Caramel Brownies Recipe

Indulge in Gooey, Fudgy Caramel Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly baked brownie. The rich, chocolatey flavor combined with a dense, moist texture is an experience like no other. But when you add a luscious layer of caramel into the mix, the result is a dessert that transcends ordinary brownies, becoming an indulgent treat that’s impossible to resist. These Caramel Brownies are exactly that – gooey, fudgy, and delightfully rich. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of creating these mouthwatering brownies step by step.

The Perfect Caramel Brownie Recipe

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, make sure you have the necessary equipment on hand:

• 8″ square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

To make these Caramel Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (227g)
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (220g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (180g)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce)
• 1 package caramel candies, unwrapped (11-ounce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper will help you remove the brownies from the pan more easily once they’re done.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and cocoa powder until they are well combined. This mixture will form the rich, chocolatey base of your brownies. Next, add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.

Stir in the flour and chocolate chips gently, being careful not to over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies, which is not what we want. The goal is to combine the ingredients just enough so that they are evenly distributed.

3. Assemble the Brownies

Spread half of the brownie batter in the prepared baking pan. This will form the bottom layer of your brownies. In a small saucepan, heat the sweetened condensed milk over medium-low heat until it is warm, about 3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from burning. Add the unwrapped caramel candies and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to the saucepan. Continue stirring until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Pour two-thirds of the caramel sauce over the brownie batter in the pan. The caramel will seep into the batter, creating pockets of gooey sweetness. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top of the caramel layer, spreading it as evenly as possible.

4. Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and how gooey you like your brownies. If you prefer gooier brownies, bake them for a shorter amount of time. For firmer brownies, bake them a bit longer. To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

5. Cool and Serve

Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial because cutting into the brownies while they’re still warm can result in a messy situation. The caramel layer needs time to set, and the chocolate chips will be melty and oozy if you cut them too soon.

After the brownies have cooled, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a bit of salt if desired. This adds a finishing touch that enhances the overall flavor. Cut the brownies into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Caramel Brownies

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more effortlessly into the batter than cold eggs. Take the eggs out of the fridge ahead of time or place them in a bowl of warm water to quickly warm them up.
• Avoid Over-Mixing: Over-mixing the brownie batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them.
• Sift the Cocoa Powder: If your cocoa powder is lumpy, sift it before adding it to the melted butter. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Adding too much flour can result in dense brownies. Use a scale to measure your flour for the best results. If you don’t have a scale, fluff the flour with a spoon and then spoon it into your measuring cup before leveling it off with a knife.
• Be Patient: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into them. This allows the caramel layer to set and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Lining the Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes removing the brownies and cleaning up much easier.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch in your brownies, consider adding chopped pecans to the batter. They complement the chocolate and caramel flavors beautifully.

Nutrition Information

For those who are curious about the nutritional content of these Caramel Brownies, here’s a breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 438kcal
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 76mg
• Sodium: 245mg
• Potassium: 303mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 47g
• Vitamin A: 485IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 131mg
• Iron: 2mg

Variations and Add-Ins

While the classic Caramel Brownies recipe is undoubtedly delicious, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Nutty Caramel Brownies

Add a crunchy texture to your brownies by incorporating nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work wonderfully in this recipe. Simply fold in a half cup of your preferred nuts into the batter before spreading it in the pan.

2. Sea Salt Caramel Brownies

For a sophisticated twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

3. Espresso Caramel Brownies

Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. The subtle coffee notes will complement the caramel and chocolate beautifully.

4. Gluten-Free Caramel Brownies

If you need a gluten-free option, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

5. Vegan Caramel Brownies

To make a vegan version of these brownies, use a plant-based butter substitute, flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and dairy-free chocolate chips. For the caramel, look for vegan caramel candies or make your own using coconut milk and coconut sugar.

6. Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies

Swirl in a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the caramel layer before baking for an irresistible peanut butter and caramel combination.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:

• A la Mode: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melting over the warm, gooey brownie is a match made in heaven.
• With Fresh Berries: Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a berry compote can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brownies.
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Enhance the chocolate experience by drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over the brownies just before serving.
• With a Glass of Milk: Sometimes, the simplest accompaniments are the best. A cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with these rich, fudgy brownies.

Storing and Freezing

To keep your Caramel Brownies fresh and delicious, store them properly:

Storing at Room Temperature

Place the brownies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you live in a warm or humid climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator to prevent the caramel from becoming too soft.

Freezing Caramel Brownies

Caramel Brownies freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cool Completely: Ensure the brownies are completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming.
2. Cut into Squares: Cut the brownies into individual squares for easy thawing and serving.
3. Wrap Individually: Wrap each brownie square in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect them from freezer burn.
4. Store in a Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
5. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a brownie, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can warm it in the microwave for a few seconds for a gooey, melty treat.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even the best bakers encounter challenges. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

1. Brownies Are Too Dry

If your brownies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Ensure you measure the flour correctly and check the brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should still be slightly gooey in the center when you remove them from the oven.

2. Caramel Didn’t Melt Properly

Caramel can be tricky to melt. Ensure you heat it slowly over medium-low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. If it seizes up, add a tablespoon of water or milk to help smooth it out.

3. Brownies Stick to the Pan

Lining the pan with parchment paper and greasing it well should prevent sticking. If you still encounter this issue, run a knife around the edges of the pan and gently lift the brownies out using the parchment paper.

4. Unevenly Baked Brownies

If the edges of your brownies are overcooked while the center is still gooey, it may be due to uneven oven temperature. Consider rotating the pan halfway through baking or using an oven thermometer to ensure even heat distribution.

Conclusion

Caramel Brownies are a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel in a gooey, fudgy package. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields spectacular results. With the variations and tips provided, you can customize the brownies to your liking and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Remember, the key to perfect brownies is not just in the ingredients but also in the patience and care you take in preparing them. So next time you’re in the mood for a decadent treat, whip up a batch of these Caramel Brownies and indulge in the deliciousness. Happy baking!