Name: Dulce de Leche Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons butter (cut into pieces); 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (finely chopped); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process); 3 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup flour; 1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (coarsely chopped, optional); 1 cup dulce de leche

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the smooth, caramel-like sweetness of dulce de leche, look no further. These Dulce de Leche Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for any occasion. The brownies are incredibly easy to make and are sure to impress your friends and family, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or a cozy night in. With just the right balance of chocolate and caramel, these brownies are bound to become your new favorite dessert!

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and caramel, and these Dulce de Leche Brownies deliver just that. The brownies are dense and fudgy, with a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, sweet dulce de leche. What’s more, they don’t require any special baking skills, making them accessible to bakers of all levels. Plus, the optional addition of toasted nuts adds an extra layer of texture that elevates the entire experience. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I can’t help but smile every time I enjoy one!

What You’ll Need

8 tablespoons (115g) salted or unsalted butter, cut into pieces
6 ounces (170g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (200g) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (140g) flour
optional: 1 cup (100g) toasted pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 cup (260g) dulce de leche

Equipment at a Glance

Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
Whisk – For mixing the eggs and sugar.
Spatula – For folding in the flour and other ingredients.
8×8-inch baking pan – To bake your brownies.
Parchment paper – For easy removal of the brownies.
Oven – To bake the brownies to perfection.

Build Dulce de Leche Brownies Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will make cutting and serving your brownies a breeze!

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and chopped chocolate. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder and flour, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Incorporate the Nuts (Optional)

If you’re using toasted pecans or walnuts, fold them into the brownie batter now. They add a delightful crunch that complements the chewy texture of the brownies.

Step 7: Layer with Dulce de Leche

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then, dollop the dulce de leche on top, spreading it out slightly but leaving some areas of brownie batter visible. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter over the dulce de leche, spreading it gently to cover.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want that fudgy texture!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

In-Season Swaps

Dulce de leche: If you can’t find dulce de leche, try using caramel sauce or even a homemade version.
Nuts: Substitute with your favorite nuts like almonds or skip them altogether if you prefer nut-free brownies.
Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate for a sweeter brownie.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies are too cakey, try reducing the baking time slightly for a fudgier texture.
For brownies that don’t rise enough, ensure your baking powder is fresh and measure ingredients accurately.
If your dulce de leche is too thick, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spread.
For brownies that stick to the pan, make sure to line the pan well with parchment paper and grease it lightly.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store your Dulce de Leche Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For meal prep, feel free to double the recipe and freeze half for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to keep them fresh!

Final Bite

These Dulce de Leche Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience that combines the best of both worlds—decadent chocolate and luscious caramel. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these brownies will leave a lasting impression. The fudgy texture, the sweet layers of dulce de leche, and the optional crunch of nuts create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ready to whip up your batch? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! Enjoy every last bite of these delightful brownies, and don’t forget to share (or not)—I won’t judge!