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing into squares. For extra richness, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.