Craving a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy caramel? Look no further than this amazing caramel Brownies Recipe! Bursting with flavor, these caramel-laden delights not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also melt in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of chewy brownie and gooey caramel. Let’s dive into this delicious journey and bring some sweetness to your day.
Growing up, my grandmother always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into artful delicacies. Every Sunday, she would whisk us into a world of indulgence with her desserts. Her caramel brownies were legendary in our family, often making appearances at birthdays and holiday dinners. To this day, the smell of caramel takes me back to those cherished weekends in her warm kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This caramel brownies recipe stands out for a few delightful reasons:
- Irresistible Texture: The chewy chocolate base paired with the luscious caramel topping is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet treat ready to impress your guests or enjoy by yourself.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: These brownies taste even better the next day, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to exceptional caramel brownies lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the best results:
- High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for a rich, dark chocolate that provides the depth of flavor needed for the perfect brownie base.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla complements the caramel, boosting its sweetness.
- Substitutions: If you’re out of butter, coconut oil makes a decent substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal later.
Step 2
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Stir in butter and heavy cream for a silky caramel sauce. Set aside to cool.
Step 3
Mix the Brownie Batter: In a bowl, combine melted chocolate, sugar, and eggs. Add flour and salt, stirring until just combined.
Step 4
Assemble: Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared dish. Drizzle with half the caramel sauce, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the caramel.
Step 5
Bake & Cool: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey. Let cool completely before slicing.
Storage Options
Store your caramel brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to two months. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy a touch of homemade decadence anytime.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider adding a touch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist. For a nutty flavor, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, a gluten-free flour mix can substitute the regular flour effortlessly.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel brownies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for a dessert the whole family will love. They’re also fantastic when paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the caramel ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the caramel sauce a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently warm it up on the stove until pourable.
What type of chocolate is best for brownies? For intensely flavorful brownies, use high-quality dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Avoid milk chocolate, as it may make the brownies overly sweet.
How do I ensure my brownies are not overbaked? Keep a close eye on the edges—once they start to pull away from the sides of the pan and the center is set but still gooey, remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to cook as they cool in the pan.
Caramel Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 sticks unsalted butter melted
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares and serving.
