Fudgy Caramel Brownies

Name: Fudgy Caramel Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakes

I absolutely love indulging in rich, fudgy brownies, and these Fudgy Caramel Brownies have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of decadent chocolate and gooey caramel creates a dessert that is truly irresistible. With just the right balance of sweetness and richness, each bite transports me to chocolate paradise. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, which makes them perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. I can't wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with it just as I have!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-27T11:02:27.804Z

When I first decided to make these Fudgy Caramel Brownies, I didn't expect them to turn out so deliciously indulgent. I tried a new technique of swirling the caramel into the brownie batter just before baking, and the result was a marvel of flavor and texture. Each brownie boasts a fudgy interior with a rich caramel core that oozes with every bite.

One tip that transformed my brownies was letting them cool completely before cutting into them. This makes a world of difference because it allows the structure to firm up, giving you those perfect clean edges that look amazing on a dessert platter. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy caramel
Perfectly fudgy texture that satisfies every chocolate craving
Quick and easy to make, ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions

Mastering the Fudgy Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture is key to these brownies. The combination of melted butter and sugar creates a rich base that is essential for that decadent bite. When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix after adding the flour. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a cake-like texture rather than the desired fudgy consistency. Aim for a smooth batter with a few lumps of flour remaining; this will ensure your brownies are rich and dense.

To enhance the fudginess further, consider using a higher cocoa content chocolate. I recommend bittersweet chocolate chips, as they provide a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Just be sure to select one that has a similar fat content to get the best fudgy outcome.

Elevating with Caramel

The caramel sauce is what takes these brownies over the edge. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, its gooey nature adds a delightful contrast to the dense brownie. If using homemade caramel, take care to cook it just until it reaches a soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C). This ensures the caramel will maintain its gooey texture once baked. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to hard caramel that won't meld smoothly into the brownie layers.

For an added twist, you could experiment with different flavored caramel sauces, like sea salt caramel or even a hint of espresso. These variations can complement the chocolate brilliantly, elevating the overall flavor profile. If opting for sea salt flakes, a light sprinkle atop the brownies right after they come out of the oven can create a beautiful contrast of flavors.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storing your Fudgy Caramel Brownies properly is key to maintaining their texture and flavor. Once completely cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving to retain that fudgy texture.

These brownies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for different occasions. For a fun serving idea, warm them slightly in the microwave, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warm brownie paired with cold ice cream is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your fudgy caramel brownies:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips

Caramel Sauce

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Make sure to have these ingredients on hand for a successful bake!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect fudgy brownies:

Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Melt Butter and Sugar

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in granulated sugar until well combined.

Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before whisking in eggs, one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Layer Brownie and Caramel

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Swirl the caramel into the top layer using a knife.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Enjoy the delectable indulgence of these fudgy caramel brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add chopped nuts to the brownie batter or drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch and don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop up a chocolate bar instead—just ensure it has a high cocoa content for optimal flavor. Additionally, if you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will give you a similar texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

For those who prefer a less sweet brownie, reducing the sugar to 1 ½ cups can still yield delicious results, especially since the caramel adds sweetness of its own. You might also consider using coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar, which gives a slightly different flavor profile and retains moisture within the brownies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out too cakey, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off, but avoid packing it down. Also, whisking the eggs too vigorously when incorporating them can result in a lighter texture. Keep your mixing gentle to maintain that desirable fudginess.

On the flip side, if your brownies turn out too gooey, it could be due to underbaking. Baking for an additional 2-3 minutes might solve this problem, but keep a close eye on them. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Remember, brownies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.

Customized Toppings and Variations

To customize your Fudgy Caramel Brownies, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch. Simply fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan. This will add delightful texture and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully.

If you want to infuse different flavors, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. The espresso will enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste, making the brownies even richer. Alternatively, a splash of almond extract can provide a subtle nutty layer that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and caramel.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate, but adjust for sweetness based on your preference.

→ How do I store brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of caramel sauce?

You can use chocolate ganache or peanut butter for a different flavor profile.