Caramel Brownies

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 50 min. + cooling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
I love to cook. My family can't possibly eat all the sweets I whip up, so my co-workers are more than happy to sample them—particularly these rich, chewy caramel brownies that are full of gooey caramel, chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. —Clara Bakke, Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 3/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
  • 1 package (11 ounces) caramels
  • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, cocoa, eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder; gradually add to egg mixture until well blended. Fold in chocolate chips and 1/2 cup walnuts.
  2. Spoon two-thirds of the batter into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake for 12 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat caramels and condensed milk over low heat until caramels are melted. Pour over baked brownie layer. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup walnuts.
  4. Drop remaining batter by teaspoonfuls over caramel layer. Carefully swirl brownie batter with a knife.
  5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake), 35-40 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
Caramel Brownies Tips

What kind of caramels should you use to make caramel brownies?

When making caramel brownies, we generally recommend using chewy caramels instead of hard caramels. Chewy caramels melt more easily, creating a rich, gooey caramel layer within the brownies. Hard caramels may not fully melt, resulting in a less desirable texture.

How can you make caramel brownies your own?

To make caramel brownies your own, experiment by adding mix-ins to the brownie batter using your favorite brownie recipes as inspiration. Additions like chopped nuts are fantastic for adding texture, while adding a little coffee gives these treats a complex flavor profile. For a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast, try drizzling extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkling a little sea salt over the caramel layer.

How do you store caramel brownies?

To keep caramel desserts like these brownies as soft as possible, we recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. They will last up to a week when stored in the refrigerator, but you’ll want to let the brownies come up to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Since you can store these for a few days, these would make a great make-ahead potluck brownie recipe for your summer gatherings.

Can you freeze caramel brownies?

You can freeze caramel brownies for up to 3 months. The texture may not be as luscious as before they were frozen, but they will still taste great. Defrost the brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer

Nutrition Facts

1 brownie: 325 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.