Caramel Dream Swirl Brownies

$Here’s what you need to make these amazing caramel swirl brownies: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional) These ingredients are simple and easy to find. The melted butter adds richness, while the sugar gives sweetness. Eggs help bind everything together, and vanilla adds a lovely flavor. The flour and cocoa powder create that classic brownie texture. Baking powder makes them rise just right, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Semi-sweet chocolate chips bring in extra chocolatey goodness. Lastly, caramel sauce swirled in gives that dreamy touch. You can even sprinkle sea salt on top for a nice contrast. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a dessert that will impress anyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and sugar. Whisk them together until they look glossy and well mixed. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix. You want it just combined for the best texture. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Now, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it gently. Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top and repeat with the remaining caramel sauce. Swirl again for a beautiful marbled effect. Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling helps them set before you cut them into squares. To make great brownies, avoid overmixing your batter. When you mix too much, your brownies can turn out tough. Mix until you see no dry flour. It’s okay if some lumps remain. This helps keep them soft and chewy, which is what we want. Swirling caramel into brownies is fun! Start by drizzling caramel over the batter. Use a toothpick or knife to make gentle swirls. Don't mix too deep; you want to see the caramel on top. The marbling should be beautiful and create a tasty contrast. For a burst of flavor, add sea salt flakes on top of your brownies. The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel. Just a sprinkle will do! This small touch makes each bite even better. Try it; you’ll love the combination! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter for better incorporation and a fluffier texture. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined to keep your brownies chewy and fudgy. Quality Caramel Matters: Using a high-quality caramel sauce will enhance the flavor of your brownies, making them even more indulgent. Let Them Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to ensure clean cuts and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_2}} You can add a crunchy twist to your brownies by using nuts. Walnuts or pecans work great. Simply chop them up and fold them into the brownie batter. This adds texture and flavor. I love how the nuts complement the smooth caramel swirl. You can use about one cup of chopped nuts. Want to change the flavor? You can add different extracts. Almond or mint extract gives a unique taste. Just add one teaspoon of your chosen extract when mixing the wet ingredients. This small change can make a big impact. It’s fun to experiment and find your favorite combination. You have options when it comes to caramel. You can either make your own or buy store-bought caramel sauce. Homemade caramel has a rich, deep flavor. It’s a bit more work but very rewarding. If you choose store-bought, look for high-quality brands. Both options taste great in these brownies. Just use half a cup in your recipe. To keep your caramel swirl brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also place a slice of bread in the container. The bread will absorb moisture and keep the brownies soft. If you want to add extra flavor, wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. You can freeze the brownies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, take out a square and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. At room temperature, these brownies last about 3 to 4 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. If you want them to last longer, the fridge can extend their life to about a week. Just remember, cold brownies might be a bit firmer, so let them sit out for a bit before enjoying! Yes, you can use dark chocolate. It will make the brownies richer. The taste will be a bit deeper and less sweet. If you love dark chocolate, this is a great option. Just make sure it melts well. To make homemade caramel sauce, follow these simple steps: - In a saucepan, add 1 cup of granulated sugar. - Heat over medium until it starts to melt. - Stir gently until it turns golden brown. - Slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. - Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt. This sauce pairs perfectly with the brownies! To cut brownies neatly, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool in the pan. Then, dip the knife in hot water. Wipe it dry before cutting. This helps create clean edges. You can also use a ruler to measure equal pieces. Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free! Just swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well in baking. The texture might change slightly, but they will still be delicious. Fudge brownies are dense and moist, with a rich texture. They have more fat and less flour. Cakey brownies are lighter and fluffier. They have a cake-like texture due to more flour and baking powder. Choose based on your preference! This blog post covered how to make rich and gooey brownies with caramel swirls. We discussed each ingredient and gave step-by-step instructions for baking. I shared tips to ensure perfect brownies and offered fun variations. In my final thoughts, remember to enjoy the process. Customizing your brownies adds personal flair. Now, you’re ready to bake and share these delicious treats with others!$

Caramel Dream Swirl Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies swirled with caramel for a dreamy dessert experience.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup caramel sauce
to taste sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly glossy.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the brownie batter, and use a toothpick or knife to swirl it into the batter slightly.
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer and repeat the process with the remaining caramel sauce, swirling again for a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
For an optional touch, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top before serving.

Notes

For an optional touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before serving.

Keyword brownies, caramel, chocolate, dessert