If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the perfect blend of gooey caramel and rich chocolate, the Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These brownies are a magnificent treat where fudgy, deeply chocolatey batter meets luscious ribbons of caramel and generous chunks of melting chocolate. The result is a chewy, decadent dessert with just the right balance of sweetness, texture, and a touch of sea salt that really makes every bite sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the texture and flavor of these brownies. Each component is simple but absolutely essential, working together to create the irresistible chewiness and deep chocolate flavor balanced by luscious caramel.
- Unsalted butter: Using melted unsalted butter adds richness without overpowering the other flavors, ensuring a silky, dense texture.
- Sugar: Sweetness is crucial here, and granulated sugar provides that classic brownie chew and slight crust on top.
- Large eggs: Eggs give structure and moisture, binding the ingredients perfectly while keeping the brownies tender.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the chocolate and caramel, rounding out the flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, creating that iconic brownie density without heaviness.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides the deep chocolate notes that make these brownies truly indulgent.
- Salt: A pinch is crucial to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
- Chocolate chunks: These melt into pockets of rich, gooey chocolate throughout the brownies for bursts of extra chocolate bliss.
- Caramel sauce: The star swirl that brings luscious gooey pockets of buttery caramel magic in every bite.
- Sea salt flakes (optional): Sprinkling these on top creates a wonderful contrast, accentuating the sweet and rich flavors.
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick and come out easily when baked. This prep step ensures a smooth baking process and perfect edges.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy. This combination forms the rich, fudgy base of your brownies and helps develop that delightful crust on top once baked.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, stir in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully combined. This step helps bind the batter and adds moisture while amplifying the overall flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift all your dry ingredients – the flour, cocoa powder, and salt – into the wet mixture. Gently fold them in, being careful not to overmix; this keeps the brownies tender and fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chunks
Now, fold in the chocolate chunks. These pockets of melting chocolate create bursts of richness in every bite and elevate the classic brownie to a whole new level of decadence.
Step 6: Layer Batter and Caramel Sauce
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce artistically across the surface, then carefully top with the remaining batter. Smooth out the top with a spatula to seal in that caramel swirled delight.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges set but the center still yields a few moist crumbs on a toothpick test. This timing ensures the perfect fudgy center that is so much better than a dry brownie.
Step 8: Finish with Sea Salt
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the surface with optional sea salt flakes. This final flourish adds a wonderful salty contrast that highlights the caramel and chocolate beautifully. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into luscious squares.
How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are divine on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top can also take the indulgence to an even higher level.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. Fresh berries add a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness and lightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe as part of a decadent brownie sundae bar with toppings like chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or chocolate syrup. You can also cut the brownies into bite-size pieces and place them on skewers for a party-friendly treat everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them moist and chewy for up to four days. This way, every bite continues to taste freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture retention.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. Reheating helps revive that just-baked gooeyness, especially when paired with a little extra caramel or a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate chunks?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips work just as well, but chunks provide larger pockets of melty chocolate that make the brownies extra special.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting helps avoid lumps, especially with cocoa powder, and ensures an even mix for the perfect texture. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully for ease, but homemade caramel gives a richer, more buttery flavor if you’re up for it!
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for set edges and a center that still shows a few moist crumbs on a toothpick. This indicates fudginess without being underbaked or dry.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Its perfect balance of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and just a pinch of salt makes it an unforgettable treat. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these brownies always bring joy and smiles. So grab your ingredients and start baking — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Decadent caramel chocolate chunk brownies combining rich cocoa and buttery caramel for an indulgent treat, perfect for chocolate lovers craving a sweet, gooey dessert with a hint of sea salt.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
Caramel Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of brownies.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly creamy, providing the base for your brownies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth, which will help create a rich, tender texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold them in just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Fold in the chocolate chunks evenly throughout the batter for melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
- Layer Batter and Caramel: Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over this layer to add gooey sweetness.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spread the remaining batter over the caramel layer carefully, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even top layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are perfectly baked.
- Add Sea Salt: If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top immediately after baking to enhance and balance the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 12 squares, ensuring clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Use good-quality caramel sauce for richer flavor and smoother texture.
- The optional sea salt flakes add a lovely contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
