Name: Caramel Swirl Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

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If you’re looking for a decadent treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate with luscious caramel, these Caramel Swirl Brownies are about to become your new baking obsession! Imagine fudgy brownies, swirled with ribbons of creamy caramel and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt—it’s the kind of dessert that makes every bite feel a little bit magical. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or sneaking a square for yourself with a cup of coffee, this recipe brings together classic flavors in a way that’s simply irresistible.

Caramel Swirl Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of kitchen staples can come together to create something as unforgettable as Caramel Swirl Brownies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and visual appeal that sets these brownies apart. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make them extra special:

Unsalted butter, melted: Using melted butter gives the brownies their signature fudgy texture and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve that classic crackly top.
Large eggs: These bind everything together and contribute to the brownies’ chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and caramel notes with warm, aromatic undertones.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to provide structure without making the brownies cakey.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The source of the deep, intense chocolate flavor—choose a high-quality cocoa for the best results.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
Baking powder: A touch of baking powder gives a slight lift, keeping the brownies from feeling too dense.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Pools of melted chocolate in every bite make these brownies truly decadent.
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star of the swirl—use your favorite caramel for maximum flavor.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A final sprinkle amplifies the caramel and chocolate, making every mouthful pop.

How to Make Caramel Swirl Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This step ensures your Caramel Swirl Brownies come out of the pan without sticking, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is slightly thickened—it should look rich and creamy at this point.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Give these dry ingredients a good whisk to break up any lumps and ensure even distribution, which leads to perfectly textured brownies.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep the brownies tender. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for those delightful melty pockets throughout.

Step 5: Swirl in the Caramel

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Take a knife and gently swirl the caramel into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons—just be careful not to overmix, so you get distinct swirls.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

If you love a sweet-and-salty finish, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top now. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The Caramel Swirl Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing for neat, picture-perfect squares.

How to Serve Caramel Swirl Brownies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, dust your Caramel Swirl Brownies with a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar, or add a few more drizzles of warm caramel and a pinch of sea salt just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for the ultimate dessert combo. A handful of fresh berries or a few slices of orange on the side adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the brownies’ richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Caramel Swirl Brownies on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them in mini cupcake liners for a party-ready display. For gifting, wrap individual brownies in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade touch that delights every recipient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Caramel Swirl Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them to maintain their fudgy texture, just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Once cooled and cut, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or gently warm before enjoying.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will get melty, and the caramel will become gooey again—pure bliss! If reheating from frozen, let them thaw first for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix as the base for Caramel Swirl Brownies?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, start with your favorite boxed mix, prepare as directed, and swirl in the caramel before baking. The homemade caramel swirl is what makes these brownies shine, even with a shortcut base.

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

A thick, high-quality caramel sauce—homemade or store-bought—is ideal. Look for one with a rich, buttery flavor that won’t disappear into the batter. Avoid thin or watery caramel, as it can blend in and lose the swirl effect.

How can I make the brownies extra gooey?

For the gooiest Caramel Swirl Brownies, slightly underbake them and cool completely before slicing. Chilling them in the fridge before cutting also helps achieve neat, fudgy squares with gooey caramel pockets.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch and flavor. You can also try mixing in toffee bits or swirling in a bit of peanut butter with the caramel for a fun twist.

Do I need to refrigerate brownies with caramel?

It’s not strictly necessary, but if you live in a warm climate or want the brownies to last longer, refrigeration is a good idea. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving so they’re soft and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s a true crowd-pleaser, these Caramel Swirl Brownies check every box. Each bite is a celebration of gooey chocolate and silky caramel, and once you taste them, you’ll want to make them again and again. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first swirl!

Caramel Swirl Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these rich and fudgy Caramel Swirl Brownies, featuring a perfect balance of decadent chocolate and luscious caramel. Swirled with buttery caramel sauce and topped with flaky sea salt, these brownies offer a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for dessert lovers seeking an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

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Brownie Batter

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

Caramel Swirl

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Topping

1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter for extra chocolate bursts.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan surface.
Add Caramel Swirl: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the brownie batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the caramel into the batter, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
Add Sea Salt (Optional): Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the flavor contrast with the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 pieces to serve. This also helps the caramel set for perfect texture.