Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with a dense, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you prefer them gooey or cakey, brownies are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a satisfying balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness in every bite. Caramel sauce is a luxurious, velvety topping made by melting sugar into a rich, amber syrup and blending it with butter and cream. Its deep, buttery sweetness and slight hint of salt make it a versatile addition to desserts, from ice cream to apple pie. Homemade caramel sauce elevates any dish it touches, adding a layer of indulgence that’s both comforting and decadent. Layering brownie batter with caramel sauce creates an irresistible twist on the classic brownie. As the brownies bake, the caramel sauce melds into the chocolatey base, creating pockets of gooey, sweet richness that perfectly complement the dense, fudgy texture of the brownie. The result is a caramel brownie—a decadent dessert where every bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, from the rich chocolate to the luscious caramel swirl. This combination transforms a simple brownie into a truly extraordinary treat, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your most intense dessert cravings.
Why is this the best brownie recipe
Rich and Fudgy Texture: The combination of melted butter and cocoa powder in the brownie batter ensures a dense, fudgy texture that’s rich and satisfying, making every bite indulgent. Homemade Caramel Sauce: The homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. The slight saltiness of the caramel balances perfectly with the sweetness of the brownies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: This recipe balances the sweetness from the sugar, caramel, and chocolate, so it’s indulgent without being overwhelmingly sweet. The slight bitterness from the cocoa powder and the richness from the butter enhance the overall flavor profile. Beautiful Presentation: The caramel swirl on top of the brownies creates a visually appealing marbled effect, making these brownies look as good as they taste. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, these brownies are sure to impress.
Ingredients and substitutes
Butter: Provides richness and moisture, resulting in a fudgy texture. You can substitute with an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Chocolate: Provides the rich, deep flavor in the brownies. High-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate is best for this recipe. You can substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, but it will result in a less intense chocolate taste. Alternatively, cocoa powder can be used if you don’t have solid chocolate, but you’ll need to adjust the butter and sugar quantities to maintain the texture. Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve a soft, tender crumb. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor or coconut sugar for a less refined option. Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. If you need a substitute, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a vegan alternative. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle sweetness. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or maple syrup in equal amounts for a different twist. All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownies. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts or almond flour for a denser texture. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a smoother, less acidic flavor or melted dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate taste. Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness. If you prefer a different seasoning, sea salt or kosher salt can be used, or you can omit it if needed. Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them a bit of lift and preventing them from being too dense. If you’re out of baking powder, you can substitute with baking soda (use half the amount) plus a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to activate it. Heavy Cream (in Caramel Sauce): Adds richness and creaminess to the caramel. You can substitute with half-and-half, coconut cream, or evaporated milk for a slightly different texture and flavor. Caramel: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. However, homemade caramel sauce adds a richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the brownies. Alternatively, you can also use melted caramel candies.
Step-by-step: Caramel brownies recipe
Caramel sauce
Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts into a thick, amber-colored liquid. Add Butter and cream: Carefully add the butter, stirring until it’s fully melted and combined with the sugar. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Finish and Cool: Stir in the salt and allow the caramel to cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
Brownies
Preheat oven to 175°C /350°F. Grease and line an 8 x 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can pick the brownies out. Mix Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter and chocolate in a large bowl over a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and smooth. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a fudgy texture.
Layer Brownies and Caramel: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the homemade caramel sauce over the batter. Top with the remaining brownie batter, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, swirling it gently with a knife for a marbled effect. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to stay fudgy and moist. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the caramel set properly and makes cutting easier. I love to sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Tips for Success:
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since the chocolate is a key flavor in these brownies, opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate. This ensures a rich, deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Monitor the Caramel Closely: When making the caramel sauce, pay close attention to the color as it cooks. The sugar can burn quickly once it starts to turn amber, so be ready to add the butter and cream as soon as the right color is achieved. Cool Caramel Slightly Before Using: Allow the caramel sauce to cool for a few minutes before layering it with the brownie batter. This helps it thicken slightly, preventing it from sinking too much into the batter and creating distinct caramel swirls. Layer Carefully: For the best swirl effect, pour half the brownie batter into the pan first, followed by half the caramel sauce. Then, add the remaining brownie batter and top with the rest of the caramel. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter without overmixing. Test for Doneness Early: Begin checking the brownies for doneness a few minutes before the suggested bake time ends. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the brownies are done. This ensures they stay fudgy and moist. Chill Before Cutting: Once the brownies have cooled, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. This helps the caramel set and makes it easier to slice clean squares without the caramel oozing out. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the brownies at room temperature. This allows the chocolate and caramel to be at their most decadent and gooey. Store Properly: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Frequently asked questions
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