Fudgy Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe

The Fudgiest Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe Ever Created

Decadent chocolate caramel brownies weave pure magic into every single bite.

Rich layers of intense chocolate meld perfectly with gooey caramel swirls.

Dark chocolate creates a luxurious backdrop for these irresistible treats.

Silky caramel ribbons dance through dense, fudgy brownie layers.

Each square promises a moment of pure indulgence that melts on your tongue.

The combination of deep chocolate and sweet caramel delivers an unbelievably addictive dessert experience.

Grab a fork and prepare to be transported to dessert heaven.

Fun Ways to Serve Up Caramel Brownies

  • Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve these rich brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast to the dense chocolate.
  • Elegant Coffee Pairing: Complement the brownies with a strong espresso or cappuccino to enhance the deep chocolate and caramel flavors.
  • Sweet Gift Idea: Wrap individual brownie squares in parchment paper with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that feels extra special.
  • Texture Contrast Topping: Sprinkle crushed pecans or toasted almonds on top for a delightful crunch that balances the smooth caramel and fudgy brownie base.

How to Store Leftover Brownies to Keep Them Fudgy

  • Store brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their rich chocolate flavor and caramel swirls.
  • Warm individual brownies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to prevent drying out or overcooking.
  • Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This gradual thawing helps maintain their original texture and taste.

FAQs

  • Why is caramel made first in this recipe?

Caramel needs time to cool and set before being added to the brownies. Making it first allows the caramel to reach the right consistency and temperature while you prepare the brownie batter.

  • Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt?

While regular salt works, flakey sea salt provides a better texture and enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors. The salt crystals create a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

  • What type of cocoa powder works best?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder is recommended for a richer, smoother chocolate flavor. Natural cocoa powder can also be used, but it may result in a slightly different taste and texture.

What Makes Fudgy Chocolate Caramel Brownies So Good

  • Dive into a rich chocolate experience with caramel swirls that transform ordinary brownies into a gourmet dessert sensation.
  • Modify the recipe by adjusting salt levels, trying different chocolate types, or adding extra toppings to match your taste preferences.
  • Learn professional-level cooking skills like creating homemade caramel and achieving the perfect brownie texture with simple step-by-step instructions.
  • Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats that will impress both kids and adults with its irresistible flavor combination.

Key Ingredients for Caramel-Filled Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar: The main sweetener that provides depth of flavor and helps create a rich texture.
  • Flour: Provides structure and binds the brownie ingredients together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to create a fudgy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil, Butter: Contribute to the moistness and richness of the brownies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Caramel and Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Butter, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Create a smooth, rich caramel with balanced sweetness and depth.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add extra chocolate chunks for texture and intense flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Flakey Sea Salt: Offers a contrasting salty garnish that elevates the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors.

Tools to Help You Bake the Fudgiest Brownies

  • Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting sugar and creating smooth caramel.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients thoroughly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: Great for blending eggs and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • 8×8-inch metal pan: Key for baking brownies with the right thickness.
  • Parchment paper: Helps with easy brownie removal and clean baking.
  • Wire rack: Crucial for cooling brownies evenly after baking.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for clean, precise brownie cutting.
  • Mixer: Useful for whipping caramel to light, fluffy consistency.
  • Spatula: Helps smooth batter in the pan and scrape bowls clean.

Simple Steps for Rich Chocolate Caramel Brownies

Step 1: Whip Up Caramel Sauce

Start by creating a luscious caramel in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Gradually sprinkle sugar into the pan, stirring occasionally.

Watch the sugar transform into a rich amber color.

Once melted, remove from heat and blend in:
  • Butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

Later, whip with a mixer for 1-2 minutes until the caramel becomes lighter and more voluminous.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 162 C (325 F).

Prepare an 8×8-inch metal pan by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light grease.

If you don’t have a square pan, a round 8- or 9-inch pan works perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together:
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate chips
  • Salt

Stir these ingredients until well combined and set aside.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Melted butter
  • Water
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Create Brownie Batter

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

The batter will be thick and rich.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Let cool completely on a wire rack.

For a quicker cool-down, pop the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Caramel Flair

Spread the whipped caramel generously over the cooled brownies.

Sprinkle with flakey sea salt for an extra flavor punch.

Chill the brownies briefly.

When ready to serve, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean slices, wiping the blade between cuts.

Brownie Success – Handy Baking Tips

  • Refrigerate the caramel for at least 30 minutes before whipping to ensure a thick, spreadable consistency that won't seep into the brownie layers.
  • Check brownies at 35 minutes to prevent overcooking, as ovens vary. Moist crumbs indicate perfect fudgy texture without being raw in the center.
  • Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry before cutting each brownie slice for clean, smooth edges that showcase the caramel and brownie layers.
  • Sprinkle high-quality flakey sea salt on top to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.

Creative Caramel Brownie Twists to Try

  • Vegan Chocolate Caramel Brownies: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Brownies: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor and texture.
  • Salted Almond Chocolate Caramel Brownies: Add chopped almonds to the batter and sprinkle crushed almonds on top of the caramel for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Caramel Brownies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fudgy Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Rich chocolate caramel brownies fuse indulgent layers of chocolate and silky caramel into a heavenly dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each gooey, decadent bite of this irresistible sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
  • 1/2 cup (90g) dark chocolate chips, chopped

Liquid and Fat Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (55g) vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120g) heavy cream, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) water

Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) fine salt

Garnish

  • Flakey sea salt

Instructions

  1. Create a rich caramel sauce by gradually melting sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns amber-colored. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Refrigerate to cool, then whip with a mixer until lighter and thicker.
  1. Preheat the oven to 162°C (325°F). Prepare an 8×8-inch metal pan by lining with parchment paper and lightly greasing the exposed sides.
  1. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl: sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt. Thoroughly mix and set aside.
  1. Whisk wet ingredients in a large bowl, incorporating eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, water, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  1. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will appear dense and slightly thick.
  1. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake at 162°C (325°F) for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should have a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, optionally accelerating cooling by placing in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  1. Spread the whipped caramel across the cooled brownies. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt and chill. Cut into slices using a sharp knife warmed under hot water, cleaning the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

  • Caramel Preparation Tip Ensure sugar melts evenly by adding gradually and stirring occasionally, preventing burning and creating smooth caramel.
  • Baking Pan Flexibility Metal pans conduct heat better, but non-stick or glass pans can work with slight temperature and time adjustments.
  • Texture Control Avoid overmixing batter to maintain fudgy consistency; stir just until ingredients are combined to prevent tough brownies.
  • Dietary Adaptation Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly brownies.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 279
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star