Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe

Decadent caramel chocolate chip brownies promise a sweet escape from ordinary desserts.

Molten chocolate swirls dance through rich, fudgy layers waiting to delight your senses.

Unexpected flavor combinations make these brownies more than just another standard treat.

Gooey caramel ribbons weave through dense, chocolatey goodness that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Baking enthusiasts understand how simple ingredients can create extraordinary experiences in the kitchen.

Each bite carries a luxurious promise of indulgence that speaks directly to chocolate lovers.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible squares of pure happiness.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that redefines brownie perfection.

Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies You’ll Want on Repeat

  • The recipe requires basic kitchen tools and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginner bakers seeking delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Guaranteed to impress family and friends, these brownies combine rich chocolate with sweet caramel swirls, creating a decadent treat that appeals to all ages.
  • Whether served at casual gatherings, potlucks, or formal dinner parties, these brownies elevate any event with their gourmet-style presentation and luxurious taste.

Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies Ingredient Guide

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for brownie texture and flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, tender brownie.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the dense, fudgy structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the brownie's base structure and provides stability.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate taste.
  • Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and creates a tender crumb.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts and melty pockets throughout brownies.
  • Caramel Sauce: Creates rich swirls and adds sweet, buttery complexity.
  • Sea Salt: Optional topping that provides a beautiful flavor contrast and gourmet finish.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and get your 9×13-inch baking pan ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a generous butter massage.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

Grab a large saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, pull it off the stove and whisk in sugar until it looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Let the mixture cool down a bit, then crack eggs in one at a time, whisking thoroughly. Splash in vanilla extract and mix completely.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until everything blends smoothly.

Step 6: Sprinkle Chocolate Magic

Fold chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly.

Step 7: Create Caramel Swirl

Spread half the brownie batter into the pan. Drizzle caramel sauce across the surface. Use a knife to create gentle swirls.

Step 8: Top and Swirl Again

Cover with remaining batter, smoothing the top. Add extra caramel drizzles and create more swirls if desired.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should have a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares. Optional: Sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra flavor punch.

Brownie Tips for a Rich, Chewy Texture

  • Drizzle Caramel Strategically: Swirl caramel sauce gently between brownie layers to create beautiful marbled patterns and ensure even distribution of sweet flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Prevent Over-Baking: Check brownies at 30 minutes and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick, ensuring a rich, fudgy texture without drying out.
  • Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-percentage dark chocolate chips for deeper, more complex flavor that complements the caramel's sweetness.
  • Enhance with Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after cooling to create a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the entire brownie experience.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing, helping them blend more smoothly and creating a more consistent batter texture.

Store and Slice Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies Smoothly

  • Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Keep brownies at room temperature for 23 days in a covered container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm brownies in the microwave for 1015 seconds on 50% power to maintain their soft, fudgy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent becoming tough or dry.

What Goes Great with These Caramel Brownies

  • Rich, full-bodied cabernet sauvignon or merlot complements the deep chocolate and caramel notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience that balances sweetness with tannic complexity.
  • Serve a cold scoop alongside the warm brownie to create delightful temperature contrast and enhance the caramel's buttery richness while cooling the dessert's intense chocolate flavor.
  • A shot of dark, intense espresso cuts through the brownie's sweetness, providing a bold counterpoint that highlights the chocolate's depth and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • This beverage echoes the dessert's caramel undertones, adding an extra layer of indulgence and bringing out the subtle salt and sweet interplay in the brownie.

Caramel Brownie Flavor Ideas to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Brownie: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips. Choose a vegan caramel sauce made from coconut milk and sugar.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar. Select dark chocolate chips with minimal added sugar and reduce caramel drizzle to lower overall sweetness.
  • Nut-Friendly Option: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and nutritional value. Sprinkle nuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

Questions About These Brownies? Get the Answers

  • What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal for creating a rich, balanced flavor in these brownies. They complement the caramel and provide a perfect chocolate depth without being too sweet.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 replacement and check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

  • How do I create the perfect caramel swirl?

Use room temperature caramel sauce and drop small dollops across the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently drag through the drops, creating a marbled swirl effect without overmixing.

  • Why add sea salt to the brownies?

Sea salt enhances the caramel and chocolate flavors, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the overall taste of the brownies.

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Caramel Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet, irresistible caramel chocolate chip brownies blend rich chocolate with gooey caramel in a sinful dessert that melts hearts. Rich layers of intense flavor promise pure indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts who crave ultimate satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Chocolate and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) 226 grams unsalted butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a thorough grease coating.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk sugar into the melted butter until the mixture appears smooth and glossy.
  3. Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool slightly, then incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of the base.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, thoroughly blending the dry ingredients.
  6. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform batter forms with no visible flour streaks.
  7. Gently fold chocolate chips into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  8. Transfer half the batter into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
  9. Drizzle caramel sauce across the initial batter layer, using a knife or toothpick to create elegant swirling patterns.
  10. Cover the caramel-swirled layer with remaining brownie batter, smoothing the top carefully.
  11. Add additional caramel drizzles and create more intricate swirl designs if desired.
  12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
  13. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
  14. Optional: Sprinkle sea salt across the top for an enhanced flavor contrast.

Notes

  • Enhance the caramel swirl by warming the sauce slightly before drizzling to ensure smoother, more even distribution throughout the brownie batter.
  • Create gluten-free brownies by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend for sensitive diets.
  • Control the richness by using dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, milder taste.
  • Add extra texture and depth by sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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