Prepare to satisfy your sweet cravings with the irresistible combination of chocolate and caramel in these delectable Chocolate Caramel Brownies. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious dessert, these brownies are sure to impress. With layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a fudgy texture, each bite is a heavenly indulgence. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a dessert masterpiece that will leave everyone craving for more!
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated:
- 4 Eggs
- Baking & Spices:
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 12 oz Chocolate chips
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1 1/4 cups Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 11 oz Wrapped caramels
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- Dairy:
- 1 cup Butter
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the butter and chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture and mix until smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients mixture. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Layer the Brownie Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add the Caramel Layer: Unwrap the caramels and place them evenly over the layer of brownie batter in the baking dish.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the caramels.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Chill the Caramels: For easier handling, place the unwrapped caramels in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before layering them onto the brownie batter.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra chocolatey touch, melt some additional chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownies before serving.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer for added crunch and flavor.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of brown sugar and granulated sugar. Opt for sugar-free chocolate chips and caramels to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Low Carb Hack: Replace the flour with a combination of almond flour and flaxseed meal for a lower-carb alternative. Use a sugar-free condensed milk or make your own using heavy cream and a sugar substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of wrapped caramels? A: While store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a substitute, it may result in a thinner caramel layer compared to using wrapped caramels. Ensure that the consistency is thick enough to hold its shape when baked.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Yes, these brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once cooled and cut into squares, wrap each individual brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips? A: Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a deeper, richer flavor to the brownies. Feel free to use your preferred type of chocolate based on your taste preferences.
In conclusion, these Chocolate Caramel Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. With their rich and fudgy texture, gooey caramel layer, and decadent chocolatey flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a dessert to impress, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with every bite of these irresistible brownies!