Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. These rich and fudgy brownie bars feature a luscious caramel layer sandwiched between two layers of chocolatey goodness. Whether you need a treat for a special occasion or a satisfying sweet bite, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel for an irresistible dessert
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a homemade gift
- Can be customized with nuts, sea salt, or different types of chocolate
- Stores well, making it a great make-ahead treat
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Caramel candies or homemade caramel
- Heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a microwave or on the stovetop. Stir until smooth.
- Whisk in the sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Sift together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt) in a separate bowl. Gradually fold them into the wet ingredients.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in a saucepan until smooth. Pour the caramel over the brownie layer.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter, spreading it gently over the caramel.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
- Salted Caramel Brownie Bars: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Nutty Brownie Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Double Chocolate Version: Mix in white or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
- Espresso Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture.
FAQs
How do I make homemade caramel instead of using caramel candies?
You can make caramel by heating sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat until it thickens and turns golden brown.
Can I use store-bought brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a brownie mix as a shortcut. Just prepare according to the package instructions and follow the layering method.
What size baking pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan works best for thick, chewy bars.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the knife when slicing?
Lightly grease your knife with butter or cooking spray before cutting the bars.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
What type of chocolate is best for the brownie base?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best for a rich and balanced flavor.
Can I add frosting to these bars?
They are rich enough on their own, but a chocolate ganache topping would add extra indulgence.
How do I make these brownies extra fudgy?
Use a bit less flour and avoid overbaking to keep the texture moist and fudgy.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in the caramel?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the caramel may be slightly less creamy.
What’s the best way to store these for gifting?
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a decorative box or tin for a homemade gift.
Conclusion
Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, creating a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh or store them for a treat later—either way, they’re a guaranteed delight.
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Crumble Bars are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers! With a buttery crumbly base, rich chocolate filling, and crunchy peanut butter chips, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt until crumbly.
- Press half the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together, then mix in condensed milk.
- Pour chocolate mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture and peanut butter chips on top.
- Bake for another 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Try adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American