These Decadent Caramel Swirl Brownies are a rich, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. With a fudgy brownie base, a luscious caramel swirl, and a touch of sea salt, these brownies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and salty goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet snack, these brownies will hit the spot!

Decadent Caramel Swirl Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of chocolate and caramel, these brownies will become your new favorite dessert. The gooey caramel swirls add a rich, buttery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the dense, fudgy brownie base. Topped with a sprinkling of sea salt, these brownies are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory. Plus, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Caramel Swirl:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, remove from heat, and stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Prepare the Caramel Swirl: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the brownie batter, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it together gently.
Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and, again, use a knife to create swirls without mixing the layers completely.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Be careful not to overbake.
Cooling and Serving: Once baked, sprinkle sea salt over the top while the brownies are still warm. Allow them to cool in the pan set on a wire rack for about 20-30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Enjoy: Serve these indulgent caramel swirl brownies warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24 brownies

Variations

Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture that complements the rich caramel.
Swirl Variations: Swap caramel sauce for other sweet swirls, such as peanut butter or Nutella, for a unique twist.
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place brownies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these brownies without caramel sauce?

Yes, you can skip the caramel swirl and enjoy the brownies as regular chocolate brownies or add other ingredients like peanut butter or Nutella.

2. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), the brownies are done. Be careful not to overbake them.

3. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor in the brownies.

4. How do I prevent the caramel from sinking to the bottom?

Make sure to swirl the caramel gently rather than mixing it completely into the batter. This helps it remain on top while baking.

5. Can I use salted butter in place of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the sea salt that you sprinkle on top to avoid an overly salty flavor.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used, but make sure it has a good binding agent like xanthan gum.

7. How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan until it turns golden. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter, stirring until smooth.

8. Can I double this recipe for a larger pan?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a 13×9-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time slightly, and be sure to check for doneness.

9. Are these brownies chewy or cakey?

These brownies are on the fudgy side, with a dense and chewy texture. If you prefer a cakier brownie, you can reduce the butter slightly.

10. Can I add chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate chunks can be used in place of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience.

Conclusion

These Decadent Caramel Swirl Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. The rich, fudgy base pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty caramel swirls, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these brownies will never disappoint!