If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate treat, these Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies will absolutely win your heart. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies layered with luscious caramel and studded with decadent chocolate chunks—every bite is a perfect harmony of gooey, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply indulging your own cravings, this is the dessert that turns ordinary moments into something truly special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies is full of pantry staples, but every item truly counts. Each one brings its own magic, from rich chocolatey depth to that irresistible caramel swirl and just the right amount of chewiness.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Delivers a decadent, moist base and helps the brownies stay tender and fudgy.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies and also gives them that signature crackly top.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and create a luscious, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances both the caramel and chocolate flavors, adding depth and warmth.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Packs a punch of pure chocolate flavor—use a high-quality one for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and caramel notes.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of lift for a lighter crumb.
- Chocolate Chunks or Chips (1/2 cup): Pockets of rich, molten chocolate in every bite—use semi-sweet or dark, as you prefer.
- Caramel Sauce (1/3 cup, plus extra for drizzling): The gooey ribbon that takes these brownies into dreamy territory.
- Sea Salt (optional, for topping): A sprinkle on top adds contrast and elevates the caramel and chocolate flavors.
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This small step sets the stage for easy slicing and serving once your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies are done.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture looks creamy and smooth. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until the batter is glossy and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This foundation creates that wonderful, chewy brownie texture we all crave.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture—be careful not to overmix! You want everything just combined, so the brownies stay tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chunks
Fold in the chocolate chunks or chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. These bursts of chocolate ensure every bite of your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies is pure bliss.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl with Caramel
Pour half the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it into the corners. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this first layer. Add the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out gently. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the surface, then use a butter knife to swirl the caramel into the batter for a gorgeous marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. For extra gooey brownies, you can underbake by 2–3 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies are ready to come out. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing—this helps the caramel set and makes for cleaner, neater cuts.
How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top of your brownies. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds contrast and elevates the flavors, making every bite pop. You can even add a few extra chocolate chunks on top while the brownies are still warm for a melty finish.
Side Dishes
Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies are pretty spectacular on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream takes them to the next level. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a refreshing balance to all that decadent richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your brownies cut into neat squares on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or plate them individually with a caramel drizzle and a scoop of ice cream for an elegant dessert. For parties, you can even cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies have cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and moist, and the caramel will keep its gooey texture.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The caramel becomes gooey again, and the chocolate melts slightly, making your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies taste fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe and saves time. If you have a favorite homemade version, that will make your Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies even more decadent.
How do I get perfectly clean brownie slices?
Let your brownies cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife cleaned between each cut. Lining the pan with parchment paper also helps you lift the whole batch out for even, neat squares.
What kind of chocolate chunks work best?
You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chunks or chips. Semi-sweet gives a classic brownie flavor, while dark chocolate adds a more intense, less sweet bite.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly—start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
How do I make the brownies extra gooey?
For super gooey Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies, underbake them by 2–3 minutes. The center should look set but still a little soft—this gives you a luscious, fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary, whip up a batch of Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies. With their gooey caramel swirls and decadent chocolate chunks, they’re bound to become your new favorite treat. Don’t wait for a special occasion—these brownies make every day a little sweeter!
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Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with gooey caramel swirls and melty chocolate chunks for a decadent dessert treat. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt, these brownies offer an indulgent texture and flavor that chocolate and caramel lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips
Caramel
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Topping (Optional)
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly until fully combined and slightly fluffy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to keep the batter tender.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Stir in the chocolate chunks or chips evenly throughout the batter to ensure pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
- Layer Batter and Caramel: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer, then pour the remaining batter on top, spreading gently to cover. Drizzle the remaining caramel over the top layer and use a knife to lightly swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfect fudginess.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, reduce baking time by 2 to 3 minutes.
- Homemade caramel sauce can be substituted for store-bought for richer flavor.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
